roof 42. In the time of this Tarquinius another great blessing as it was counted hapned to the Romans A certain strange woman came to the King Sibyls offering to sell nine books of the Oracles of Sibyl which when he refused to buy at her rate she went away and burning three of them returned and demanded as much for the six Being derided for a mad woman she departed and burning half of them returned with the other three still asking as much as at the first whereat Tarquin astonished sent for the Augures to know her meaning who answered that the nine ought to have been bought and the three were to be purchased at the same Rate The woman after the sale and delivery vanished and never after could be seen Tarquin chose two men out of the Nobility to keep them to whom he allowed two publick servants After his expulsion the people Elected most Noble persons Sibyls books who all their lives executing this Office were freed from all other burthens both Military and Civil to whom onely it was lawfull to look in them No sacred thing was so carefully kept as these Sibylline Oracles They were consulted by decree of the Senate when the Commonwealth was disturbed by any seditions when any great overthrow was received in War or any prodigies hapned They were kept by the Decemviri or ten men appointed to this Office within a Vault under the Capitol in a stone Chest till they perished at the burning of the place Those that the Romans used afterwards were Copied out of such as belonged to other Cities and private persons wherein were some supposititious things which they distinguished by the difference of the Acrosticks 43. The woman that brought those books to Tarquin having the name of Sibylla and there being many found to whom it hath been given besides something is to be said of those women for distinction The first Sibylla or woman Prophetesse to which the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Council of Jupiter was communicated as the word importeth was a Persian according to (a) Vide Ludov Vivem in Augustin de Civitate Dei lib. 18. cap. 23. Varro or else a Caldaean or an Hebrewesse born at Noe a Citie near the Red-Sea her name was Sambetha her father called Barossus and her mother Erymantha The second was a Lybian Themis of Delphos was the third The fourth was called Cumaea because she was born at Cimeriam a Town of Campania in Italy near to Cuma The fifth of Erythrae a Citie of Ionia in Asia at this day called Cabo Bianco The sixth was of the Island Samus her name being Phyto The seventh of Cuma and called Cumana her proper name being Amalthea according to some but Herophile and Demophila according to others Suidas calleth her Hierophile and saith she brought nine books to Tarquinius Priscus and demanded for them 300 Philippines being Gold Coyn of Philip King of Macedonia Pliny contrary to the common account of Writers mentioneth three books not nine and writeth that she burnt two of them But the eighth was called Hellespontiaca being born in the Trojan Countrey upon the Hellespont in a Village named Marmissus near to Gergetium which Heraclides of Pontus affirmed to have flourished in the dayes of Solon and Cyrus The ninth was a Phrygian and Prophecied at Ancyra The tenth was of Tibur by name Albanea being worshipped for a Goddesse at that place near the Banks of the River Aniene wherein her image is said to have been found holding a book in one hand These ten are reckoned by Varro There were several others also (b) Lib. 14. pag. 633. Strabo maketh two to have lived at Erythrae whereof the later flourished in the time of Alexander There was another of Colophon a Citie of Ionia Elissa and Cassandra the daughter of Priamus were accounted Sibyls There were also a Thessalian Marto the daughter of Tiresias the Theban and another of Epirus Moreover Carmentis the Arcadian the Mother of Evander and Fauna or Fatua the sister and wife of Faunus King of the Aborigenes in Italy might be reckoned in the number The siege of Ardea 44. In the work of the Capitol Tarquin employed the people and in other baser works wherewith he even tired them out so that to appease them and especially to recruit his own Coffers he made War against the Rutuli and besieged the rich Citie Ardea five German miles toward the East distant from Rome The quarrel he pretended to be for that they received the Roman Exiles and endeavoured to restore them but the true cause was his thirst after the riches of this most flourishing place once the Metropolis of the Rutuli While he lay before this Town taking great pains to gain it and the other as eagerly resisting yet so as he seemed to have hope to carry it an act of his eldest son Sextus occasioned both the freedom of the one and other Citie Dionysius writeth that he was sent to Collatia about some businesse concerning the War and going to the house of Tarquinius Collatinus his Kinsman Grand-son to Egerius the Nephew of Priscus he ravished his wife Lucretia Sextus Tarquinius ravisheth Lucretia the daughter of Lucretius a Noble Roman Livy and Aurelius Victor relate that the Courtiers drinking together in the Camp before Ardea and with them Tarquinius Collatinus the son of Egerius they fell severally on praising each one his own wife in so much as proceeding to an earnest dispute Collatinus said there needed not many words for that they might see within a few hours how far his Lucretia excelled them all and he desired them to ride to the several places and judge accordingly as they should find Being well heated with wine they agreed to this motion and away they rode They found not Lucretia junketting and idely spending her time as the Kings daughters in law but late at night hard at work amongst her maids so that by consent of all she far excelled the rest and Collatinus nobly entertaining his Guests returned with them to the siege 45. Now was Sextus Tarquinius inflamed with a lustfull desire after Lucretia because of her beauty and as it hapneth towards difficult or forbidden things the more because of her eminent chastity Within few dayes without the knowledge of her husband accompanied onely with one servant he returned to Collatia where being kindly entertained by her he was brought to his bed-chamber but when he thought all asleep having observed where she lay with a naked Dagger he went to her and laying his hand on her breast threatned her with death if she offered to stir He mixed threats with fair words but yet could not prevail till he told her he would first kill her and then his slave whom laying by her side he would report it was for having surprized her in Adultery with him whereby obtaining his prey in the morning he departed When he was gone she sent for her father from Rome and her husband from the Camp
was commited and so enjoyed the Queen with the Kingdom wherein he was confirmed by the Oracle of Dâ—lphos to the sentence of which he and his adversaries had agreed to stand 34. Gyges reigned 38 years in which space he made War upon Miletus and Smyrna and took the City Colophon Ardys his Son and Successor subdued Priene fought against Miletus and in his time the Cimmerians being expelled their seats by the Scythian Nomades passed into Asia and took Sardis all but the Castle He reigned 49 years His Son Sadyattes 12 who gave place to Alyattes his Son and Successor Alyattes waged War with * Vide suprà paragraph 21. Cyaxares King of Media and expelled the Cimmerians out of Asia took Smyrna and set upon Clâ—zomenae In the 6th year of the War betwixt the Median and him whilst they fought upon equall terms the Sun was eclipsed which Thales one of the 7 wise men had foretold to his Milesians Both the armies seing the day beginning to be turned into night left off fighting and then by the mediation of Syennesis the Cilician and Labynitus the Babylonian a peace was concluded Ariena the Daughter of Halyattes being marryed to Astyages the Son of Cyaxares From the Tables of Ptolomy or of Hipparchus it appeareth that this Eclipse happened in the 4th year of the 44th Olympiad the 147th of Nabonasar the 4th day of the Aegyptian month Pachon which answereth to the 20th of September 3 hours and 25 minutes before noone 9 digits being eclipsed and the duration almost 2 hours Halyattes pursued also the War left him by his Father against Miletus the Inhabitants whereof received from him two great blows for that none of the Ionians helped them except the Chians in way of requitall for the aide they had afforded them against the Erythraeans At length having notice that he intended to send a messenger into the City at the command of Thrasybulus their Prince they brought all the provision they had into the market-place which appearing to be much and as such related to Aâ—yattes he thinking himselfe mistaken in his former belief of their distressed condition made Peace with them and died after he had reigned 57 years 35. Croesus his Son suceeded him at the age of 35 years Herod ubi suprà c. 26 c. He made War upon Ephesus which when he besieged the Towns-men for their security gave up the City to Diana by a rope fastned from the wall to her Temple but for all this he brought them under and subdued all the rest of the Greek Cities in the continent He brought into his subjection all the people of Asia within the River Hulis as the Phrygians Mysians Bâ—thynians Paphlagonians the Mariandyni Chalibes Thracians Thyni Carians Ionians Dorians Aeolians Lycians and Cilicians Being grown great and flowing with wealth and flourishing with glory the choisest wits of Greece flocked to Sardis and amongst the rest Solon the Athenian who being now in his travells had been with Amesis of Aegypt and now came to visite Croesus He kindly entertained him and shewing him his treasures out of a vain conceit of his own felicity demanded of him Whom he thought the happiest Man He answered he esteemed for such one Tellus an Athenian who having lived in good credit and leaving divers Children and Nephews of honest and virtuous cariage died in the War at Eleusine after he had first helped to put to flight the enemy for which he was honoured by his Citizens with a publick and stately funerall Croesus expecting if not the first yet the second place asked him Whom he accounted next to Tellus He replied Cleobis and â—iton two brothers of Argos who had sufficient to live on and being very strong had gotten the better in tryall of Masteries On a time at the feast of Juno their Mother being to be drawn in a Chariot to the Temple and the Heiffers not at hand they yoked themselves and drew her thither She being much affected with the piety of her Sons praied the Goddesse that whatsoever was best for Man might be bestowed on them who sleeping that night in the Temple were found dead in the morning and honoured by the Argives with two Statues erected to their memory at Delphos 36. The King was troubled that his felicity should be so little valued as not comparable to that of private men But Solon plainly told him that all things were uncertain in this life and no man ought to be accounted happy til his End for which Philosophy as strange to the Courtiers he was dismissed with small reputation for learning Croesus growing exceeding proud and irreligious to humble him had a dream that the choisest of his two Sons whereof one was dumb should be slain with the iron head of some weapon Hereupon he removed all things of that nature out of the way looked to him diligently and marryed him out of hand But at this time it hapned that a certain wild Boar haunted about the Mountain Olympus in Mysia which doing great harm to the Inhabitants they were in no wise able to master and therefore sent to Croesus desiring him to send his Son accompanied with a sufficient train to hunt and kill the Wild beast He plainly denied because of his dream to let him stir from home but the young Man having a great desire to the exercise thereby to approve himselfe for activity to his new married wife obtained leave to be sent saying that no such thing would be used in the game as that of which he had dreamed He committed him then to the care of one Adrastus the Son of Gordius and he of Midas King of Phrygia who having at unawares killed his brother had been banished by his his Father When they came into the field and had dislodged the Boar Adrastus throwing a dart at him chanced to hit the young Man and so fulfilled the dream for which offering himselfe to be killed upon Croesus his refusall as done without any intention he yet slew himselfe Croesus took the accident very heavily and kept himselfe in mourning two years 37. This mourning was broken off by the prosperity of Cyrus who having now overthrown the Kingdom of the Medes advanced highly the affairs of Persia Herein he found himselfe exceedingly concerned so as to withstand if possible his successe and make an addition thereby to his own Fortune For encouragement in this design Croesus Halyâ— gressus magnam pervertet opum vim he sent to enquire of the Oracles far and near which answering with one consent that he should overturn a great Principality he was much incouraged not doubting but that of the Persians was meant thereby and much more after the Oracle at Delphos had in answer to his requiry whether his Empire should long continue bid him look to himselfe when a Mule should have possession of the Soveraignty of Media taking this in a literall sense notwithstanding the constant ambiguity of such answers Now the Oracle giving way to it
the names of their men places rivers c. do shew Therefore they judge it most probable that Abram speaking the Chaldaean language before which onely differeth in dialect from the Hebrew got both the name and language after his arrival in the Land of Canaan The Heathen (f) Artapanus apud Euseb Charax apud Stephanum Writers thought them to have been called Hebrews from Abraham as corrupted from Abrahaeans out of ignorance of the language Augustine also once inclined to this opinion which he afterwards renounced 7. Abram after his victory over the Kings Retractat l. 2. c. 16. received a more large promise from God who ingaged to become to him a shield and a sufficient reward and for that it troubled him to go childlesse to give him issue Gen. 15. from which should proceed an innumerable posterity that inhabiting a strange Land four hundred years was to return and possesse this of Canaan when the iniquity of the Amorites would be full in the fourth Generation Chap. 16. This League made betwixt God and Abram was confirmed by Sacrifice yet Sarai Ismael born seeing her self barren perswaded her husband to go in unto Hagar her handmaid of which he had a son born to him and named Ismael in the eleventh year after his coming into Canaan Chap. 17. the 86 of his Age and of the World the 2094. In the 13th year after A. M. 2094. God made another Covenant with him concerning the seed of Isaack who was to be born the year following and Circumcision was instituted as a seal thereof Abraham and Sarah Now whereas his name before was Abram or an High-father it was changed into Abraham or Father of a great multitude And Sarai which signifieth My Princesse or Lady as of one family was altered into Sarah or a Princesse absolute as of many Nations Not long after God made known to Abraham his purpose to destroy Sodom and the other Cities for their abominable wickednesse He interceded hard for them Sodom c. destroyed but there being not so many as five righteous persons in Sodom God having taken care for Lot and his family rained fire and brimstone down upon the Cities which together with the Plain were utterly destroyed onely Bela was spared for Lot's sake who fled thither Of the rest the Dead Sea into which the ground was converted reremaineth a lasting Monument to this day Vide John Bistelium Jesuetam de Illustribus ruinis In this Sea or Lake no living Creature is bred having nothing but a Sulphureous matter thence taken in great quantities It is described to be 72 miles in length and 19 in breadth Nigh to it fair and pleasant Apples grow which being touched turn into a Sulphureous vapour and a tradition remained amongst the Heathen of these Cities being destroyed * Lege Tacitum Histor l 5. with Thunder and Lightning from Heaven Lot's wife after she had got out of Sodom looked back and was turned into a Pillar of Salt His two daughters thinking all mankind to have perished made their father drunk and lay with him from which incestuous copulation came Moab and Ammon fathers of the Moabites and Ammonites two great and powerfull Nations Gen. 20. 8. A little after in the same year Abraham having continued in the Plain of Mamre about eighteen years departed unto Gerar the Metropolis of the Philistins where hapned the same thing concerning his wife A. M. 2108. as formerly had done in Aegypt Abimelech the King having taken her into his house Isaak born who therefore was plagued till he restored her with large gifts Chap. 21. The year being precisely finished Sarah bare to him Isaac so called because he laughed when God made mention of it to him he being now an hundred years old and she ninety four hundred before the departure of his posterity out of Aegypt At the weaning of Isaack Sarah seeing Ismael mocking procured him and his mother to be banished the house God bidding Abraham fulfill her desire herein and promising to make of him a great Nation When Isaack was grown up though of what Age is not expressed Chap. 22. some guessing thirty years others unprobably ten or twelve because he must have been of sufficient strength to carry wood God to try his father's faith commanded him to Offer him up for a burnt-offering on Mount Moriah where afterwards the Temple of Solomon stood He out of obedience went about to do it but God accepting his will for a performance renewed his promise to him Sarah dieth Sarah died aged 127 years Chap. 23. and after her death Abraham married another wife called Keturah by which he had other six sons To those he gave gifts and before his death sent them away from Isaack the Heir of the promise Isaac married 9. When Isaack was fourty years old his father Chap. 24. procured him to wife Rebecca the daughter of Bethuel who was son to Nachor A. M. 2148. the brother of Abraham She married at fourteen years of Age according to the tradition of the Jews was barren twenty years Chap. 25. but then her husband beseeching God for her she brought * A.M. 2168. forth twins Esau and Jacob which strugled in her womb the elder being as God foretold to serve the younger Fiveteen years after Abraham died Abraham dyeth being 175 years old having sojourned in the Land of Canaan a hundred years 22 after the death of Sem four before that of Heber in the dayes of Inachus King of the Argives 1821 years before the Aera of Christ in the 2183 year of the World Of Abraham besides Artapanus and Charan before mentioned * Apud Joseph Antiq. lib. 1. cap. 7. Berosus the Caldaean had some knowledge though he named him not Hecataeus not onely made mention of him by the way but wrote an History of him Nicolaus Damascenus in the fourth book of his Histories related that Abraham a certain stranger reigned at Damascus having come from a Countrey about Babylon said to be that of the Chaldaeans That he departed thence with his people into the Land of Canaan afterwards called Judaea where his posterity grew very numerous concerning which he should speak in another place In Josephus his time the name of Abraham was famous at Damascenus where was shewn a certain Village called Abrahams dwelling 10. After the death of Abraham God blessed Isaack Gen. 26. and made the same Covenant with him In a time of Famine he also sojourned in Gerar where dissembling concerning Rebecca his wife the same thing happened to them as formerly to Abraham and Sarah from another Abimelech which name was common to all the Kings of the Philistins Ismael dieth Some years after Ishmael died aged 137 years 48 after his father in the year of the World 2231. From his eldest son Nebaioth His posterity descended the Nabathaeans who (g) Strabo l.
afforded least advantage By Land no War arose that gave any sufficient advantage of inlarging their dominions further than to the disturbance of their next Neighbours they stirred not abroad nor gave their minds to any new Conquests Those that were Subjects were patient under the yoak and Equalls in power made no considerable quarrells till all Greece came to be divided in the old War betwixt the Inhabitants of Chalcis and Eretria Then to hinder them from growing great the affairs of the Persians were advanced till having cast out their Tyrants who all this while contenting themselves with the private power they had over particular places stirred not they got ground by little and little of the Eastern Empire Almost during this whole Period had they * No written Laws no written Laws Homer being witnesse who never useth the word * No written Laws Law throughout his writings †Joseph centra Apion l. 2. They were not generally governed but by indefinite Sentences and Praecepts of their Kings remaining a long time without any written Praecepts and referring all to the event according to which Judgment insued Such was the most antient condition of Greece in generall Now a particular account is to be given of the severall Kingdoms and States that were most considerable and contemporary with the Babylonian Empire SECT II. The Sicyonian Kingdom The Sicyonian Kingdom most ancient 1. THe affairs of the Sicyonian have the (a) Euseb in Chronic. August de Civit Dei l. 18. Pausan in Corinthiacis p. 49. Edit Graec. Francfurti 1583. first place allotted to them in Antiquity who inhabited a City situated upon the Bay of Corinth and the confines of Achaia Here Aegialeus began a Kingdom about 270 years after the universall Deluge 232 before the beginning of Inachus 1313 before the first Olympiad Aegialeus the first King the year of the World 1915 according to the Vulgar way of computation without taking in the 100 years formerly mentioned in the History of the Judges and the 859th year of Noah whilst Ninus reigned in Assyria A. M. 1915. From him the City was first called Aegialia and part of the Peninsula it self according to some SECT 2. which afterwards was from Pelops named Peloponnesus Europs Telchines Apis. He left his Kingdom to Europs his Son after he had reigned 52 years and Europs having reigned 45 was succeeded by Telchines He governed 20 and was followed by Apis who was so great that all within the Isthmus was from him called Apios When he had continued 25 years Thelxion his Son Thelxion succeeded him during whose reign all things were so prosperous and happie that being dead they worshiped him for a god by sacrifices Aegyrus and solemnizing games which as they say were first invented for his sake Him followed Aegyrus after he had reigned 52 years Aegyrus or Aegydrus Thurimachus Leucippus Peratus reigned 33 Thurimachus 45 Leucippus 53 who had onely a Daughter named Calchinia on which Neptune or rather Mesapus begat Peratus who was Heir to his Grand-father and governed 47 years Plemnaeus Orthopolis After Peratus followed Plemnaeus whose children all died as soon as they were born till Ceres came in the likenesse of a Woman and brought up Orthopolis who succeeded his Father having reigned 48 years 2. Orthopolis the twelfth King of Aegialea had a Daughter named Chrysorthe Coronus Corax Epopeus on which Apollo is supposed to have begot Corenus his successor Coronus left two Sons Corax and Lamedon Corax after he had reigned 30 years died without issue and Epopeus a Thessalian seized on his Kingdom Epopeus stole Antiopes the Daughter of Nycteus King of Thebes for which injury he was prosecuted with War by the Thebans A battell being fought he had the better but both the Kings were mortally wounded Nycteus presently died after he was carried home but left the tuition of Labdacus the Son of Polydorus and Nephew to Cadmus whose Guardian he had been to his Brother Lycus requesting of him to lead down another Army into Aegialea to revenge him upon Epopeus to punish Antiope if he could take her Lamedon but in the mean time Epopeus died also of his wounds being neglected and Lamedon the Son of Coronus obtained his Fathers Kingdom gave up Antiope to Lycus as Pausanias writeth though Apollodorus saith A. M. 2616. that Lycus took Aegialea and slew Epopeus Antiope in the way to Thebes fell in travell and brought forth Amphion and Zethus who being found and nourished by an Herdsman the former gave himself to Musick and the later to nourishing of Cattell and both afterwards revenged their Mother upon Lycus and his Wife Dirce from whose hard usage she had escaped and came to them 3. Lamedon maried Phenò the Daughter of Clytius an Athenian and undertaking War against Archander and Architeles the Achaeans sent for Sicyon the Son of Metion and Nephew of Erechtheus out of Attica to assist him Sicyon from whom the City was named to whom giving his Daughter Zeuxippe in mariage A. M. 2656. he left him also his Successor From Sicyon the City was named Sicyon and the Country Sicyonia He had a Daughter named Chthonophyle on which Mercury begat Polybus after whose birth she was maried to Phlias the Son of Dionysus Polybus Adrastus and to him bore Androdamas Polybus succeeding his Grand-father left also his Grand-Son Adrastus by his Daughter maried to Talaus King of Argos his Heyr who being expelled his own City had fled to him But he making his peace at home returned Janiscus and after his departure Janiscus or Inachus the Nephew of that Clytis whose Daughter maried with Lamedon came out of Attica and obtained the Kingdom Phaestus After Janiscus had reigned 42 years he gave way by death to Phaestus one vulgarly accounted the Son of Hercules who after eight years at the direction of an Oracle went over into Crete where he built a City of his own name Zeuxippus 4. After his departure Zeuxippus the Son of Apollo by the Nymph Syllis A. M. 2846. was King of Sicyon but reigned not long Hippolytus Nephew to Phaestus by his Son Rhopalus Hippolytus obtained his Grand-Fathers seat Against him Agamemnon King of Mycenae made War till he forced him to submit After four years succeeded Polyphides Polyphides Pelasgus and continued 31 then Pelasgus 20 and after this * Ex Castore Rhodio Chronographo Eusebius would have Zeuxippus to have begun his reign which after 32 years ended with the Kingdom The Priests of Apollo Carinus It having now continued the space of 962 years the Priests of Apollo Carnius obtained the Soveraignty and held it 33. SECT 3. Lacestades Phalces seizeth upon Sicyon But Pausanias writeth that when Lacestades the son of Hippolytus reigned at Sicyon Phalces the son of Temenus who had been King of Argos seized upon it with the Dores in the night time
but A.M. 2908. for that both of them were descended of Hercules dealt not roughly with him but admitted him to partnership in the Kingdom So from thenceforth the Sicronians became Dores and were reckoned amongst the Argives This fell out 87 years after the destruction of Troy 120 before the first Olympiad A. M. 2908. SECT III. The Kingdom of Argos The Kingdom of Argos hath the second place if not the â—rst 1. THe (a) Euseb in Chronico second place in Antiquity belongeth to this Kingdom for which (b) Vide Ludov Vivem in Augustin de Civitat Dei lib. 18. cap. 3. A.M. 2149. some have not been wanting to challenge the first affirming that many years after the establishment of this Aegialeus began that of the Sâ—cyonians and certainly though Argos missed something of Sicyon in years yet in fame dignity power and riches it exceeded it Inachus first here began a Kingdom about 244 years after the beginning of the Sicyonian the 142 of the life of Abraham 676 before the destruction of Troy and 1082 before the beginning of the Olympiads From the Antiquity of Inachus came that proverb Inacho antiquior Inachus concerning which Erasmus is to be consulted in his Adages Phoroneus On his sister Melissa he begat Phoroneus and a daughter named Io which must not be confounded with the daughter of Jasus of a later date as she is wont to be by Mythologists After fifty years reign he left his Kingdom to his son Phoroneus who by (b) Pausan in Argolicis p. 58. some was thought the first man as the son of a River in that place called Inachus and consequently the father (c) Clemens Stromat l. 1. of Mortals and Author of Mankind He is said to have (d) Nonius built the first Altar unto Juno Against him and the Parrhasians the Telchines and Caryatae made War but being overcome betook themselves to the mercy of Wind and Sea and at length arrived in Crete as some or Rhodes as others say He obtained the Dominion of the whole Peninsula and of the Nymph Laodice (e) Orosius l. 1. cap. 7. Apollodorus lib. 2. begot a son called Apis and a daughter named Niobe which Jupiter loved the first of all women and on her begat Argus Phoroneus after he had reigned sixty years died and left his Kingdom to his son Apis. Apis. 2. Apis turning Tyrant commanded the Peninsula to be called after himself Apios and being circumvented by the wiles of Thelxion and Telchin A.M. 2260. died without issue after he had reigned 34 years Apollodorus saith he was killed for his Tyranny in Greece though some make him to have gone into Egypt and there dying to have been taken for a God and called Serapis but there being two Kings of this name besides him viz. one of Sicyon and another of Egypt most Mythologists confound them and attribute what was done by all unto one which thing is usual with the Greeks Apis dying after he had reigned 34 years Argus left for his Successor Argus his sisters son by Jupiter the King of Crete who lived about this time In that Island first reigned Cres who gave name to it and was one of those Curetes that were said to have hid Jupiter from his father Saturn who would have devoured his youngest son after the other and nourished him as also to have built the Citie Cnossos and the Temple of Cybele With this man many others are confounded according to the custom of Poets who have observed no distinction in ascribing to one what many did and fathering things of their own invention upon the common name of Jupiter Several particular men known to have had the name Jupiter 3. The first man known to have had this name was Ham the youngest son of Noah who was worshipped for a God under the title of Jupiter Hammon His Nephew Nimrod the first King of Babylon and Assyria was sirnamed Belus and often called Jupiter Belus In Crete lived (f) Euseb one very ancient that hath gone under this name although as many places have challenged him for their Native as (g) Vide Pausan in Messemus p. 143. 7. contended for the birth of Homer Some think that he who is reported to have been preserved and nourished by the Curetes or the Idaei Dactyli was more ancient than Niobe and therefore make a second Jupiter to have lived in Crete about 150 years after who because he was the first of this name known to have been extravagant towards women thence arose that saying that Niobe was the first woman beloved by Jupiter Aeolus the son of Hellen and Nephew of Deucalion who lived about Thessaly and gave name to the Aeoles became so famous with Posterity that they gave him the name of (h) Idem ibid. p. 154. 31. Jupiter and Neptune Picus King of the Aborigines in Italy father to Faunus and supposed to be begotten by Saturn after he had fled into Latium from his son Jupiter is also called Jupiter by (i) Apud Suidam one and Aeneas Jupiter Indiges by the Romans These are such particular men as are known to have had this name which hath been so far advanced as to signifie the best and chiefest Being whil'st such as at first were reverenced for their vertue or power at length were forgotten to have been mortals 4. Each Nation of old had its Native Jupiter who was either the Founder thereof or living in remote times was by that Generation which attributeth immoderate things to Antiquity elevated into a Deity Here is to be considered what Annius his Xenophon wrote in his Treatise of Aequivocals Whence so many as he calleth them The most ancient King of any great and Illustrious family was wont to be called Saturn the eldest son Jupiter and the most valiant amongst the Nephews or Grand-sons Hercules Jupiter the ancient King of Crete or some other by his great exploits and well-deserving of that Age might gain this credit to his name or the word Zeus in the Greek tongue signifying what Ham doth import in the other language the Original of this name may better agree with the name place and condition of the son of Noah As for Jupiter the younger who is supposed to have begotten Hercules on Alcmena the wife of Amphytrio appeareth a meer fiction so valiant a person as that Child proved inhancing the repute of his generation or if this Hercules was not the son of Amphytrion but begotten by some other man then was the name of Jupiter given to his father to take away the Odium of Bastardie it being an ordinary thing for such as were base-begotten to be fathered upon Jupiter Mars or Apollo From Argus the Citie took its name 5. From Argus the Citie was named (k) Hesychius Argos before called Phoronicum from Phoroneus who first gathered the people into it being before that dispersed and made them Laws for Government From him also
digging of Wells although (q) Vide lib. 8. p. 376 371. Strabo proveth that by reason of it's situation it could never want the commodity of that Element Having reigned (r) Euseb Apollod 50 years he died and was succeeded by Lynceus who governed 41 and on Hypermnestra begat Abas his Successor Abas ruled 23 years and begat on his wife Ocalea the Daughter of Mantineus Acrisius and Praetus Acrisius and Praetus Twins They are said to have strugled in the womb and did it to purpose afterwards for the Kingdom Pausan in Argolicis Praetus first obtained and held it seventeen years but then was driven from Argos by Acrisius and forced to flye into Lycia to Iobas his Father-in-Law King of that Country From him he returned with armed hand seised upon Tyrâ—nthe and afterwards joyned battell with his Brother wherein they two are reported first of all others to have used Targets The battell ending with aequall successe they came to an accommodation and divided the Kingdom Acrisius was to stay at Argos and Praetus to enjoy Heraeus Midaea Tirynthe and the maritime parts Praetus had by his wife Sthenobaea a Son named Megapenthes and three Daughters which being taken with the fury of Bacchus Melampus the Poet is said to have cured Acrisius on Eurydice begat a Daughter named Danae Danae and consulting the Oracle about issue-Male was answered that he should have no Son but a Nephew by his Daughter that should procure his death Hereupon he shut up Danae with her Nurse in the ground but Jupiter turning himself into a golden shower thereby got to her Mother to Perseus and begat Perseus Both Mother and Son were put into an Ark and cast into the Sea which drave them ashore on the Island Seriphus where Dictys Brother to Polydectes the King educated the Boy Being grown up he made an Expedition into Africk where he slew the Gorgon Medusa being sent as the Fable goeth by Polydectes who sought to be revenged on him for hindering him from the Marriage of his Mother but Pansanias not at all regarding the Fable writeth that this Medusa was the Daughter of Phorchus and succeeded him in his Kingdom which lay upon the Lake Tritonis that she was wont to go out to hunt and fight with the Africans over which she reigned but Perseus coming against her with choise Forces out of Peloponnesus so that this Voyage must have been after his return thither and his Grand-Father's death she was entrapped by him and slain in the night He admiring her beauty cut off her head and caried it into Greece for a spectacle 10. Perseus after this married Andromeda Daughter to Cepheus by Cassiopeia who reigned at Joppe a maritime Town of Phoenicia having first saved her from being devoured by a Whale This by one is thus interpreted Conon apud Photium in Bibliotheca That Phoenix by her Father's consent took her away by force and carying her in a Ship called the Whale Perseus sailing that way and hearing her lamentations boarded the Ship and delivering her out of his hands married her After this he returned to Sisyphus where he revenged upon Polydectes the violence offered to his Mother and then with her and his wife went to Argos to see his Grand-Father who being afraid because of the Oracle Apollod lib. 2. departed into Pelasgia or Thessalie so called from the Pelasgi who were now removed thither out of Peloponnesus being a vagabond people and staying in no place where when Teutamias King of the Larissaeans made Games in honour of his deceased Father thither also came Perseus amongst other lusty and active young Men and slew his Grand-Father at unawares in the Game Perseus killeth Acrisius The Generall Councill of the Amphyctiones by a stroak of a quoit upon his foot after he had reigned thirty years 11. Some (Å¿) Lege Strabon lib. 9. p. 419 420. think that rather to Acrisius then to Amphyction the Son of Deucalion who 182 years before began his reign at Athens the founding of the famous Concill of the Amphyctiones is to be ascribed It seemeth probable that Amphyction first of all assembled it in Thessalie near the Streights of Thermopylae Pausanias writeth to have been the common opinion and that Acrisius thence transferred it to Delphos in Phocis where it for the most part assembled this place being the middle of Greece and (t) Lege Pausan in Phocicis as the Greeks thought of the World it self where was also the famed Oracle of Apollo Pythius For These Cities which at first had onely right to send their Deputies to the Coucill were such as either were seated in Thessalie or near unto it This was the chief Tribunall of all Greece for deciding of publick and most weighty causes betwixt the severall Cities and Common-wealths The authority thereof was very great insomuch as it's Decrees have sometimes been executed by the Sword with the great motions of severall States some or other scarce ever being wanting to undertake the work It used to meet twice a year and oftener if necessity required in the beginning of Spring and Autumne the Cities sending their Deputies three two or one according to their bignesse These were called Pylagorae because they met at Pylae a place near to the Temple of which they also had the oversight and praesided over the Games made in honour of Apollo Pythius every other year This Court continued for many Ages without change untill the time of Philip King of Macedon and Father of Alexander the Great who overthrowing the Phocians in the Sacred War for their Sacriledge outed them and the Lacedaemonians their assistants of their Priviledges of voting therein and transferred the right to his own Kingdom Long after Augustus Caesar innovated again by removing the Magnesians Maleans and others from their interest herein and making Nicopolis a City built by him in memory of his Victory at Actium free of that Society as Pausanias telleth us who hath also recorded that in his time which fell in with the reign of Antoninus Pius the Roman Emperour this Councill was still maintained and kept up consisting of thirty persons 12. Perseus after that dysaster which hapned to his Grand-Father A.M. 2693. was ashamed to return to Argos his Inheritance and therefore went to Tirynthe and changed Kingdoms with his Cousin Megapenthes He built Mycenae so called from his Sword 's * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scabberd that fell from him in this place which thing he took as a sign that here he should build a City and making it his seat The Kingdom of Argos divided therein reigned 58 years About this time this Kingdom of Argos that had now continued about 544 years came to be divided into three parts For Anaxagoras the Son of Megapenthes contenting himself with a third of his half gave the other two to Melampus the Son of Amythaon and his Brother Bias u Apollod lib. 2.
either for that he who is said to have found out the way of purging had cured the Daughters of Praetus Aunts to Anaxagoras of their madnesse as was told before or (x) Pausan ut suprà Diodor. l. 4. p. 188. invented a Remedy for that distemper which had seized epidemically upon the women of those parts But Perseus begat of Andromeda five Sons Perses Alcaeus Sthenelus Electryon and Mestor Hereof Perses the first as the Greeks believed gave Originall to the Persians Alcaus was Father to Amphytrion Stheneles succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Mycenae and Electryon begat Alcmena wife to Amphytrion Sthenelus on a Daughter of Pelops begat Eurystheus his Successor seven moneths after whose birth Hercules the Son Amphytrion and Alcmena was born Hercules Aphules their other Son coming into the World after Hercules for they were Twins Amphytrion was accounted the Father of him and Jupiter of Hercules whereupon A. M. 2724 Juno is said to have ever hated him and by the help of Ilythia Lucina or the Moon to have hindred his birth and kept his Mother in travell for seven dayes The Boy was first named Alcaeus after his Grand-Father but afterwards for his great atchievements called Hercules and ascribed to no less a Father than Jupiter who made the night wherein he begat him as long as three that his strength might be the greater That this person was eminent in his time is easie to be granted but incredible things contained in twelve labours being reported to be done by him are either meant of the passing of the Sun through the twelve Signs of the Zodiack or what things were performed by several others that lived elsewhere have been by his Country-men attributed to him whose Epithete of Hercules signifying fame and glory spread abroad in the air came also to be given to them if the word be of no other than Greekish Original How many of that name 13. Cicero reckoneth up six who had the name of Hercules The first and most antient he maketh begotten by the antientest Jupiter on Lipitus and to have striven with Apollo about the Tripos The second was an Aegyptian Son to Nile who despised the Phrygian Letters The third a Native of Crete and one of the Idaei Dactyli who first found out the making of Iron by taking notice of the melting of that Metall in the Hill Ida when it burned and being five in number had the name of Dactyli from the fingers in number so many on each hand The fourth was son to Asteria the Sister of Latona and Father to Carthage being worshipped by the Tyrians Belus in India is reckoned for the fifth and then in the sixth place cometh this Son of Alcmena The Aegyptian Hercules is said to have aided the gods in their War against the Gyants which being the off-spring of the Earth Diodorus acknowlegeth that this cannot agree with the time of the Graecian Hercules who lived but one Age before the Trojan War but rather happened at the original of Mankind 14. Hercules the Tyrian is believed to have been the Captain of that Expedition which the Phoenicians made into Spain and Gades which though the Graecians attribute to theirs yet this convinceth their assertion of falshood that in the Island Gades was a most antient Temple wherein Hercules was worshipped not after the Graecian manner but according to the Rites of Phoenicia This was he who erected his pillars at the bound or unmost limit of the World and that overran Spain Italy and Gaul Ganchoniathon a Phoenician Author of great antiquity wrote that he was the Son of Demacuns and that his proper name was Melcharthus which signified the King of the City by the Greeks called Melicertes and Palaemon He was also called Diodas * Consule Bocharti Canaan lib. 1. cap. 24. by Eusebius for which Desanaus is thought to be corruptly written in Hierom's translation which Phoenicâ— â—ame he seemeth to have had because he was invocated by lovers their happy successe being supposed to depend on him Some think this Tyrian Hercules was the same with the Aegyptian or Libyan by Pausanias named Maceris who undertook a journey to Delphos and whose Son Sardus leading a Colonie into the Island Ichnusa changed it's name into Sardinia Tacitus * Annual lib. 2. writeth that the Libyans would have the most antient Hercules a native of their Country and that such as came near him in valour and renown were named after him Diodorus Siculus and Eusebius mention three of this name though the former attributeth all their actions to the youngest or the Son of Alcmena Servius four and Varro 44. And here must be remembred what was before noted that it was the custom of old to call the most antient Kings by the name of Saturn their Sons by that of Jupiter and their most valiant and active Nephews by this of Hercules 15. This Heroe being so much written and talked of it concerneth beginners to have some account of his actions and the rather because they include the labours of many Amphytrion his Father as it seemeth Apollodorus Diodor. was Prince of Tirynthos The story of Hercules the son of Alcmena but thence was forced to flye to Thebes having at unawars killed Electryon his Uncle and Father-in-Law where Hercules being educated slew Linus his Musick-Master with an Harpe as he taught him His Father seeing his disposition and fearing some such like accident might fall out again sent him amongst the Herdsmen where not yet eighteen years old he slew a Lyon For his extraordinary strength and courage he was taken notice of by Thespis or Thespius Prince of the Thespienses who made him lye with his fifty daughters of which begetting so many sons these afterwards passed over into the Island Sardinia with the name of Thespiades A little after this he delivered Thebes from the Tyranny of Erginus King of the Minyans who exacted an annual Tribute of 100 Oxen. He destroyed Orchomenus with his Palace therein and for this was rewarded with Megara daughter to Creon Prince of Thebes When he was about 20 years old he sailed with Jason amongst others to Colchos to fetch thence the Golden Fleece so much celebrated by Poets and variously interpreted by Expositors of Mythology 16. This Jason was the son of Aeson and the fourth in descent from Aeolus being born at Ioleus which place Pelias King thereof unjustly detained from his father The Argonautae He considering with himself what glory Perseus and others of late had gotten sought how he might accomplish some notable Enterprize for the eternizing of his name and having at length resolved on this design published his intentions throughout Greece by a Crier The young and active spirits of that time were much taken therewith and 53 of the flowr of Greece gave their names to the expedition of whom the most eminent besides Hercules were Orpheus Scholar to Linus Oiâ—eus Telamon and Peleus the sons of Aeacus Pollux and
What hapned to his children and sent about to the principal Cities to beg harbour which none would afford them except the Athenians who placed them in Tricorinth one of the four parts of their City After some time when they were come to ripenesse of age and now bare themselves high upon the glory of their Father Eurystheus much more suspecting their growth lead down a great Army against them but assisted by the Athenians under conduct of their Cousin Iolaus and Theseus they overthrew and slew (h) Strabo l. 8. p. 377. him with all his Sons and then invaded Peloponnesus Now a Plague seized on the Country and the Oracle answered that it was because they returned thither before their time whereupon Hyllus returned as some say and went to Aepalius King of the Dorienses about Oeta by whom he was (i) Idem lib. 9. p. 427. c. adopted because by Hercules his means Aegymius had formerly recovered his Kingdom and thenceforth the Heraclidae became imbodied with the Dorienses Diodorus writeth that Hyllus provoking some one of his Enemies to a single Combat upon this condition that if he overcame then were the Heraclidae to be Masters of Mycenae if not they should depart for fifty years was slain and so they accordingly returned and kept themselves quiet for that time 24. Euristheus being slain after he had reigned at Mycenae 43 years (k) Euseb Atreus the son of Pelops succeeded him Atreus the son of Pelops who also at this time had the soveraignty of Argos This Pelops above an hundred years before for so famous a Man must not be omitted being the son of Tantalus Prince of Phrygia had made War upon Ilium where after he was put to the worst by Ilus the King he was forced to flye into Greece and coming to Pisa fell in love with (l) Diodorus lib. 4. p. 191. Hippodamia Daughter of Oenomaus Prince of that City who being warned by the Oracle to take heed to himself when she should take an husband had condemned her in his resolutions to perpetuall virginity Therefore he admitted no Suter but on this condition to run a race with him in the Chariot and if he won her not then to suffer death to which he brought many through the swiftnesse of his Horses till Pelops or Hippodamia for him corrupting the Chariot-driver obtained the Prize for grief of which the old man thinking now the Oracle to be fulfilled hanged himself Pelops Obtained Pisa with most of the Peninsula Pelops then obtained Hippodamia and Pisa with her after which by little and little he got most of the Peninsula into his possession called after him Peloponnesus wherein he reigned 58 years Of Hippodamia he begot many children by which he promoted his affairs more than power for by the marriage of them he insinuated into the Principalities of most of the Cities Amongst his Sons the most eminent were Atreus Thyestes and Plisthenes The two former he left his Successors and Plisthenes dying young left two Boyes to Atreus to be brought up called Agamemnon and Menelaus Atreus married their Mother by name Aerope the Daughter of Minos King of Crete with whom his Brother Thyestes committing Adultery he first banished and after recalling him feasted him with the flesh of his own sons 25. Some will have Atreus to have outlived Thyestes others say he died before him and being reconciled left him the Kingdom at his death on this condition to restore it to Agamemnon when he should come to age After Eurystheus his death it seemeth that he became Master of all Peloponnesus and opposed Hyllus who challenging any in his Army as was said to a single Combat Echemus King of the Tegoatae in Arcadia accepted the challenge and slew him He was very skilful in Astrology being by some reputed the first that discovered the motion of the Sun to be contrary to that of the Starry Heaven Agamemnon Menelaus (m) Servius and that observed the Eclypse of that luminary He adopted his two Nephews Agamemnon and Menelaus who succeeded him (n) Clemens in Stromat seventeen years before the beginning of the Trojan War Agamemnon a Man of prudence and courage obtained not onely Mycenae but Argos also with all as far as (o) Strabo ex Homero lib. 8. p. 377. Sicyon and Corinth and that Country then called Ionia and Aeglalea afterwards Achaia Menelaus got Laconia and their reigned at Lacedaemon For Castor and Pollux the sons of Tyndareus the King (p) Apollod dying before their Father he sent for him to Sparta and delivered up his Kingdom to him having first given him his Daughter Helena whom Paris the second Son of Priamus King of Troy by his wife Hecuba stealing away The Trojan War gave occasion to the famous ten years War and the ruine of that City concerning which something is to be spoken The Original of the Trojans 26. The first (q) Dionysius Halicarnasseus lib. 1. Diodorus lib. 4. p. 192. lib. 5. Man reported to have reigned in Arcadia was Atlas who inhabited about the Mountain of Caucasus and had seven Daughters which made up the Pleiades whereof on Electra Jupiter her husband begat Jasus and Dardanus Jasus lived unmaried but Dardanus had by his wife Chryse the Daughter of Palaus two sons Idaeus and Dimas who succeeded Atlas in his Kingdom Afterwards great inundations happening in this Country they were forced to divide the people into two parts whereof leaving one with Dimas in Arcadia with the other Jasus Dardanus and Idaeus left Peloponnesus and coasting by Eupope at length came into the Bay of Melane and arrived at a certain Island of Thrace called Samo-thracia from the Countrey and a Man's name who inhabited it one Samon the son of Mercury by the Nymphe Rhene Here finding no convenient habitation the greater part under the conduct of Dardanus for Jasus died in the Island being struck with a Thunder-bolt because he attempted the chastity of Ceres passed into Asia and landing in the Hellespont seated themselves in Phrygia Idaeus with part of the Army setled upon the Mountains which bore his name and Dardanus in that part of the Country since named Troas built a City of his own name having some grounds given him by Teucer the King of the place the Son of Scamander from whom the Country was called Teucris Dardanus and whose daughter Batea he married He succeeded him in his Kingdom and changed the name of his Subjects from Teucri to Dardani and built the City upon the Sea-side about the 2530th year of the World in the dayes of Sthenelaus King of Argos On Batea he begat his Son and successor Erichthonius called Erichthonius reported by (r) Iliad l. 20. Homer and others to have been exceeding rich and fortunate who on Callirhoë the Daughter of Scamander begat Tros Tros from whom the Country was named Tros succeeding him begat Ilus Ilus Assaracus and Ganymedes Ilus
succeeded him From Assaâ—acus descended Aeneas Ganymedes for his beauty was stollen by Tantalus King of Phrygia and Father to Pelops whence arose a War in which many lost their lives and Tantalus though the son of Jupiter by the Nymph Plota was beaten out of Paphlagonia Ilus built the chief City in the Plain which though the Latins called it Troja and we Troy which names most properly belong to the Country yet the Greeks constantly Ilium from him Against him and it Pelops made an Expedition Diod. ut susprà Vide Strabon l. 13. p. 587. C. and miscaried in the successe Laomedon as was said before Laomedon his Son succeeded him who seeking to defraud Hercules of his wages for killing the Whale which should have devoured his Daughter Hesione was outed of his Kingdom and life and Priamus his Son for his love to Justice was placed in his Throne Priamus 27. Podarces Sirnamed Priamus as Apollodorus writeth was exceeding rich and had a large dominion extending from Lesbus and Tenedos to the upper Phrygia containing (Å¿) Consulas omaâ—â—o Strabon l. 13. p. 184. nine divisions and many Towns besides He had Fifty Sons (t) Cicero Tuscul quaest l. 1. whereof seventeen were lawfully begotten His first wife was Arisba the Daughter of Merops on which he begat Aesachus Dismissing her he married Hecuba the Daughter of Dymas Cisseus or Sangarius all which are mentioned and by her he had Hector Paris Helenus Deiphobus and others Before she was brought to bed of Paris she dreamed that she was delivered of a firebrand which should consume to ashes the whole City (u) Apollod Priamus hereupon caused the child to be exposed on the Mountain Ida but by the procurement of his Mother he was educated amongst the Shepherds whom because he assissted against robbers and shewed himself very couragious The rape of Helena he obtained the name of Alexander He whether out of design or no is uncertain came to Sparta to the house of Menelaus the King and thence stole his wife Helena which some (x) Herod l. 1. c. 3. report he took away by force and that after the taking of the City but (y) Servius in Virgil. l. 10. others affirm of her as of all others thus taken away that it was not without her own liking Fearing he might be persued he carried her first to Sidon in Phoenicia where he married her and thence to Troy at which City they were scarce arrived before all Greece was in an uproare as if the whole Country had been overrun Agamemnon who was much concerned for his Brother possessing almost all Peloponnesus by his authority easily perswaded other Princes to engage in the quarrell He first assembled them at (z) Pausan in Achaicis A. M. 2812. Aegium a City of Achaia to consult about the management of the War where being chosen General they afterwards met at Aulis a Sea-town of Boeotia with their Ships and there sware never to return home till Troy should bee taken The names of the chief amongst the Greek Wariours 28. The chiefest of these renowned Warriours were (a) Vide Simsonium in Chron. Cathol ad A.M. 2812. c. Nestor who reigned in Messenia Ajax the Son of Telamon Prince of the Island Salamine Ajax the younger or the son of Oileus King of Locri over against Euboea Achilles the Son of Peleus by the goddesse Thetis whose principality was Pthiotis part of that Country afterwards called Thessalie Ulysses the son of Laertes King of Cephalenia Thoas the Aetolian Podalirius and Machaon Sons of the third Aesculapius and Nepolemus the Son of Hercules who now inhabited the Island Rhodes They made up amongst them a Navy of about 1000 ships and therein transported an Army of 120000 men From Aulis they failed to Lemnos and thence missing of Troy into Mysia which mistaking for their Enemies Country they began to make encursions into it and were beaten back by Telephes Prince thereof all but Achilles and Patroclus the former whereof sore wounded him and Thersander (b) Pausanias in Boeoticis General of the Boeotians here lost his life into whose room because his Son Tisamenus was but young they elected Peneleus A conflict presently ensued their arrival at Troy wherein Protesilaus was slain by a Dardanian as Homer calleth him either Hector or Aeneas and then the Greeks sent Menelaus and Ulysses Ambassadors to demand Helena Priamus calling a Council to deliberate about the matter Antenor was for delivering her up and so were the rest of the grave and antient Men though they attributed much to the beauty of the Woman but Antimachus being corrupted by the gold of Paris urged the contrary and not onely moved to have the message rejected but the messengers killed 29. Priamus though otherwise prudent enough rejected the counsel of the old men and out of indulgence to his son sent away the Ambassadors without any satisfaction Then both parties prepared for the War and another ingagement followed wherein the Greeks had the better who then dividing their forces left part to continue the siege and with the other Achilles who took with him Palamedes was sent to harraze the Countrey and cut off provisions from the Citie This he so well performed as he took 23 Towns vius and therein got much booty which was divided Whil'st Palamedes was with him carrying on the War in the Island Lesbos Ulysses envying him for his great wisdom wherein he seemed to overtop him circumvented him by treachery and by false suggestions procured him to be sent for to the Camp and stoned as a Traytor though he had exceedingly well deserved of the Army being a person of great courage which he also expressed at his death and yet so moderate and wise that he thereby allayed the too much heat of Achilles To him (a) Tacitus lib. 11. some attribute the invention of 16 Letters in the Greek Alphabet (b) Plin. l. 7. c. 56. others onely 4. but withall the ordering and ranking of an Army the watch word Guards and Dice to divert the Souldiers His death was grievously taken by Ajax the son of Telamon who for some time absented himself but especially by Achilles who took it so heinously that for a great while he would not be reconciled nor brought to fight having much more cause to be offended for this thing than the detaining of a woman from him by Agamemnon as the Poet sings who industriously omitteth whatsoever reflecteth upon Ulysses 30. Achilles determined not to fight till the Trojans should peirce as far as his own ships which at length happening Lege Simsonium in Chronico Cathol ad A.M. 2820. c. he first sent out Patroclus in his Armour who had desired it Patroclus with the Myrmidones Achilles his subjects put the Trojans to flight who now had begun to cast fire into the ships slew Pyraechmes with his own hand pursued Hector and smote Sarpedon King of Lycia about the
heart so that he died but being wounded by Euphorbus Patroclus slain who came behind him he was slain by Hector Euphorbus endeavoured to get his body but was killed by Menelaus and the Soul of this Euphorbus Pythagoras affirmed according to his principle of commigration to have passed into his own body After this Achilles whose presence formerly had kept the Trojans within their Walls went out to fight and taking twelve young men alive slew them at the funeral of Patroclus By the River Scamander or Xanthus he killed Asteropaeus Captain of the Paeones from whom though he received a wound in the Arm yet went he to fight with Hector Hector slain who expected him without the Walls and would not be perswaded to decline his fury though it proved his ruine being slain in this single Combat about the 30th year of his age His body tied to a Chariot the Conquerour drew in Triumph about the Walls Diodorus l. 2. p. 91. but afterwards it was ransomed by Priamus After this he slew Memnon the Nephew of Priamus by his brother Tithonus who was sent out of Persia by the Assyrian King Teutamus to his aid then Troilus his son by Hecuba and lastly Penthesilea one of the Amazons who for murder had fled her Countrey and coming to Troas * Servius after Hector's death did good service against the Greeks When dead Achilles is said to have been enamoured of her body and with her also the valour of this sort of women is believed to have been extinct 31. Achilles whom no art nor violence of the Trojans could overcome was taken by the love of a Woman and slain by treachery For having a view of (a) Idem ad Virgil. Aeneiad l. 3. Polyxena the daughter of Priamus from the Wall he became so inslaved to her in his affections that he proceeded to a Treaty of marriage wherein he was shot with a Dart by Paris Achilles treacherously killed by Paris who hid himself behind the image of Apollo which idol is therefore feigned an assistant in the work Afterwards the Greeks had it revealed to them that except they could take the Palladium or Image of Pallas out of the City till they should get Hercules his Arrows and provide a wooden Horse Troy could never be taken Ulysses therefore and Diomedes as * Aeneiad 21. Virgil singeth stole away the Image Philoctetes who had the Arrows was sent for from the Island Lemnos and with them slew Paris the incendiary after whose death Deiphobus the son of Priamus obtained Helena as being of best account for valour next to his brother Hector Then was a wooden Horse prepared by the hands of Epeus which pretending to dedicate to Minerva they left before the Citie having industriously made it higher than the Gates hoping the Trojans would pull down part of the Wall to take it in They left also some of their choicest men in the Horses belly and Sinon with his hands bound behind him who under notion of a fugitive that had been ill used should perswade them to receive it into the Citie and then giving out that they would raise the siege for some time they withdrew into the Island Tenedos The Trojans with great resolution break down the Wall and taking in the Horse placed him in the Castel but in the night Sinon giving warning by fire the Greeks came from Tenedos and being easily let in by their companions by reason of the Trojans had drunk themselves fast asleep Troy taken the Citie was taken sacked and burnt A.M. 2821 Menelaus killing Deiphobus in his bed took away Helena and Priamus was slain in his own house by Pyrrhus or Neoptolemus the son of Achilles Of the Trojans which escaped Antenor being spared by the Greeks came with the Heneti into the Adriatick Sea where he built Padua and Aeneas the son of Anchises at length reached Italy This destruction of Troy hapned in the 10th year of the siege 408 before the first Olympiad 1182 before the Aera of Christ of the World 2821. in the dayes of Jepthah who judged Israel 32. Of the Greek Captains which escaped Ajax the son of Telamon striving with Ulysses for the Armour of Achilles and overcome by the judgement of the Army killed himself or else was circumvented by his adversary Ajax the younger the son of Oileus having taken prisoner Cassandra the daughter of Priamus unwilling to part with her was driven by the plots of Agamemnon to shift for himself and putting out to Sea in an unseasonable time miscarried by shipwrack Of those that returned home most encountred with many difficulties Ulysses especially who for many years wandred about The Greeks return home as it is poetically described by * In Odyss â— Homer Menelaus after the work was done presently commanded the Greeks to prepare for their return but Agamemnon being unwilling to depart before he had sacrifized to Minerva the Fleet was divided and a contention arose betwixt the followers of Menelaus when they came to Tenedos because some would have stayed for Agamemnon there insomuch as Ulysses then returned back to him Nestor set sayl thence before Menelaus but was overtaken by him about the Island Lesbos whence they sailed together as far as Attica where Menelaus staying to bury Phrontes the other left him and came safe home to Pylus Menelaus his ships were most of them overwhelmed in a Tempest about the Promontory of Malea and the rest with him and Helena driven into Egypt where and in other places he continued till * Consule Strab. l. 1. p. 37. c. the 8th year Agamemnon after he had sacrifized and erected an Altar to the twelve gods in the Promontory of Troas came home and was presently * Homer Odyss 4. murdered by Aegisthus the son of his Uncle Thyestes with whom Clytemnestra his wife the daughter also of Tyndareus had lived in Adultery and now conspired to make him away Orestes 33. He left a son named Orestes and three daughters begotten on this vvoman The Boy for he vvas but young was by his sister Electra and his Nurse vvhen they perceived his life vvas laid at by Aegisthus before his fathers return conveyed into Phocis unto Strophius Lege Simsonium in Chronico A. M. 2829. vvho had married his father's sister vvhence returning the 8th year after his death he killed Aegisthus together vvith his mother and recovered the Kingdom Because of his mothers death he vvas vexed by the furies and found some difficulty in mastering the Argives vvho now opposed him but by the help of the Phocians he recovered his father's Dominions though Menelaus his Uncle either for that he disapproved the death of his mother or for private respects bare him no good vvill and neglected him vvhich he shewed further in taking from him his daughter Hermione vvho had brought him a son and giving her to Pyrrhus the son of Achilles Tormented vvith the furies he vvent into Arcadia
in a Chariot they drove into the City sending some before to proclaim that the Athenians were to receive Pisistratus whom their goddesse Minerva esteeming above all mortals now in her own person reduced into her Castle This being acted with wonderful confidence the Citizens were so far besotted as to adore this woman for Minerva and received Pisistratus as brought by her whereby he recovered the tyranny about five years after his expulsion Restored 32. He married the daughter of Megacles according to agreement but having several sons already in the floure of their age and Megacles being supposed guilty of that hainous crime about the death of Cylon Herodot l. 1. not yet expiated lest he should put them beside their just expectations and his family be attainted he neglected to use her as his wife She concealing this for some time at length revealed it to her mother who told it to Megacles He took it in great disdain and reconciled himself to his Enemies consulting again how he might out him Forced out again which Pisistratus understanding departed of his own accord out of Attica and went to Eretria a City of Euboea in the third year of the 54th Olympiad about ten years after his restitution Ten other years he continued in exile at the end whereof by the advice of his eldest Son Hippias he laboured again for a recovery of his principalitie Scraping together all the money he could make he drew the Thebans and Argives into confaederacy with him and got Marathon a Town of Attica into his hands whither flocked to him from Athens and the Country round about those of his Faction He marched then against the City and put such to flight as came out against him And again recovereth the tyranny but fearing they might rally again he gave order to his Sons to ride after and bid them fear nothing so they would but get them to their own homes and be quiet Thus recovered he the tyranny once more which then he laboured to establish not by the shedding of blood from which he wholly abstained and therefore hath the best report of any of his condition but by seeking confaederates making himself a considerable revenew and taking the Sons of those his Enemies that remained in the City for Hostages sending them into the Isle Naxus to be bept Not long after his restitution he died for his whole reign including the exile amounted but to 33 years about the time that Croesus King of Lydia was overthrown by Cyrus in the second year of the 57th Olympiad A. M. 3460. and the 3460th year of the World SECT 5. 33. This onely could be reprehended in Pisistratus that he had cast the yoak upon his Countrey For such an one it was as had no great weight in it more than what lay in the minds of the Athenians not accustomed since the dayes of Theseus to stoop to Soveraignty Plutarch Diogenes Laertius Though he commanded them to apply themselves to husbandry contrary to what Theseus had done who gathered them out of the Countrey into the City that he might take them of from plotting against him yet required he no other Tribute than the Tenths of their profit which had wont to be payed to the former Kings He killed no man neither banished any he made spoil of no mans fortune or estate injured none by any contumelious demeanour abused neither the one Sex nor the other through any libidinous carriage The Laws of Solon with the order of Magistrates he left as he found and though he had most cause to be averse to him yet detained he him in Town when he would have been gone desiring his counsel and advice for the better Government of the Commonwealth contenting himself onely in having a power greater than the Laws in which respect Cicero was wont to call Julius Caesar who trode in his steps by the name of Pisistratus Gellius l. 6. c. ult Cicero 3. de Oratore Aelian lib. 13. c. 14. He was as learned as any in his time deserved very well of learning being the first that erected a publick Library Whereas Homer's Verses before this were scattered abroad and confused he purchased with Gold whatsoever of his works he could come by and setting on work the ablest Grammarians put them into that order of Iliads and Odysses in which they are now found to which work Solon is said to have contributed his diligence He had two sons Hippias and Hipparchus to whom he left the principality of Athens They for many years reigned as lovingly betwixt themselves so with moderation towards their subjects till the younger being slain by Harmodius and Aristogiton upon occasion of some injury supposed to be offered by him to the sister of Harmodius the other exasperated hereat grew severe towards the Athenians and for that was expelled by them four years after his brothers death and his Tyranny was utterly subverted But these things falling in with the reign of Darius the son of Hystaspes belong properly to another place SECT V. The most antient Kingdom and Commonwealth of Lacedaemon The first inbitants of Lacedaemon 1. THis Countrey was most antienly inhabited by a people called (a) Pausanias in initio Laconicorum Messenicorum Leleges so named from Lelex their King said to be an indigena or a natural of the place because it was obscure from what Countrey he and his people came From him this Region was called Lelegia and Lelegis He left two sons Myles and Polycaon whereof the former succeeded him in his Kingdom and the later marrying Messene the daughter of Tryopas King of Argos went and subdued that Countrey which from her he named Messenia Myles was succeeded by his son Eurotas who perceiving the water to stand in the grounds drew a Ditch from it to the Sea which draining the earth continued to be a River bearing his name He A.M. 2598. dying without issue-Male left his Kingdom to Lacedaemon the son of Jupiter and Taygeta from which woman the Mount Taygetus took its name For Lacedaemon married Sparte Sparta whence so called the daughter of Eurotas and when he came first to the Kingdom named the Countrey from himself and to the Citie which he built gave his wives name it being ever after most properly called Sparta when any distinction was made betwixt Countrey and Citie although it be also sometimes read Lacedaemon as in (b) L. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thucydides and Latine (c) Livius l. 38. Authors As for the Inhabitants of both places those of the Citie are by Herodotus Xenophon and Diodorus called Spartiati in opposition to those that lived up and down in the Countrey comprehended under the name of Lacedaemonians The Citie was built in the dayes of Crotopus King of Argos and Amphytrion of Athens 303 years before the destruction of Troy 711 before the first Olympiad A.M. 2518. 2. Amyclas the son and Successor of Lacedaemon
(d) Pausan ut suprà begat three sons which are recorded Argalus Cynortas and Hyacinthus of which the later as Apollodorus writeth being for his beauty the delight of Apollo was killed by him at unawares when they were at play Argalus succeeded his father and left his Kingdom to his brother Cynortas whose son and Successor was Oebalus from whence the Countrey was also called * Servius ad Georg. 4. Apollod l. 3. Pausan A. M. 2646. Diodorus Siculus Oebalia and Castor and Pollux by Statius Oebalidae fratres On his first wife he begat Hypocoon and Icarion and on his second Gorgophone the daughter of Perseus by Andromeda Tyndareus and widdow of Perieres his son Tyndareus The former and later after his death contended about the succession and Tyndareus having the worst of it was constrained to banish himself for many years till at length he was restored by Hercules who slew Hippocoon and his ten sons with a great number of the Spartans but on this condition delivered was the Kingdom to him to keep it for Hercules his own Children and restore it when it should be demanded Tyndareus of Leda the daughter of Thestius an Aetolian Castor and Pollux Helena begat Castor and Pollux called Dioscuri as the supposed off-spring of Jupiter and on her or some other a daughter named Helena The two sons being famous in their lives grew more renowned after their death having the esteem of gods and from them was named the constellation of Gemini Helena was she that made such a broil in the World being first stolne by Theseus afterwards married to Menelaus and from him stolne again by Paris who kept her till the destruction of Troy as hath been shewed Her two brothers dying before their father Menelaus Menelaus with her obtained the Kingdom of Lacedaemon through the special favour of Tyndareus A. M. 2809. who from amongst 29 suters all Princes of Greece made choice of him Lest those great ones should fall out amongst themselves he bound them all with an Oath to be Defendants to whomsoever he would give her which he did by the advice of Ulysses upon promise to assist him in his sute being one of the number This we do not find that he did but in way of requital procured for him Penelope the daughter of Icarius 3. Menelaus on a slave begot two base sons but by Helena had onely a daughter named Hermione which he married first to Orestes the son of his brother Agamemnon and again taking her from him gave her to Pyrrhus the son of Achilles It 's thought that Orestes killed Pyrrhus for after his death he presently resumed his wife and Menelaus once dead he added the Kingdom of Lacedaemon to his other two of Mycenae and Argos for the Lacedaemonians were more willing to receive him as their Prince than Nicostratus and Megapenthes the bastard sons of Menelaus Tisamenus his son succeeded him in his Kingdoms out of all which he was outed by the Heraclidae or posterity of Hercules as before was shewed by the help of the Dores with him the Achaeans being also banished who were Originally of Pthiotis in Thessaly for Achaeus their Progenitor was the son of Xuthus Grand-son to Deucalion by his son Hellen. The descent of the Heraclidae Procles and Eurysthenes obtain in Sparta Argos fell to Temenus by lot A. M. 2901. Crespontes got Messene and Lacedaemon became the portion of Procles and Eurysthenes the sons of Aristodemus who was slain at Delphos for Pausanias judgeth this the most probable opinion by the fraud of Pylas when they were preparing for the expedition Thenceforth the Lacedaemonians were accounted Dores who if formerly they were part of the Achaeans and going to Troy at their return were expelled by those that remained at home and so forced to seek out new seats and received the name of Dores from their Captain as Plato writeth then had they full as much right to the Countrey as the Heraclidae themselves the title of whom we have formerly shewn this change hapned 80 years after the destruction of Troy as Thucydides gathereth 327 before the first Olympiad in the dayes of Melanthus father to Codrus the last King of Athens the year of the World 2901. 4. The two brothers Eurysthenes and Procles were Twins and that so like as their mother not knowing them asunder was ignorant which was the eldest Lege Herodot l. 6. c. 52. and therefore the Lacedaemonians made them both Kings with equal power Both Kings with equal power onely because Eurysthenes was first washed and fed he was vulgarly accounted the elder and though their families were of the same dignity yet was his accounted something the more honourable In their minority Theras their Uncle by the Mother's side managed the Kingdom for them in obeying whom they ever agreed but in nothing else though Twins and so like one another This difference was in a manner propagated to their posterity which continued on both sides for many Generations downwards by the names of Eurysthenidae and Proclidae and being partakers in what is commonly accounted to bear no corrivals no wonder it is that emulation should be continued but much that for so long it kept within the bounds of civil concord After these two followed their two sons Helotae made slaves Agis for Eurysthenes from whom the Kings of this family were also called Agidae and Sous for Procles Plutarch in Lycurgo In their time it hapned that the Inhabitants of Helos a Town built by Helius the youngest son of Perseus were made slaves both they and their posterity to the Lacedaemonian State Strabo l. 8. pag. 363. 365. for whereas they as well as others had formerly the freedom of the Citie and were Members of the Commonwealth Agis took away that privilege and ordered them to pay Tribute to Sparta which refusing to do standing out they were thus punished all other slaves to that State though of what Original soever being called after them Helotae Agis dying was succeeded by Echestratus his son and Sous some years after Euseb left for his Successor his son Eurytion called otherwise Eurypon and Euryphon from whom the Kings of that family were also named Eurytionidae Echestratus was followed by Labotas his son and Eurytion by Prytanis in whose reign the first quarrel arose betwixt the Lacedaemonians and Argives Labotas being dead Doryssus his son succeeded him the Kingdom and in like manner after the death of Prytanis Eunomus his son continued the succession of that family 5. After Doryssus followed Agesilaus A.M. 3019. Euseb in Chronico Eunomus of the family of Procles still continuing who of a former wife begat Polydectes and of a later Lycurgus born 150 years before the first Olympiad Archelaus the son of Agesilaus succeeded his father Plutarch ut suprà and was accompanied in the Government by Polydectos who dying without issue left his inheritance to
Sisyphus 1. THis Citie seated in the Isthmus of Peloponnesus Pausan in Corinthiacis had first the name of Ephyra and was built by Sisyphus whose posterity reigned here some 428 years in the dayes of Cecrops the first King of Athens and a little before Deucalions Flood about the 2486 year of the World He married Merope the daughter of Atlas by which he had four sons Glaucus Ornytion Thersander and Almas was accounted a very wise Euseb in Chron. A. M. 2486. and prudent man feigned also to have returned to life again that he might chastize his wife for not having performed what was due to his memory After he was once got up he would not return of a long time to Hell where he is also said by the Poets to roll a great stone up an Hill which continually tumbling down again keepeth him in constant toil having this punishment inflicted on him for discovering to Asopus his daughter stolne away by Jupiter Glaucus his eldest son was the father of Bellerophon and first celebrated Games in the Isthmus Ornytion begat Phocus who led a Colony into and gave name to the Countrey called Phocis after him and Thoas a younger son that continued at Corinth Thersander had two sons Coronus and Haliartus who being adopted by Athamas their Uncle on the father's side then reigning in Boeotia after he had lost his own two sons Phryxus and Helles and his daughter Ino with her two sons gave name to two places in that Countrey Almus called otherwise Halmus and Olmus the youngest son of Sisyphus had part of the Countrey of the Orchomenians bestowed on him by Eteocles the King and from him Almon or Olmon a place of Boeotia was so named Bellerophontes 2. Bellerophontes having committed man-slaughter at Corinth was forced to fly thence and went to Praetus King of the Argives whose wife Sthenobaea enamoured of his beauty tempted him to lie with her Apoliodorus A M. 2660. but he had the modesty to deny her wherewith she was so incensed as to accuse him to her husband of an intended rape Praetus taking it in great disdain to be so used by his Guest yet would not kill him but sent him to Iolas King of Lycia his wives father with Letters wherein he desired him to make the bearer away To fulfill his request Iolas first caused him to fight with the Chimaera a Monster that vomited fire not doubting of his destruction thereby but he mounting the horse Pegasus slew the Monster Then he sent him against the Solymi and Amazons whom he Conquered then caused some of the strongest young men he could procure to ly in ambush and fall on him which also he having slain Iolas admiring his valour gave him his daughter Philonoe to wife and when he died left him his Successor in the Kingdom of Lycia Concerning this Chimaera what should be meant thereby is scarce discernable The Chimaera (a) Servius in Virgil Aeneiad l. 6. Some have understood by it a Mountain in Lycia the top whereof vomited forth fire the middle part had Pastures full of Goats and the foot or bottom abounded with Serpents 'T is conceived he might make this Mountain habitable and thence be said to have slain the Chimaera which had a mouth like a Lyon middle parts as a Goat and the hinder parts like a Dragon (b) Plutarch de virtutibus mulierum Others again say that Bellerophontes gave occasion to this fable by killing one Chimaerus a Sea Captain who infested the Lycians with piracy the story being thence raised for that Chimaerus his ship had a Lyon painted on the prow and a Dragon on the deck and Bellerophon's Vessel called Pegasus might have a winged horse for its sign A third (c) Homer Iliad 3. Eust Isac in Lycoph p. 6. sort think three kinds of enemies to be signified by this Monster the Solymi Amazons and Lycians the former being for their valour compared to a Lyon the next for their nimblenesse in climbing of Rocks to a Goat and the last to a Dragon for their craftinesse in ambushes Lastly a (d) Lege Bocharti Canaan lib. 1. c. 6. modern and most learned Writer judgeth the three gods of the Solymi whom Bellerophon overthrew to have been painted in their Ensigns resembling a Lyon Goat and Dragon like the three heads of the Monster as 't is described by Hesiod 3. Bellerophontes being driven from Corinth Thoas the son of Ornytion obtained the Kingdom whom succeeded Demophon his son Pausan ut prius then followed Propodas whose two sons Doridas and Hyanthidas reigning both together Aletes the son of Hippotes son to Antiochus and Nephew to Hercules came down and subdued the Kingdom The Heraclidae having before this Vide Simsonium ad A.M. 2914. obtained Peloponnesus Aletes reserved this part for him who consulting the Oracle of Jupiter at Dodona was answered that he should then obtain it when a clod of Earth should be given him At his return this was fulfilled for begging some meat of an Herds-man he having nothing to give him offered him a clod which he gladly accepted saying Aletes aceepteth of a clod which became a proverb Who gave the name of Corinth to the Citie is uncertain but however Aletes out of gratitude to the Oracle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 named it Corinth of Jupiter which gave occasion to the multitude to believe that Corinth the King that built it was the son of Jupiter wherein they so gloried and so often vaunted of it that nothing became more ridiculous and they were laughed at for it throughout Greece After Aletes the eldest of the family succeeded for several Generations The first was Ixion Euseb in Chronico Excepta Diodori per Georgium Monact inter lib. 5. 10. who reigned 37 years the next Agilaus who ruled as many Prumnis 35. and * A. M. 3048. Bacchis full so many who was so famous that where as he and all his Ancestors were called Heraclidae The Bacchiadae his Successors from him had the name of Bacchiadae The first after him was Agelas who governed thirty years the next Eudemus who reigned 25. then came Aristomedes who having ruled 35. left a Child behind him which his brother Algemon whom he had appointed Guardian deposed and held the Kingdom himself sixteen years After him followed Alexander for 25. whom Telestes the son of Aristomedes slew and obtained his fathers Kingdom which he held twelve years He was also slain by Arieus and Perantas his Kins-men and then Automenes reigned one year which being expired the Bachidae more than 200 in number seized on the Kingdom and Governed in common onely every year they created a Prytanis out of their own body to be in the room of the King and so they continued 90 years in the way of an Aristocracy Colonies of the Corinthians 4. During this term in the fourth year of the eleventh Olympiad A.M.
after it was known that he lay with his Mother Cratea 8. He married Melissa the daughter of Procles or Patrocles tyrant of Epidaurus on whom he begat Cypselus and Lycophron Laertius in vita Periandri Herod ut suprà whereof the elder was very blockish and stupid At the instigation of his whores he afterwards killed his wife kicking her when she was great with childe then lay with her when she was dead and calling together the Corinthian women as well adorned as possible to celebrate the feast of Juno caused his guard to strip them all naked and made a parentation to Melissa of all their clothes and ornaments Lycophron his youngest son who onely was capable of Government moved by Procles his Grand-Father grew exceeding froward and refractory because of his Mother's death insomuch as differences and distasts increasing Periander banished him first his house then forbad all his Subjects to speak to or comfort him and at length forced him into Corcyra But after some years growing old infirm and unfit for businesse he sent for him home offering to passe over all to him but by no arguments or intreaties could he move him to return till he offered to change places and devest himself of all power Now when this was agreed on the Corcyraeans fearing above all things to have Periander come amongst them to prevent it killed the young man Periander to be revenged took away from them 300 of their choicest Boyes which he sent to Haliattes King of Lydia his friend and allie to be gelded but they being driven upon the Island Samus the Inhabitants took such pity both on them and their relations as to send them home safe and disappointed the Tyrant This so vexed him now almost eighty years old that he dyed of grief though by some he be reckoned amongst the seven Wise Men of Greece Suidas out of most antient Authors delivereth this character of him That he was an harsh and cruel Tyrant very martial scarce being ever out of War very powerful at Sea having so convenient Havens both upon the Ionian and Aegean Gulfs He reigned nigh forty years and dyed in the fourth of the 48th Olympiad A. M. 3420. Olymp. 48. an 4. V.C. 169. Nabuch 24. seven after the establishment of Solon's Laws A. M. 3420. Psammetichus 9. Periander being dead his Tyranny as it were tottered for three years and some six moneths during which time Psammetichus the son of Gordias brother to Periander or rather something akin to him held it as appeareth by (e) Politic. l. 5. c. 12. Aristotle who onely hath preserved his name to us from utter oblivion After his removal the power of one man was laid aside and the people put themselves into a Free-State which continued as long as the liberty of Greece it self The form thereof is not described to us by any antient Author onely this we know from (f) In Timoleonte Dione Plutarch that it was inclining more to Oligarchy than that of â—yracuse SECT 7. the power of the multitude being more bounded Yet for certain the Government was popular things of greatest consequence never being resolved on without the consent and decree of the people which kept those of highest concernment in its own power and if any other in the World was a friend to Antimonarchical liberty and an utter enemy to Monarchy where ever it was found in Greece For this City undertook many times great Wars for this very cause and not out of any ambitious design as is clear in the case of the Syracusians and others so that a Captain out of it was most desirable upon such an occasion as may hereafter be discovered SECT VII The antient Kingdom of Thebes 1. Boeotia had on the West Phocis on the East the Euboean Sea on the North the Eastern Locri and on the South Attica and Megaris The chief seat and Metropolis of this Country was Thebes the builder of which is not certainly known Calydnus Calydnus is reported first to have reigned here whence by a Poet of Chalcis it is called the Tower of Calydnus and in Hesychius Calydnaean is the same with Antient. After him was Ogyges A. M. 2244. or Ogygus Ogyges from whom Thebes by the Poets is called Ogygian and that great Ogygian Deluge is named which is said to have happened in his time 1020 years before the first Olympiad in the dayes of Phoroneus King of Argos as Africanus gathereth and so overwhelmed all the region of Attica that it made it inhabitable for 200 years as Pererius noteth Pausanias writeth In Boeoticis Atticis that he was King of the Ectenae the first Inhabitants of Thebais and that from his son Eleusine a famous Town in Attica took both Original and name as some were of opinion These Ectenae are reported to have been comsumed by Pestilence whom succeeded the Hyantes and Aonae that continued in those parts together with the Temmices who came from Sanium and the Leleges till Cadmus coming to Greece made himself Master of this place in the dayes of Corax King of Sicyon and Danaus of Argos 347 years after the beginning of Ogyges Cadmus 2. This Cadmus acccording to the tradition of the Greeks Apollod lib. 2. was son to Agenor the brother of Belus Uncle to Danaus and Aegyptus who coming out of Aegypt into Phoenice some 36 years before on his wife Telphassa begat three sons Cadmus Phoenix Cilix and a daughter named Europa This Europa Jupiter stole and carried over Sea into Crete in the likenesse of a Bull where he begat on her Minos Rhadamanthus and Sarpedon Diod. l. 4. p. 183. Asterius King of the Island afterwards married her and having no children of his own adopted her sons Herodotus telleth us that some Greeks Asterius perhaps Lib. 1. cap. 2. or some for him in revenge for what the Nation had formerly suffered from the Asiaticks in stealing away Ino went to Tyre and thence stole Europa the Kings daughter bringing her away in a ship whose ensign was a Bull whence occasion was given to feign that she was carried over upon a Bull 's back 3. Agenor sent out his three sons to seek their Sister Diod. lib. 4. p. 147. charging them never to return without her into Phoenicia Cadmus sailed first into the Island Callâ—sthe lying betwixt Crete and Callisthe where he left a Colony and thence into Thasus so named from Thasus one of his Companions Pausan l. 5. A. M. 2555. and head of another Colony left here and at length into Greece where in Boeotia being past all hope of finding his sister and consequently of returning into Phoenicia by the command of an Oracle he founded Thebes or re-edifying what was formerly built by Ogyges anew laid the foundation of the Castle which ever after from him retained the name of Cadmèa The Hyantae beaten by his Forces fled the night following into Phocis Strabo l. 9.
p. 401. but the Aeonae upon their submission were suffered to continue and imbodie themselves amongst the Phoenicians Here he married Harmonia the daughter of Mars and Venus agreeable to which alliance the gods are said to have come down unto Cadmèa to the wedding Out of Phoenicia he first brought letters into Greece giving them their peculiar names and characters Diod. l. 3. p. 140. Lib. 5. p. 227 228. Multi alii fitted for the language of the place and thence they were called Phoenician though afterwards Pelasgian because the use of them was after they were brought over first made known to the Pelasgi 4. Of Harmonia Cadmus begot Polydorus his son and four daughters Semele Ino Antonoe and Agavë Idem l. 3. p. 147. On Semele Jupiter enamoured begot Dionysus or Bacchus who found out Wine and Ale and travelled throughout the then known World to reduce men to civility This he did with an Army both of men and women and after an Expedition of three years returned out of India first triumphing upon an Elephant Ino was married to Arhamas the son of Aeolus and grand-son of Hellen Apollod to whom she bore Actaeon that was devoured by his own Dogs Agave became the wife of Eetion to whom she bore Pentheus After Cadmus had reigned some time at Thebes he was called by the Encheleae who had Wars at that time with the Illyrians Polydorus and were bidden by the Oracle to send for him and Harmonia to be their Captains He left then the Kingdom of Thebes to his son Polydorus and having subdued the Illyrians reigned over them and begot another son called Illyrius who either gave or took name from that people The Poets feigned Cadmus and his wife to have been turned here into Snakes because they seem to have forgot their former civility and learnt barbarism 5. This is the sum of what the Greeks have delivered concerning Cadmus But What the Sidonians said of Cadmus though they for their own credit made him the son of a King yet the Sidonians whose Country-man he was denie this alleging that being their King's Cook he fled away with Harmonia a certain minstrel His time as it is computed falleth in with that of Joshua so that he seemeth to have led into Greece a Colony of those Canaanites or Phoenicians who were outed of their habitations by the Israelites His family may be gathered to have been that of the Kadmonites mentioned by Moses who were the same with the Hivites and called Cadmonim or Orientals because they possessed Mount Hermon the most Eastern part of Canaan taken for the East as Thabor for the West Hence came it to passe that Cadmus his wife was called Harmonia or Hermione and apparent why they were feigned to be turned into Snakes because an Hivite in the Syrian language signifieth a Serpent That he first brought letters into Greece is most probable 1. Because the antientest Greek letters in most things are like to the old Phoenician which the Samaritans at this day use 2. Their names are plainly Phoenician or Hebrew as may be instanced in Alpha Beta c. of which the Greeks were not ignorant as appeareth out of Varro For Crates the Philosopher disputing in Greece about some points of Grammar demanded why they said not Alpha Alphatos as well as Gramma Grammatos to which the Grecians answered that the names were not theirs but barbarous and Plutarch rendered this reason why Alpha is set before the rest by the Phoenicians because they called an Oxe by that name 3. The Greeks kept the same order of letters as the Phoenicians did being most antient as appeareth by some acrostick Verses of David and Jeremiah Cadmus brought over the Rites of Bacchus into Greece and thereupon is feigned to be Grand-father to him who lived many Ages before and indeed was Nimrod To this City built or re-edified by him he gave the name of Thebes of which name there was a place in Canaan mentioned by the Book of (a) Cap. 9. 50. Judges and by (b) Antiq. lib. 5. cap. 9. Josephus also written Thebae in the plural number so that an end may be put to that controversie about the original of the word which betokeneth mud or dirt But concerning all this Bochartus is to be consulted in the first Book of that admirable Work intituled Canaan Labdacus 6. Polydorus succeeding his Father marryed Nyctëis the daughter of Nycteus by which he had a son named Labdacus whom dying before he came at age he * A.M. 2601. left to the tuition of his father-in-law Nycteus had another daughter Antiope by name which Epopeus King of Sicyonia stole away whence a War insued wherein both of them received mortal wounds Pausan in Boeoticis Corinth and Nycteus dying left the tuition of the young King to his brother Lycus After Labdacus came at age Lycus restored faithfully the Kingdom to him wherefore the King dying also not long after Laius and leaving his son Laius a Child but of one year old having experience of his faithfulnesse he committed him to his protection Afterwards Amphion and Zethus the sons of Antiope Diodor. l. 4. p. 191. invaded Thebais in revenge for their mother's hard usage and Captivity she having been taken by Lycus in Sicyon or delivered up to him by Lamedon King of that Citie when he led down thither an Army at the desire of his dying brother to revenge him upon her and Epopeus as we before shewed Lycus meeting them in the field was slain in battel Thebes lost and the Child Laius had miscarried but that some well-wishers to his stock withdrew him out of the danger lest the posterity of Cadmus should be utterly extinct Amphion then and Zethus obtained the Kingdom said by Homer to have built Thebes which must be meant of the lower Citie distinct from Cadméa Amphion was so excellent a Musician that he is said to have made stones to follow him wherewith he built Towers about the Citie He married Niobe the daughter of Tantalus and sister to Pelops which brought him many Children but boasting her self mote fruitfull than Latona her self procured the destruction of them all For Apollo was commanded to kill the Boyes and Diana the Girles whereat she was struck with such stupidity as she is feigned to be turned into a stone and Amphion with all his family at length died of the pestilence Zethus having his young son killed at unawares by the mother pined away for grief so that both brothers being dead and their families ruined the Thebans restored the Kingdom to Laius the son of Labdacus 7. Laius married Jocaste the daughter of Menaeceus but was admonished by the Oracle to beget no Children because else he should be killed by his son which punishment Pelops had prayed might fall on him for stealing his son Chrysippus begotten on a Concubine Apollod Notwithstanding this he had a son but as soon as he was born
was said to belong to their Masters But in processe of time when the Romans degenerated from their former worth and honour some by Roberies others by breaking of houses and other villanies got money whereby they purchased their freedom Some by helping their Masters in these things obtained liberty as a reward others on condition to let them enjoy the monthly allowance of Corn out of the publick purse or other Largesses conferred by Princes upon poor Citizens Sometimes they were manumitted through the levity and vain-glory of their Lords some having by their Testaments set at liberty all their Slaves to obtain a fame of clemency after their death and that their Funerals might be celebrated by a great train of such as wore caps upon that occasion in which pomp a thousand Rogues have been seen who much better deserved hanging This was laid to the charge of the Mistresse of the World that challenging the Empire over all she should defile her self with such impure Citizens which custom might have been reformed as Dionysius observeth by the care of the Censors who inquiring into the lives of Senators and Knights never considered what persons were unfit to be admitted Free-men 36. Tullus not onely clipped the power of the Patritians and Senate but took away half of the King's Prerogative also Whereas the former Princes called before themselves all controversies Tullius clipeth the King's power and took cognisance of crimes as well committed against particular persons as the publick he separated these causes making himself Judge of such as respected the Commonwealth and referring the quarrels of private persons unto others to whom he prescribed Laws and Rules for to go by After he had thus ordered the Common-wealth he caused the Latines to build a Temple at Rome to Diana upon the Aventine hill whereat they should meet and feast every year and so preserve themselves as one body politick in unity and concord If any controversie arose betwixt particular Towns it was to be decided by the judgement of others in such a manner as the Amphyctiones in Greece were wont to proceed the Council of the Ionians at the Temple of Ephesus and that of the Dorienses in the Temple of Apolla built by common consent at Epitropium These things were done by Tullius at home according to Dionysius Livie and others to which we may add from Pliny that he first stamped money with the image of Cattel whence it was called Pecunia whereas the Romans before his time used it in a rude lump or Masse As for his actions abroad he warred with the Hetruscans 20 years who refused to obey him as an obscure man and renounced the league formerly made In all battels both with the united Nation and particular Cities he ever had the better triumphed over them thrice and at length forced them to submit to the yoak on the same terms as formerly Tarquinius had imposed it except that from three Towns that had been principal in the revolt hee took part of their grounds which he divided to those that had newly been made free of the City Is murdered by his son in Law and his own daughter Having done these things at home and abroad when he was grown old and not far from the natural period of his life he perished by the devices of Tarquinius his son in law and of his own daughter 37. Tullius had two daughters by his wife Tarquinia which he married to their two Cousin-germans the grand-sons of Tarquinius joyning them in wedlock according to their age as he thought it most equal and convenient But it hapned that they were matched together with those of dispositions clean contrary to one another Lucius the elder a man of a bold arrogant and tyrannical nature had an honest modest wife and one most dutiful towards her Father on the contrary Aruns Tarquinius the younger being of a mild and sweet disposition light on a wicked woman one of a bitter spirit against her Father ready for to attempt any thing Lucius breaking out into passion against his Father in Law for keeping the Kingdom from him was still appeased by his wife but Aruns being content to stay his time and averse to any thing that might favour of disrespect to Tullius was importuned ever and disquieted by his wive's earnest and tedious sollicitations to attempt the utmost though with the destruction of her Father for the obtaining of the Soveraignty This woman being impatient of her husband's backwardnesse and bewitched by the fury of ambition resolved to change husbands if it might be and match her self to the other Tarquin who suited well with her own humor she brake her mind to Lucius telling him of what a sordid spirit they were to suffer an Usurper so long to possess their Patrimony railing against her own husband as a man of a poor and degenerate disposition and at length made a profer for them two to dispatch out of the way their present unequal yoak-fellows and then unite themselves in that relation thereby to bring about their noble and gallant design He was not backward to a compliance and the device was accordingly brought about after which they resolved by force to expel Tullius from the Kingdom if hee would not give place on his own accord raising a faction of the Patritians that were discontented with the King 's new modelling of the State and the poorest Plebeians whose assistance they purchased openly without any respect to right or modesty Tullius was not ignorant what they intended and feared also to be destroyed ere hee could provide for his defence yet thinking it an unseemly thing to make War upon his son in Law and his own daughter and punish them as Enemies he indeavourd by fair means to take them off before their Friends blaming admonishing and dehorting Tarquinius from the intended injury 38. Effecting nothing hereby but the other saying he would plead his cause in the Senate he called together the Fathers and gave him liberty to speak Tarquin laid his claim to the Kingdom as his Grand-fathers Heir and alleged that Tullius kept it from him unjustly having got all his preferment from their family and obtained the place illegally without the consent of the Senate Tullius replied that the Kingdom was in the power of the People to dispose of it to whomsoever they would which he proved from the example of Tarquinius Priscus who being a stranger was preferred before the Marcii He mentioned how well he had deserved of him by protecting and taking care of him in his minority and as for his coming to the Government without the ordinary assent of the Senate that concerned the Fathers and not him He then appealed to the Senate whether ever he had wronged or carried himself arrogantly towards any of them that they should conspire with his son in Law against him and in conclusion told them that if they thought Tarquinius the fitter man he should not be against the profit of the Commonwealth
his name into Dariaeus and was also most commonly called Darius Nothus By the advice of Parysatis his wife he enticed by all means Secundianus to come to him not sparing Oaths or any other wayes to get him into his hands and so far prevailed that though Menostanes the Eunuch counselled Secundianus not to trust himself yet he came to him and being cast into ashes he died the same way as Darius the son of Hystaspes formerly made away his Emulators Jacobus Cappellus though some think this Darius to have been the first inventor of this punishment and that it is falsly ascribed by Valerius Maximus to the son of Hystaspes Then reigned he alone by himself after his brother had reigned six moneths and twenty dayes The three Eunuchs Artoxares Artibarxanes and AthoÌ„us were in great power with him but especially he was advised by his wife His Children by whom he had two Children Amistris a daughter and Arsaces a son called afterwards Artaxerxes before he came to the Kingdom Afterwards he begot of her another son called Cyrus from the Sun and others to the number of 13. But all the rest died young except these two and his fourth son named Oxendras Ctesias Stirs in his time 22. After this Arsites his own brother both by father and mother and Artyphius the son of Megabyzus revolted from him Artasyras was sent with an Army against them who falling upon Artyphius was worsted in two battels but in the third overthrew him and corrupting the Greeks that fought for him drew away all his Company except three Milesians so that upon the Oath of Artasyras for his security for that Arsites could not be found he yielded himself to the King He was minded to put him to death but Parysatis his wife perswaded him to spare him for a time for Arsites seeing him unpunished would also be moved to yield himself and then he might rid himself of them both together which accordingly came to passe both being cast into the ashes though Darius was hardly brought by her perswasions to make away his brother now also Pharnacyas who with Secundianus had slain Xerxes was put to death and Menostanes being apprehended shunned the same punishment by laying violent hands upon himself This Rebellion was followed by the revolt of Pisathnes the Governour of Lydia against whom Tissaphernes and others being sent he met them having in his Army Lycon the Athenian with such Greeks as he had brought with him who being corrupted by the Kings Captains revolted from him so that with fair words he was drawn in and carried to the King who cast him into the ashes and gave his Government to Tissaphernes and the Cities with the regions adjoyning to Lycon for a reward of his treachery After this followed the treason of Artoxares in great power with Darius who conspired about killing him and transferring the Kingdom to himself For this purpose being an Eunuch he caused his wife to make him a beard that he might seem no other than a perfect man but the matter being revealed by her he was delivered up into the hands of Parasytis who put him to death 23. Arsaces afterwards called Artaxerxes the eldest son of Darius married Statira the daughter of Idarnes a man of prime rank amongst the Persians and Terituchmes the son of Idarnes who after his death succeeded in his Government married Amistris daughter to the King She had a sister named Roxana who being very beautifull and well skilled in shooting Terituchmes fell in love with her and having to do with her detested his wife insomuch as he resolved to murder her by the help of 300 men with whom he practised to revolt Whilest he thought hereof one Udiastes a man in great power about him being promised great matters if he could deliver the Kings daughter from so great a danger slew him but the son of this Udiastes who was Armour-bearer to Terituchmes and was not present at his death after he had notice thereof cursed his father and seizing upon the Citie Zaris delivered it up to Terituchmes his son Then did Parysatis bury alive the Mother Brethren and Sisters of Terituchmes and commanded Roxana to be cut in pieces alive Darius would have had her to have made away Statira his daughter-in-law together with the rest but through the importunity of Arsaces her husband she spared her of which Darius told her that afterwards she would sorely repent as it came to passe From the second year of this King * Hist sacr lib. 2. Sulpicius Severus and * Josephus Scaliger Edu Livelaeus Junius many learned men with him count the beginning of the seventy weeks of Daniel ending them with the destruction of Jerusalem because the number of years do agree and the Angel maketh mention of that desolation though nothing be spoken in any place concerning any going out of a Decree during the reign of this Prince from which those weeks must needs have commenced They must needs allow the work now to have been carried on by the sollicitation of the Prophets Haggai and Zachariah which had been interrupted for 115 years ever since the second year of the return of Zerubbabel and Jeshua at which time they began to build But now at this time and before this lived Malachias the last of all the Prophets who exhorts not the people to the building of the Temple as the others did which is an evidence of the finishing of it before but reprehends those corruptions which * Cap. ult Nehemiah in his second Government had observed amongst the Jews viz. marriages with strangers unjust detention of Tithes and corruption of Divine worship And because the succession of Prophets was no more to be expected in the later end of his Prophecie he exhorts the people to keep the Law of Moses untill such time as the great Prophet the Messias should be revealed before whom John Baptist was to come in the spirit and power of Elias The ending of the Canon of holy Scripture is by Eusebius placed in the 32th year of Artaxerxes Longimanus After these Prophets the Hebrews held the men of the great Synagogue to have succeeded but the later Jews reckon the three last Prophets amongst them and Esra as the President of the Council 24. Against this Darius the Medes rebelled but were after some time reduced again into obedience At this time the States of Gâ—eece being plunged deep in the Peloponnesian War Xenoph. Hellenic 10. he made his advantage thereof as much as he could siding with the Lacedaemonians against the Athenians who did him most hurt in Asia both by their great skill and practice in Navigation and being allied to the Ionians whom as their Colonies they helped against him so that much entercourse and great transactions passed betwixt Tissaphernes his Lieutenant and those of Sparta which are involved in the affairs of Greece Idem ibid. Exped Cyri lib. 1. Diodorus ad Olymp. 93. an 1. ad
came to Tyre the Inhabitants whereof refused to fight by Sea but yet let down none of their courage though 30 Messenges were come from Carthage to let them know that that State being hindred by a domestick War could not afford them any succour They sent their wives and children thither to be out of the danger being thereby the more willing to undergo any themselves which they little regarded making stout resistance but at length the City was taken one saith by treachery another by a stratageme but more by plain force Alexander himself alone first going down from the wooden Tower he had reared by a bridge laid upon the wall The Inhabitants though the Enemy had entred called one upon another and fortifying the narrow passages stood out still till the number of 7000 the most of those that fought were slain Tyre taken The Conquerour condemned the women and children that were found unto bondage the young men to the number of â—000 he caused to be hanged all along the shore or crucified as another telleth us which was accounted a servile kind of death because the Tyrian slaves had formerly conspired against their Masters and slain them all with their whole families leaving no free people alive except one Strato and his Son to whom and his posterity they committed the Kingdom Fifteen thousand the Sidonians saved upon the account of kindred they reckoning both Tyre and Sidon to have been built by Agenor from whom the City was again re-peopled and to such as had fled to the Temple of Hercules Alexander granted indemnity amongst which the King and his family were with some Carthaginians which were come for the honour of Hercules to the Metropolis A. M. 3673. Ol. 112. an 1. V.C. 422. Darii 5. Alexand. 5. This befel Tyre in the moneth Hecatombaon when Annicetus otherwise called Niceratus and Nicetas was Archon at Athens in the first year of the 112th Olympiad the fifth of Darius and the fifth of Alexander A. M. 3673. 42. During this Siege the Officers of Darius whch escaped from the battel at Issus with all those that followed them and the youth of the Cappadocians and Paphlagonians attempted to recover Lydia but Antigonus who there commanded for Alexander overthrew them thrice in several places At the same time also Aristimenes who was sent with some ships by Darius to recover the Coast of Asia lying upon the Hellespont was wholly defeated by a Fleet of Macedonians which Alexander had sent for out of Greece 43. Whilst Alexander lay before Tyre another Ambassage came to him from Darius who now offered him 10000 talents as a ransom for his relations and all Asia betwixt the Hellespont and the River Halys in Dower with his Daughter which conditions that he might incline him to receive he sets before him the difficulties of passing into the Eastern Countries and laid the losse of the last battel to the straightnesse of the place Darius sendeth new proposals to Alexander which he refuseth he sought to terrifie him by threatning to incompasse him in the plain Countries and bad him consider how impossible it was to passe the Rivers of Euphrates Tigris Araxes and the rest with things of the like nature The proposals being brought before a select Committee of Alexander's friends Parmenio who was now old and full of riches and honour said that if he were Alexander he would accept of them to which the King answered that so would he if he were Parmenio But he returned answer to Darius that he offered him nothing but his own and what victory and his own valour had possest him of that he was to give conditions and not to receive any and that having passed the Sea it self he disdained to think of resistance in transporting his Army over Rivers As for his Daughter he said he would marry her though without his consent and if he would taste of his humanity he should come and refer himself to him Darius having received this answer prepared himself anew for the War 44. Tyre being taken Alexander invaded Judaea resolving to bring all Palestine into subjection At this time Jaddus was the High-Priest there Euseb in Chronico Plin. lib. 12. cap. 25. Josephus Antiquit lib. 11. cap. 8. whose Brother Manasses married Nicaso the Daughter of Sanballat who had been sent from Darius to govern Samaria being both Sons to John called in Nehemiah Jonathan and Johanan who was Son to Jehoiada Manasses thus matching himself the people was displeased at it and thereupon Jaddus desired him to put away his wife not only the People but the Law so requiring it Hereupon he repaired to his Father in Law and told him that his wife was dear unto him but he must either part with her or his Priest-hood who answered that he would so bring it about that he should not onely be Priest but an High-Priest also A Temple built by Sanballat on mount Gerizim being minded to build for him upon Mount Gerizim near to Samaria a Temple like to that of Jerusalem which thing he would obtain to be confirmed by Darius Many betook themselves to Manasses being allured with the newnesse of the thing and the liberality of Sanballat but Alexander at that time passing the Hellespont the consultation thereupon was disturbed After Darius was beaten and retired back into Persia Sanballat revolted unto Alexander and going over to him with 8000 men though now very old desired of him leave to build his new designed Temple perswading him it would be for his interest that thereby the Jews being divided amongst themselves might be the lesse able to resist him Alexander yielding to his request he returned and falling with great industry upon the work he died not long after 45. This was at such time as Alexander lay before Tyre during which Siege Jaddus the High-Priest of the Jews refusing to break his Faith Alexander invadeth Judaea he sent round about to demand an Oath of Allegiance and assistance from the several Cities and amongst the rest the messengers came to Jerusalem Jaddeus or Jaddus the High-Priest answered That he had entred by Oath into society with Darius and whilst he lived he might not by any means break his Faith with which answer Alexander being moved after the taking of Tyre not of Gaza as Josephus thinketh for then he must have returned backwards hee invaded Judaea The High-Priest and People then looked for nothing but ruine but he imploring the assistance of God was warned in a dream to go out and meet him adorned with his Pontifical Vestments with the Levites and People as in a solemn Procession Alexander meeting this long train But his wrath is appeased lighted from his Horse and adored the Priest at which thing all the rest being amazed Parmenio asked him the reason thereof to whom he answered that he worshipped not the Priest but the God whom he served for that whilst he was yet in Greece and consulted about his Expedition
in his Cradle into the field thinking he being present could not but be victorious or that his people durst not forsake him who was unable to defend himself Alcetas Amyntas Alexander Alcetas after him reigned 29 years Amyntas the first 50 years to whom Darius Hystaspis sent for earth and water as tokens of subjection Alexander his son who slew the Ambassadors sent to his father reigned 43 years and by marrying his sister Gygaea to Dubares the Persian grew into such grace with Xerxes that he obtained all the Region between Olympus and Hermus to be united to his Kingdom and yet during the War held secret intelligence with the Graecians discovering to them all his intents and purposes He left three sons Perdiccas Alcetas and Philip the eldest of which succeeded him whose story is sometimes by pieces related by Thucydides Perdiccas left behind him Perdiccas and Archelaus his base son Perdiccas Perdiccas was drowned in a Well by Archelaus his Guardian at seven years of age the murtherer to excuse himself alleging to his mother that he fell in by chance as he hastily followed a Goose that way 3. Archelaus having dispatched his brother out of the way Aristotl Politic. lib. 5. did the same by Alcetas his Uncle and Alexander his Cousin son to Alcetas and yet though he came in this way is said to have done many things to the advantage of the Nation which is usual with Usurpers Vide Raleium lib. 4. cap. 1. He sought by all means to draw Socrates to him and greatly loved and honoured Euripides the Tragedian He had two sons Archelaus Archelaus Orestes Archelaus succeeded him and reigned seven years some confounding father and son together and making this who reigned but seven years to have succeeded Perdiccas Archelaus at the end of seven years was slain in hunting either by chance or on purpose by Craterus called by Aelian Cratenas who relateth the cause to have been for that having married his daughter to him he took her away and gave her to another Var. Hist lib. 8. cap. 9. Cratenas had enjoyed the Kingdom scarce two or three dayes when he was also slain by others Cratenas Orestes Orestes then a Child succeeded who was served by his Guardian as his father had served his Pupill being killed by Aecopus one of the bloud Royal who held the Kingdom six years the same who at first denied passage to Agesilaus when he returned out of Asia He left three sons Pausanias Argaeus and Alexander Pausanias when he had reigned one year was slain by Perdiccas the son of Tharcileus or of Philip Diodorus ad Olymp. 96. ann 3. who being son of Perdiccas and Grand-son to Alexander the Rich was preserved when Archelaus the Bastard slew his brother Perdiccas his Uncle Alcetas and Alexander his Cousin German 4. (a) Idem ad ann 4. Amyntas was by the Illyrians driven out of his Kingdom but restored by the Thessalians held it though very unquietly 24 years Some wrote how after his expulsion Argaeus obtained the Kingdom for two years Amyntas till again he recovered it (b) Ad Olymp. 99. ann 2. Xenoph. When he was overcome by the Illyrians having little hope to recover his Kingdom he gave the Olynthians a great part of the grounds adjacent but after his restitution required it again They refused to restore what was freely given them He hereupon gathered an Army and sent to the Lacedaemonians for aid who sent Phaebidas to him with 10000 men at such time as he surprised Cadmea the Citadel of Thebes having sent before his brother but the Olynthians had taken much of his Kingdom and made themselves Masters of Pella the Metropolis of Macedon He had issue by his wife Eurydice three sons Alexander Perdiccas and Philip besides one daughter called Euryone or Exione He had also by his second wife Gygaea three sons Archelaus Argaeus and Menelaus afterwards slain by their brother Philip. Alexander Alexander reigned not much above one year in which time he was invaded by Pausanias the son of Aeropus but defended by Iphicrates the Athenian who declared his fidelity in this as well as other things towards the Children of Amyntas that Eurydice flying to him with her two Children Perdiccas and Philip he defended and sustained her Against him Ptolomy Alorites made War Ptolomy Alorites and both called Pelopidas the Theban to judge betwixt them who having decided the controversie as Plutarch saith took Philip the Kings brother and 30 other of the sons of the chief Nobility Philip educated at Thebes as Hostages to Thebes But within a year after Ptolomy murdred him not being his base brother as some suppose saith Scaliger Justin telleth us he was slain at the procurement of his mother Eurydice which having agreed to marry her son-in-law which must be this Ptolomy Alorites and thence cometh he to be called the brother of Alexander Consulted in her husbands life time how she might kill him and transfer the Kingdom to the Adulterer which being betrayed by their daughter Amyntas for his Childrens sake would not use any severity towards her little thinking she would really accomplish her wicked design upon any of them at length 5. Ptolomy Alorites held the Kingdom of Macedonia for three years Diod. ad Olymp. 103. ann 4. and then was slain by Perdiccas the brother of Alexander who succeeded him and reigned five He was then slain in battel against the Illyrians according to Diodorus but Justin saith he perished by the wicked practices of his mother as Alexander did First Guardian of his Nephew Perdiccas left behind him a young son of whom Philip his brother was constituted Guardian in the second year of Ochus King of Persia in the first year of the 105th Olympiad Callimedes being Archon Plutarch maketh him to have been carried as an Hostage to Thebes by Pelopidas Diodorus writeth that his father gave him as an Hostage to the Illyrians and that they committed him to the Thebans to be kept who delivered him to the custody of Polymnis the father of Epaminondas with whom he was brought up though Plutarch saith he lived with Pammenes and thence became an emulator of Epaminondas Justin saith he was twice given as an Hostage by his brother once to the Illyrians and another time to the Thebans which mightily conduced to his education for being three years at Thebes he laid the foundation thereof in a Citie full of ancient severity and in the house of Epaminondas a great Scholar and General If he there continued but three years he seemeth to have returned home at the beginning of the reign of his brother Perdiccas but Diodorus saith it was after his death that he made an escape from Thebes At first as it seemeth from Justin he bore but the Office of Tutor or Guardian to his Nephew but afterwards great Wars hapning in which the expectation of the Child could nothing avail he was constrained
Mithridates King of Bithynia had seized on part of Asia Having with many battel 's recovered though not all his fathers Kingdom from divers which now begun severally to pluck the parts of so great a body he sent over a strong party under the Command of Patrocles beyond Taurus who took to himself Hermogenes for his Lieutenant He intended amongst other places to fall upon Heraclea a Citie of Pontus but the Inhabitants coming out and pacifying him he made a League with them Succeedeth his father and thence through Phrygia invaded Bithynia A. M. 3723. Ol. 124. ann 3. V. C. 472. Ptol. Philad 3. where in an ambush laid for him he was cut off though he fought stoutly with his whole Army after which Zipaetes the King built a Citie upon the Hill Lyperus which being called after his own name became famous and not long after he dying His Wars left his Kingdom to Nicomedes his eldest son Against him Antiochus being about to undertake an Expedition he craved help of those of Heraclea promising them to requite them with the like favour in their necessity which they took as an occasion to fall off again and break the League made with Hermogenes and partly by force and partly by purchase recovered divers places taken from them and attempting to do so by Amestris which one Eumenes held he chose rather out of anger to deliver up the Town to Ariobarzanes the son of Mâ—thridates than to self it to them Not long after Antiochus and Antigonus Gonatas being at difference and preparing for the War on both sides Nicomedes joyned himself with Antigonus against whom therefore the other thought first to try his strength Mithridates strengthning himself procured 13 Gallies from Heraclea which adding to his own Fleet he went against that of Antiochus but facing one another for some time they departed at length without a fight Antigonus Gonatas maketh a League with him 3. Antigonus Gonatas being resolved to venture for Macedonia where his father Demetrius Poliorcetes once reigned though he had once already been overthrown by Ptolomy Ceraunus who now held that Kingdom made a League with Antiochus This Prince might be the more willing to imbrace it by reason that the Gauls were now come into Asia brought by Nicomedes of Bithynia to help him against Zybaeas or Zipatus the younger who held from him whether his brother or no is uncertain the Maritime part of that Countrey After they had helped him to recover Bithynia they harrased all the Countreys far and wide He repelleth the Galls and thence hath the name of Soter and though they were but 20000. and of them but half fighting men yet struck they such a Terrour into all Nations on this side Taurus as most though they had never seen them submitted unto them But Antiochus as we have it from Appian repelled them from his Territories and thence for saving the Countrey harmlesse had the name of Soter or Saviour Pausan in Phocicis having before sent as aid into Greece 500 men against their Countrey-men under the conduct of Telesarchus the Syrian After this having married his daughter Apame to Magas King of Cyrene and brother to Ptolomy Philadelphus he was perswaded by his son-in-law to break the League which his father Seleucus had made with Ptolomy and invade Egypt Idem in Atticis but as he was about to do this and was gathering forces for it Ptolomy sent several parties of Soldiers into all the Countreys over which he reigned whereof some acting the parts of Robbers and others of Enemies diverted him from his purpose The last ingagement he was in that we read of was with Eumenes the first King of Pergamus near Sardis Strabo lib. 13. from whom he received an overthrow The Original of the Kingdom of Pergamus 4. For there was one Philetaerus an Eunuch born at Tios in Paphlagonia Strabo ibid. and belonging to Lysimachus who made him Keeper of his Treasure placed at Pergamus which he built very strong upon the Hill He continued very faithfull to him Pausan in Atticis till such time as Arsinoe caused him to murder Agathocles his eldest son at which he being troubled and thereupon she accusing him to her husband he revolted from him and sending to Seleucus offered himself and the money to him then in the troubles betwixt them two so cunningly behaved himself as he kept possession and alwayes fawning upon and obliging the next and most potent Prince remained Master of the place and Treasure for twenty years For Seleucus being murdered by Ptolomy Ceraunus he redeemed the body with a great sum of Gold and sent the ashes thereof to this Antiochus Soter his son This Philoterus had two brothers Eumenes and Attalus the former of which had a son of his own name who succeeded his deceased Uncle and having in his possession the places lying about Pergamus overthrew Antiochus who now it seemeth counted him an incroaching neighbour as we said before Antiochus also built a Citie in Syria which he called by his wives name Apamea and after that another of the same name called after his mother who was the daughter of Artabazus herein imitating his father At length having killed one son Prolog in Trogi Pomp. lib. 26. and nominated another his Successor he died after he had reigned 19 years A. M. 3742. the second of the 129 Olympiad Antiochus Theos from whom the Parthians revolt 5. Antiochus his son succeeded him Appian in Syriacis sirnamed Theos most prophanely by the Milesians because he rid them of Timarchus their Tyrant From him the Parthians first revolted who being as * Lib. 41. Justin out of Trogus tells us Exiles out of Scythia in the language of which Countrey Parthus signifieth such an one were very obscure under the Government of the Medes and Persians and being Conquered by Alexander when none of his Captains after his death would accept of the Soveraignty over them fell to the lot of Satagenor a stranger but a friend to the Macedonians They followed first Eumenes in the Civil Wars after his death Antigonus and then submitted themselves to Seleucus and his Successors till now they took occasion to revolt at the instigation of Arsaces His brother Tiridates Strabo lib. 11.5 Argathocles the Governour of these parts endeavouring filthily to abuse was slain and then the Macedonians were thence expelled At the same time Theodotus the Governour of the 1000 Bactrian Cities revolted also which the people of the East using for a pattern And the Eastern Provinces in like manner fell off from Antiochus He waged many Wars with Ptolomy Philadelphus till such time as both being weary they contracted an Alliance Ptolomy giving his daughter Berenice to the other who had two sons already Seleucus and Antiochus Cap. 11. vers 6. by Laodice his former wife Herein that Prophecie of Daniel is taken to be fulfilled which saith that in the end of
against whom he fought most courageously till being forsaken of his men he was slain or else killed himself Phraates had a little before this to divert him from Parthia A. M. 3877. Ol. 163. ann 1. V. C. 626. Seleucid 185. Ptol. Physc 19. Hyrcani 8. sent back his brother Demetrius with a Guard of Parthians to seize upon Syria but now repenting him of that sent some to pursue him and bring him back but he fearing such a thing had by his speed prevented it Phraates finding a daughter of his which her Uncle Antiochus had taken along with him in his expedition fell so in Love with her as he married her out of hand 77. Demetrius then recovered all the Kingdom of Syria Iustin ibid. though not long likely to hold it by reason of that malice he contracted both from Soldiers and People Iosephus Antiquit lib. 13. cap. 17. Hyrcanus the High Priest and chief Magistrate of the Jews taking this occasion leads down an Army to the Cities of Syria supposing indeed as it was that he should find them unmanned took Medeba in the sixth moneth then Samega and Sicima the Metropolis of the Samaritans and so to no King after Antiochus Sidetes were the Jews subject but shook off the yoak of the Syrian Kingdom Iustin lib. 42. The Parthian King intended to make war upon him but was hindred by the Scythians whom having sent for to aid him against Antiochus because they came something too late he denied them their pay for which they harrassed his borders and he opposing them with the Greeks whom he had taken before in the War and cruelly used was betrayed by them and so slain with the rest of his Army Idem lib. 39. Iosephus ut priùs Demetrius being absent in Aegypt the Antiochians first then other Cities revolted not enduring his pride as they pretended which he had increased by his durance in Parthia so that he was forced to return but they sent to Ptolomy Physcon desiring him to send them some one of the posterity of Seleucus to reign over them He sent them a young man an Aegyptian the son of one Protarchus a Merchant A fable was invented of his being adopted by Antiochus Balas whereupon his name being Zabinas or Zabinaus he was sirnamed Alexander Demetrius having recovered the Kingdom is outed of it by his rebellious Subjects and Zabinas a counterfeit and is slain at Tyre and the Syrians being willing to have any rather than Demetrius readily received him Being come into Syria it happned that the reliques of Antiochus Sidetes were sent at the same time into Syria which being received very solemnly by all the Cities he also counterfeited a true mourner and got himself thereby much favour from his new Subjects not discovering his tears to be feigned Not long after he fought with Demetrius near to Damascus and overthrew him who then fled to Cleopatra his wife to Ptolomais but being excluded by her and his sons with a few servants he went to Tyre hoping to save himself there by the religion of the Temple and was slain by the procurement of his wife or Zabinas after his return from Parthia in the 189 year of the Seleucidae A. M. 3881 the first of the 164. Olympiad 78. Alexander Zabinas then a counterfeit succeeded Demetrius Appian ut supra Josephus by the favour of the People though he left two sons by Cleopatra Seleucus and Antiochus sirnamed Grypus from his hooked nose The former of these taking a Diadem upon him at the years end his mother slew him with a dart by her own hands because he did it without permission fearing perhaps he might revenge his Fathers death or being caried out with that height of spirit wherewith she ordered and ruined all things Alexander entered into a League and alliance with Hyrcanus of Judaea Excerpt Diori Siculi Three of his greatest Captains revolted from him and seized upon Laodicea but he reduced and yet pardoned them being of a mild and pleasing deportment Justin lib. 42. whereby he got the affections of all men But him he alienated from him whom it most concernd him still to oblige viz. Ptolomy who of late had set him up He despised Ptolomy now growing insolent as being able to stand on his own legs which the other taking in great disdain that a creature whom he had raised out of the dust should so requite him laboured faster to pull him down than ever he had done for his advancement He reconciled himself to his sister Cleopatra and for that Antiochus whom she had by Demetrius was yet alive unto whom having bestowed the title of King she ruled all her self he sent him great aid and his daughter Tryphaena for a wife which the People seeing Antiochus Grypus son to Demetrius defeateth and killeth Alexander Balas the usurping counterfeit began to revolt apace from Alexander At length they ingaged in a battel in which Alexander was overthrown who then fled to Antioch where wanting money to pay his Soldiers he took out of the Temple of Jupiter an image of Victory of massie Gold jesting it out that Jupiter had lent him Victory But a little after attempting to remove secretly and take away Jupiter's image it self of an infinite weight he was discovered and forced to run away by the multitude after which being oppressed with a grievous Tempest and forsaken by his followers he was taken by thieves and by them brought to Antiochus Grypus was killed though some give other accounts of his death after he had reigned four years 79. His mother was sore grieved at his Victory Idem ibid. Appian ut supra thinking her dignity was lessend by it having an ambitious desire of reigning her self with which she was so far driven as to offer him a cup of poyson as he once came in from exercise which he having knowledge of beforehand refused as it were in civility desired her to do it her self and then urging her to it at length producing witnesse of her wicked intent told her there was no way to clear her self but by drinking that which she had prepared for her son so that being forced to do it her wickednesse fell upon her own head Being thus rid of his unnatural mother he reigned securely eight years but then Antiochus his half brother the son of Antiochus Sidetes begot on his mother and from Cyzicus the place where we was brought up under Craterus the Eunuch Is emulated by Antiochus Cyzicenus his half brother and cousin german called Cyzicenus began to be his emulator for the Kingdom whom he then going about to poyson provoked him to a more speedy attempt of what he had but before designed At this time it hapned that Cleopatra the sister and wife of Ptolomy Lathurus being divorced from him by the means of that notable woman her mother came into Syria and maried with this Cyzicenus and for that she would not seem utterly to
acquired possessions envying him not the inheritance of his Ancestors Four years he kept it till such time as Pompey the Great having finished the War against Tigranes reduced it into the form of a Roman Province Appian in Mithridaticis Justin ibid. though he challenged it as his inheritance But it being easie to deal with him as he listed who was utterly unarmed he put it off by affirming it to be unreasonable that after the Romans had been at all the cost and pains to conquer Tigranes the reward should fall unto another and with saying that he would not leave it to him Is untimely spoiled of it by Pompey lest he being unable to protect it it should bee rendered obnoxious to the depredations of the Jews and Arabians Thus Antiochus having never ill deserved of the Romans was commanded to content himself within Comagena whence his posterity never stirred and the Kingdom of Syria fell A. M. 3942 the second of the 179 Olympiad A. M. 3942. Ol. 179. an 2. V. C. 691. Seleucid 250. sixty one years before the Aera of Christ in the 250 of the Seleucidae the 270 after the battel at Issus after which it fell under the power of Alexander the Great M. Tullus Cicero and C. Antonius Nepos being Consuls CHAP. VI. The Aegyptian Kingdom From the death of Ptolomy the son of Lagus to the death of Cleopatra and the reducing of Aegypt into the form of a Roman Province containing the space of 254 years PTolomy the son of Lagus had several sons by Eurydice his wife the daughter of Antipater and by Berenice Pausan in Atticis Justin lib. 16. which woman was sent down by Antipater onely to accompany her with whom yet he fell so in Love as marrying her Ptolomy Philadelphus he passionately affected her alwayes and a year or two before his death made one of her sons called afterwards Ptolomy Philadelphus his Copartner in the Kingdom and more than that served him sometimes as one of his attendants saying it was more excellent than a Kingdom to be the son of a King His eldest son by Eurydice seeing this thought it was no staying for him in Aegypt but fled to Seleucus by whom being honourably entertained with some hopes of being setled in Aegypt after his fathers death he so badly requited him as he treacherously slew him as we before shewed Philadelphus after his fathers death made away two of his brothers the one as conspiring against his life and the other as suspected to raise a Rebellion in Cyprus In power and riches he surpassed his father Being learned himself above the common raite of Princes he sought to promote knowledge by rewarding the most eminent and industrious of which flourished many in his time and founding that his famous Library at Alexandria consisting of 200000 Volumes Demetrius Phalereus that noble Philosopher and sometime Prince of Athens being he that was imployed in the Collection perswaded him to send to Eleazar the High-Priest of the (a) Vide circares Judaeorum Josephum contra Apionem lib. 2. Tertull. in Apolog Josephus Antiq. lib. 12. cap. 2. Aristeas de 70 Inter. Jews to desire their Law and that he might be the easilier induced to send it by the Counsel of Aristeas who wrote the story he purchased the liberty of all such Jews as were slaves in Aegypt to the number of about 100000. which cost him more then 460 Talents He sent also extraordinary rich gifts to the Temple and the High-Priest chusing out 72 men most eminent for birth learning and experience dispatched them into Aegypt with the Law to be translated by them into Greek The Translation of the Septuagint Being nobly entertained and feasted by him for several dayes they were set to their work in the Island Pharos right over against Alexandria which in 72 dayes with admirable agreement they are said to have finished after which the King having exceedingly admired the wisdom of the Law-giver and commanded the book carefully to be kept dismissed them with great Rewards to themselves and Presents to him that sent them 2. He got the sirname of Philadelphus Pausan in Atticis not for any love shewed to his brothers two of whom he put to death but to his sister Arsinoe whom after an incestuous though Aegyptian fashion he married having Children before by another Arsinoe daughter to Lysimachus by his sister he never had any she dying before she was delivered Demetrius Phalereus laboured to disswade his father from leaving him his successor and counselled him to bestow the Kingdom on some of Eurydice's sons for which he was now cast out of favour and died by the biting of an Asp which he put to his hand He had a brother by his mothers side named Magas Laertius in vita Demetrii Pausan ibid. whose father was one Philip a Macedonian but of base Original Him his mother had procured to be made Governour of Cyrene the Inhabitants of which he now raised and caused them to revolt from him and marched with an Army towards Aegypt and Ptolomy securing all the passages went out to encounter him But news coming in the way that the Marmaridae a people of the Lybian Nomades had rebelled Magas his brother obtaineth Cyrene Magas retreated in all haste back to Cyrene and Ptolomy then intending to follow him was hindred by the Galls in his Army whom he having hired amongst others he found to have plotted to seize upon Egypt but he brought them all to the number of 4000 through the Nile to a desert Island where with famine and other wayes they were made away Magas after this having married Apames the daughter of Antiochus Soter perswaded him to break the League betwixt him and his brother and invade Egypt which he prepared to do but Ptolomy sent several parties abroad into Syria and found him so much work at home that he could have no time to look abroad Justin lib. 26. and Magas before his death having a desire to be friends with his brother betrothed his daughter to his son Betwixt this Ptolomy and the next Antiochus sirnamed Theos were continual Wars till both being weary thereof entered into an Alliance Ptolomy giving him in marriage his daughter Berenice which proved but an occasion of greater trouble and the destruction of the Bride though he lived not to see it For he notwithstanding all his learning gave himself up to luxury and fondly dreaming he should live alwayes and that by him alone was found out immortality presently died after he had reigned 38 years alone Athenaeus lib. 12. cap. 17. and one with some odd moneths together with his father A. M. 3758. and the 2d of the 133th Olympiad 3. Ptolomy his son by Arsinoe the daughter of Lysimachus Justin lib. 27. succeeded him in the 16th year of Antiochus Theos and was sirnamed Euergetes As soon as he came to the Kingdom he had work enough made him in Syria
to the Sun-beams 17. In the time of this Philometor Josephus ibid. the Jews and Samaritans inhabiting Alexandria fell out about their way of Worship they contending earnestly that the Temple of Jerusalem Dissention betwixt the Jews and Samaritans those that that at Gerizim was founded most according to the prescript of Moses and so earnest was the dispute that both parties appealed to him and his Council for a decision of the controversie who being to judge according to evidence produced out of the Law was to put to death those pleaders which could not make good their cause For the Jews appeared Andronicus the son of Messalani for the Samaritans Sabbaeus and Theodosius who being heard by Ptolomy in a full Assembly all were so well satisfied in the proofs brought by Andronicus as the King gave sentence on his side and condemned Sabbaeus and Theodosius Justin lib. 35. Philometer about this time was deeply ingaged in the affairs of Syria for Demetrius Soter having molested him much with War together with Attalus King of Asia and Ariarathes of Cappadocia all these agreed to suborn a young man of base condition who counterfeiting himself the son of Antiochus Epiphanes spoiled Demetrius both of his Kingdom and life This Alexander as he is called being especially beholden to Ptolomy for this change of his condition desired of him his daughter in marriage 1 Maccab. 10. 11. which he readily agreed to and brought her named Cleopatra to him to Ptolemais where the nuptials were solemnized with great state Afterwards Alexander giving up himself to cruelty and luxury Demetrius the son of Demetrius Soter Joseph Antiq. lib. 13. cap. 8. having hired Soldiers in Crete attempted the recovery of his fathers Kingdom Ptolomy with great forces both by Land and Sea came then into Syria under pretence of helping his son-in-law but getting a great part of the Countrey into his hands as far as the River Orontes and the Citie Seleucia he had other intentions having conceived great prejudice in his mind against Alexander the special occasion of which was that whereas one Ammonius a great Officer of his had conspired against his life at Ptolemais Ptolomy fighting against Alexander King of Syria whom he had formerly set up received a wound and dieth he refused to give him up to him upon his demand Wherefore though he went to Antioch and there set two Diadems on his head the one for Syria and the other for Egypt yet perswaded he the Antiochians to receive Demetrius for their King and taking away his daughter from Alexander gave her to him Alexander was overthrown after which he fled into Arabia as we said and there was made away A. M. 3859. Ol. 158. ann 3. V. C. 608. But in the fight it hapned that his Horse being affrighted at the noise of an Elephant threw him which the Enemies perceiving came upon him and gave him such a wound in his head that for four dayes he lay sencelesse and though coming to himself on the next he was mightily pleased at the sight of the head of Alexander Balas which was sent him yet proved it not such a Cordial but the third day after Livius Epit. lib. 52. as his Physicians were busie in dressing his own he died after he had reigned 34 years A. M. 3859. in the third of the 158 Olympiad 18. After his death the order of succession was first changed in this Kingdom For whereas hitherto the son had continually followed his father Justin lib. 38. Valerius Max. lib. 38. Valerius Max. lib. 9. cap. 1. Exter Exemp 5. and now Cleopatra his wife with the help of the Princes endeavoured to have it so in his son and hers yet his brother Euergetes the second or Physcon then reigning in Cyrene withstood her purpose and forced her for to put an end to the controversie to marry him Coming to Alexandria he first caused the favourers of the Child to be slain and then the boy himself in the arms of his mother on their Wedding day and amidst the solemnities according to which beginning he proceeded being nothing milder towards those that had sent for him For giving liberty to the outlandish Soldiers to kill and rifle he filled all places with slaughters Excerpt Diodori Siculi many being accused as though they had plotted against him were made away with cruel torments others under some pretence or other banished and their goods confiscate Ptolomy Physcon unjustly obtaining the Kingdom his cruelty Having a son born of this his sister he named him Memphitis after the place of his birth but whilest he was keeping his birth-day that he might also feed his cruel humour he put to death divers Cyrenaeans who brought him into Egypt for taxing him somewhat liberally for his too much familiarity with Irene his Concubine As his cruelty so also his lust knew no bounds for ravishing first his wives daughter and his own Niece both by Father and Mother he put away his wife and married her Val. Max. ibid. whereat the Inhabitants of Alexandria being affrighted for fear of death quit their habitations so that he being left alone as a King of houses and not of men by Proclamation called and gave leave to strangers to inhabit them It hapned that at such time as they flocked thither came also P. Scipio Africanus the younger Sp. Mummius and L. Metellus Cicero in somnio Scipionis A. M. 3875. Ol. 162. an 3. V. C. 624. Ptol. Phys 17. Joh. Hyrcani 6. sent from Rome to visit the Kingdoms and States of the East and compose their differences Scipio being landed and having his face covered the People flocked about him and desired him to uncover himself which he granting they out of the great pleasure conceived at the sight of such a person gave a shout Physcon himself coming out to meet them was exceedingly ridiculous to them being a man otherwise sufficiently deformed of a low stature and such corpulence as his belly resembled rather that of a beast than a man He provided magnificent entertainment but they despising his dainties as corrupting the manners of men ate very sparingly Excerpt Diodori onely minded that they came about and travelled into the Country where viewing the several places thereof considering the populousnesse strength and convenience of their situation they concluded Egypt a convenient seat for the greatest Empire if it had but Lords that knew how to make use of it and so departed to Cyprus and thence into Syria 19. After some time he became so odious to the new inhabitants also for his cruelty that they set fire to his Palace Justin ut prius Livius Epit. lib. 59. Val. Max. l. 9. c. 2. exter exempl 5. and he was driven with his wife and son to get away to Cyprus after which they restored the Kingdom to Cleopatra his sister whom he had put away Hereupon he raised an Army and made War upon her and them and fearing
that they might send for his eldest son from Cyrene and make him King to prevent that he murdered him which being known they cast down his statues and images He taking this to be done as well in favour of his sister Cleopatra as in despight of himself to be revenged sufficiently on her A. M. 3876. Ol. 162. an 4. V.C. 625. Ptol. Physcon 18. Joh. Hyrcani 7. commanded their son Memphites a comely and towardly childe to be killed in his presence and then his head hands and feet to be cut off and being sent to Alexandria to be presented her as she was feasting at the celebration of her own birth day This struck not onely her but all the City into exceeding horror and amazement and the sad spectacle was shewed to the People to let them know what they might expect from such a King He notwithstanding all this yet went on in his own way for considering how he was hated by his People that he might reign more securely as he thought in their weaknesse he caused a place of publick meeting full of youth to be set on fire and destroyed all therein either with fire or sword Cleopatra having put an end to mourning for her son Justin Lib. 39. Vide Hegelochum apud Usserium p. 118. and seeing her self pressed with War by her brother sent to Demetrius Nicator King of Syria and her son in Law for aid offering him the Kingdom for his pains in securing it He gladly accepting the offer came down and waged War with Physcon for some time but his People revolting from him at home was forced to return so that she being then in a manner destitute was glad to follow him into Syria Physcon then reentering and being seized anew of the Kingdom the Antiochians knowing his prejudice against Demetrius He suborneth one against Demetrius Nicator sent to him for one of the posterity of Seleucus to reign over them whereupon he suborned a young man and son of a Merchant to mend the matter giving out that Alexander Balas was his Father The counterfeit by his help outed Demetrius of his Kingdom but then not being able to bear so high a condition for which he was never bred grew proud and despised him Therefore to be revenged on him being now reconciled to his sister Porphyr apud Euseb A. M. 3888. Ol. 165. an 4. V. C. 637. he pulled him down again Dieth by sending aid and his daughter for a wife to Antiochus Grypus the son of Demetrius Not long after Physcon died after he had reigned from his brothers death 29 years A. M. 3888 and the last of the 165 Olympiad 20. He left three sons and as many daughters behind him Idem Pausan in Atticis One of his sons being base born and called Ptolomy Apion he left King of Cyrene by his will as for Egypt he left that to his wife and to either of her sons which she should chuse judging that the State of Egypt would be better setled than the Kingdom of Syria He leaveth Aegypt to his wives disposal when the mother making choice of one son should make the other her Enemy She thinking that her youngest named Alexander would be more pliable and observant of her laboured with the People to accept of him for their King but they not at all yielding to this she was forced to call home the elder Lathurus or Lathyrus from Cyprus whither she had procured his father to banish him but before she gave him the Kingdom she took away his beloved wife Cleopatra Who first taketh to her one son and then another and commanded him to mary his younger sifler Selene Cleopatra being thus divorced by her mother rather than forsaken of her husband maried to Antiochus Cyzicenus in Syria as we before said and caried away with her the Army in Cyprus for a portion The Queen mother that she might be the more awful to Lathurus her son in the second year of their reign made Alexander King of Cyprus and sent him thither and then at the end of other six took away from him his wife Selene though she had brought him two sons and again to compleat her malice stirred up the People against him For taking such of her Eunuchs as were most faithful to her she brought them wounded into the publick accusing him of having endeavoured to make her away and of so using those that were true to their trust in her defence at which the Alexandrians being sore moved came so upon him as he narrowly escaped with his life and then sent they for Alexander from Cyprus and made him King 21. Lathurus made but an exchange with his brother as it fell out Joseph Antiq. lib. 13. c. 20 21. making himself Master of Cyprus whither yet his mother followed him with het hatred and War the effect thereof Here he lay not idle for Alexander Jannaeus at this time King of the Jews besieging Ptolemais the inhabitants thereof sent to him for aid and though they repented them of the bargain made with him and sent to stop his journy yet he came on and at his approach the siege was raised Then invaded he Judaea and overthrowing Jannaeus in a great and bloody battel Lathurus invadeth Judaea but his mother marcheth against and spoileth all his projects harased the Country Cleopatra his mother was sttartled at this his power and prosperity and resolved he was to be brought down else her affaires were but in a tottering condition therefore sending a good part of her treasure with her Nephews and testament to the Island Cous She came her self into Phaeucia besieged Ptoelmais and persecuted him into Coelesyria He having some hopes to get Egypt into his hands in her absence marched in all haste down thither but being disappointed and pursued by a party sent by her he was forced to return and winter at Gaza She in the mean time took Ptolemais whither Jannaeus came to her with whom a little after she renewed the League at Seythopolis and then he prospering much in Coelesyria Lathurus was forced to return to Cyprus and his mother seeing that departed also into Egypt During these Wars betwixt the mother and son it hapned Justin ut prâ— Porphyr ibid. that he was once taken by her General but dismissed again whereat she was so inraged as she put to death her Commander Her son Alexander being afraid that at length her cruelty might extend to him also withdrew himself from her preferring a secure though obscure estate before a dangerous reign She notwithstanding went on in her way not neglecting her affaires and fearing her elder son might be helped by Antiochus Cyzicenus sent great supplies to Grypus his half brother and rival with Selene for a wife taken formerly from Lathurus and by messengers prevailed with Alexander to return She is killed by Alexander her son Divers years then they lived and reigned together but at length she really
Government of the City This was the end of Antipater a right good man a great States-man and one who had preserved his fidelity to his Prince and his care to his Country before his own private or ambitious purposes 24. His sons having knowlege of his death Idem ibid. Herod would have revenged it out of hand and by open force but Phasaelus thought good rather to circumvent the murderer by some way of his own lest a civil Warre should ensue and therefore seemed to be satisfied with Malichus his flat denial of the thing and set himself about building of a monument for his Father Herod visiting Samaria and seeing it much out of order laboured what he might to cherish it and sate in Judgement deciding the controversies of the People and then presently came up to Jerusalem to the Feast with a Company of Soldiers at his heels Malichus being exceedingly afraid of his coming perswaded Hyrcanus not to permit him to enter and he accordingly forbad him to approach so holy a solemnity with a prophane rout of strangers but he notwithstanding this got in by night and so affrighted Malichus that he betook him to his old trade of dissembling weeping to him bitterly for the death of Antipater as his kind friend yet in the mean time providing himself of a guard so that for a time it was thought fit by Herods friends nor to envince his deceit but for the shunning of suspition to treat him fairly yet did he signifie by letters his Father's death to Cassius who willed him again to revenge it Antiq. ut prius cap. 20. and gave order to the Tribunes then lying at Tyre to assist him in his just endeavours Cassius not long after having taken Laodicia they went and caried him crowns and money and then Herod thought to be even with him but he suspecting something at Tyre out of desperation cast higher matters than ever in his head For his son being kept hostage in that City he resolved to go in and cary him out by stealth into Judaea and then when Cassius should be ingaged in the War against Antony to sollicit that Country to revolt and get to himself the Principality and cast out Hyrcanus But the cunning of Herod prevented him who being aware of his project invited him and Hyrcanus to supper and then sent to the Tribunes to come out to meet him who remembring the commands of Cassius encountering him on the shoar slew him there Hyrcanus was so astonished with fear at the fact that he was not himself and scarce recovering his sense asked Herod who had slain Malichus to whom one of the Tribunes answered His son Herod revengeth his death the command of Cassius at which he replyed that Cassius had preserved both him and his Country by cutting off him that plotted the destruction of both Whether he spake this seriously or approved the thing out of fear is uncertain but thus Herod revenged his Father's death upon Malichus 25. Cassius being gone out of Syria Idem ibid de bello lib. 1. c. 10. there hapned a great stir at Jerusalem by means of Foelix who being left there Commander the Soldiers attempted violence upon Phasaelus intending by his death to revenge that of Malichus upon his brother Herod It hapned that at that time Herod living at Damascus with Fabius the Roman Captain was sick and unable to come and help his brother Falleth sick but he by himself was too hard for Foelix and forced him into a Tower whence he let him go with his life and then expostulated much with Hyrcanus objecting ingratitude to him for taking Foelix his part and suffering the brother of Malichus to seize upon divers Castles for now he held many and Massada amongst the rest the strongest of all But Herod after his recovery regained them all from him suffering him to depart quietly out of Massada upon his desire Antiquit. l. 14. cap. 21. Antigonus the son of Aristobulus about this time so bribed Fabius that he suffered him to get himself an Army and Ptolomy Minnaeus because of the former affinity betwixt them made him his son in Law Marion also who by Cassius his means had subjected Tyre and divers places of Syria His acts after his recovery came in to his help having seized upon three Castels in Galile but Herod also going against them had them all surrendred by the Tyrians whom he dismissed very graciously out of respect to their City and then marched against Antigonus whom being scarcely entred the Coasts of Judaea he overthrew Returning to Jerusalem he was received very honourably not onely by the People but Hyrcanus also who had of late received him into his family contracting him to Mariamne the daughter of Alexander the son of Aristobulus and his own niece by his daughter by which wife he was made a father of three sons and two daughters having on a former wife and his own Country-woman named Doris begotten Antipater his eldest son But now within a while Cassius and Brutus were overthrown at Philippi by Caesar and Antony of whom the former returning into Italy the other came over into Asia which gave occasion to new stirs in Judaea 26. Antony being come into Bithynia Cap. 22. Ambassadors were sent to him thither from all Countries Stirs in Judaea upon the approach of Antony and amongst the rest came some from the chief of the Jews to complain of Phasaelus and Herod who usurped as they said all the power an empty title being onely left to Hyrcanus Herod went to defend himself and so prevailed with his money that his accusers were never heard Antony having reached Ephesus an Ambassie was dispatched to him in the name of Hyrcanus and the whole Nation desiring that all Captives which Cassius had caried away out of Judaea might be set at liberty by his Letters published throughout the Province Cap. 23. which he readily granted out and as he was travelling into Syria Cleopatra met him in Cilicia to whose allurements wholy giving up himself at the same time came 100 of the most considerable of the Jews to complain again of the two brothers whom Messala defended and Hyrcanus himself stood by to assist Their cause being heard at Daphne Antony demanded of Hyrcanus whether part was fitter to Govern who answering in commendation of Herod he who formerly loved the young men for their fathers sake with whom he had contracted familiarity when he served in Egypt under Gabinius constituted them both Tetrarchs and committed to them the Government of the Jews To this purpose he wrote Letters and cast fifteen of their adversaries into prison and had put them to death had not Herods intercession prevailed for them and yet were they not discouraged so as to desist For instead of 100. a thousand returned in Ambassage and stayed for him at Tyre but his favour being further purchased by the two brothers he commanded the Magistrate of that place
India to beg his friendship Returning home he shut the Temple of Janus the second time having formerly so done after his Triumph over Antony and his return out of Egypt which shutting was the third from the foundation of the Citie Strabo lib. 2. But after his return out of Spain it continued not long shut For Aelius Gallus made War against the Arabians and piercing far into their Countrey had subdued all Arabia Foelix but that he was betrayed At the same time also Candace Queen of Aethiopia sent her Captains to invade Egypt but they were repulsed by Petronius Governour of that Countrey for Cornelius Gallus having bespattered Augustus Lib. 17. and for that being condemned by the Senate had killed himself who also pursued them and taking divers Towns forced the Queen to beg peace and returned inriched to Alexandria Dio l. 17. Augustus some time after went into Greece and thence into Syria whither the Parthian now affrighted sent the Ensigns taken at the overthrow of Crassus and flight of Antony and now again did the two Kings of India Pandion and Porus send Ambassodors with presents As he returned home Virgil the Poet met him at Athens who now out of a desire to finish his Aeâ—eiados had resolved to withdraw himself out of the way into Greece and Asia but meeting here with Augustus in whose especial favour he flourished he was drawn back with him and viewing Megara in a very hot season contracted a distemper which was so much increased with sayling that growing still worse Vide vitam Virgilii A. M. 3990. V. C. 735. he died at Brundusium within a few dayes after his landing Virgil dieth in the 52th year of his age on the 12th of September and the 735th year of the Citie C. Sextius and Q. Lucretius being Consuls 37. Augustus his first wife was Scribonia which had been married to two persons of Consular Dignity and by one was a Mother Of her he begat his daughter Julia but within a short time divorced her as he pretended Sueton in Octavio cap. 62. 63 64. because of the perversity of her disposition Then did Nero who had followed L. Antonius to Perusium Augustus his wives and issue but afterwards was reconciled freely yield unto him Livia Drusilla though he had had one son already by her named Tiberius and she was big with another which being born three moneths after she had married Caesar was called Drusus By Livia Augustus had no Children but abortive His daughter Julia he married to Marcellus his sister Octavia's son and after his death to Agrippa making him put away his wife the daughter of Octavia for in a consultation Macenas took the liberty to tell him that he must either marry his daughter to Agrippa or take away his life there was no third way he had made him so great By Agrippa she had three sons Caius Lucius and Agrippa Posthuâ—â—us and two daughters Agrippina and Julia. The three sons were adopted by their Grand-father but the two former died before and the later was killed by Tiberius after the death of Augustus Dio lib. 54. Tiberius and Drusus subdued the Rhatians and Vindelicians People of Germany and afterwards the Pannonians and Frisians apart Agrippa was made partaker of the Tribunitial power by Augustus amongst other honours and ruled Syria by himself and Agents ten years Being sent into Pannonia of which Hungaria is part he stilled the Natives by the rumour of his coming and returning into Campania died shortly after Then was Tiberius compelled to mary Julia although he had already to wife Agrippina the daugher of Agrippa Within two or three years after Sueton. in Claudio Drusus having pierced very far into Germany and entered his Consulship together with L. Quintius Crispinus died also leaving two sons viz. Germanicus and Claudius in the 746 year of the City 38. The same year that Drusus died by a fall from his Horse as Livy wrote Sueton in Octavio Plinius l. 18. c. 25. Orosius lib. 6. cap. 21. Dio l. 55. p. 552. A. M. 3996. V. C. 745. Sueton in Tiberio Seneca de beneficiis l. 32. Tacitus Annal. lib. 1. who intended his History just so far Augustus being High-Priest which Office he took not upon him till the death of Lepidus amended the Calendar He amendeth the Calendar corrected formerly by his adoptive Father For in those 36 years there had been made an intercalation of twelve dayes whereas there ought to have been but of nine therefore he commanded that the twelve years following should passe without any intercalation at all that so the three dayes might be swallowed up Now he named August after himself the moneth Sextilis because in it he entered his first Consulship and had the first ensigns of Victory and Power rather than September wherein he was born The moneth â—â—â—ilis called 〈◊〉 hâ—m Aâ—gâ—sâ— Not long after did Tiberius rather by craft than force of Arms again subdue the Germans who maintained a most difficult Warre After his Triumph he withdrew himself into the Island Rhodes either because of Caius and Lucius or by reason of the intolerable dishonesty of his wife Julia for she was so abominably wanton that her father at length banished her into the Island Pandataria and very imprudently in his anger revealed her naughty cariage in way of complaint to the Senate of which indiscretion being afterward sensible he would often say that if either Agrippa or Maecenas had lived no such thing had hapened to him 39. Agrippa as we said having quieted Pannonia died after his return into Campania in the 743 year of the City three years before Drusus A. M. 3993. V. C. 743. Lib. 7. c. 8. Pliny telleth that they were first called Agrippae which were born with the feet forward as if a man should say born hardly or with much adoe And in this manner The death of Agrippa saith he as they say M. Agrippa came forth of his mothers womb the onely man almost known to have brought any good fortune with him and prospered in the World of all that were in that sort born Yet he was much pained with the Gout and passed all his youth and many a day after in bloody Wars and in danger of a thousand deaths Unfortunate he was in his children and especially in his two daughters the Agrippinae who brought forth two children pernicious to the whole Earth namely C. Caligula and Domitius Nero Emperours He died in the 51 year of his age A. M. 3997. V. C. 746. Velleius l. 2. c. 88. Dio l. 55. p. 552. tormented and vexed with the adulteries of his wife and oppressed with the intolerable servitude in which he lived under her father Four years after him and the year after Drusus died Maecenas the other favourite of Augustus Of Maecenas and the great Patron of Learned men He was in as great grace with Caesar as Agrippa though lesse honoured
Syllaeus thence came to lay open his forgeries against Herod to whom Augustus was throughly reconciled and had given him Arabia too but that he received from him other Letters containing another complaint against his sons For whilest he was thus out with Caesar the former stirs were renewed in his house by means of Eurycles a Lacedaemonian who winding himself into Alexander's acquaintance betrayed him first to Antipater and then to Herod himself He denied all accusations except that he intended with his wife to fly to Archelaus King of Cappadocia her father but Caesar being consulted as we said willed Herod to call a Council at Berytum with the Roman Presidents Archelaus of Cappadocia and the rest of his friends and Nobility there abouts and do as he should be advised He called all but Archelaus and in an Assembly of 150 men declaimed most furiously against his sons not producing any proof at all further than that they intended to fly and not suffering them to be present to answer for themselves He onely required the suffrages of the Assembly to countenance his private resolution which the major part giving though Saturninus and his sons gave an indifferent sentence he acted by fury Putteth his onâ— to death and unnatural madnesse Joseph Antiq. lib. 17. cap. 1. c. caused them to be strangled at Sebaste Antipater after the death of his brothers quickly plotted the destruction of his father and for that he was hated by all men procured some esteem by his gifts and drew Pheroras into the conspiracy to the issue of whom the Pharises promised the Kingdom For refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance they were fined by Herod to whose Kingdom they prophesied destruction and happinesse to the family of Pheroras because his wife payed their fine Herod getting out these things by the means of Salome put the principal of the Pharises to death with others and urged his brother Pheroras to put away his wife which he refusing to do he banished him his Kingdom Pheroras then departing into his Terrarchy died shortly after being visited by Herod who buried him honourably at Jerusalem Antipater standing in fear of his father wrought by his Creatures at Rome to be sent for by Caesar But this availed nothing for in his absence all came out which confirmed Salome's words to which the King in this matter had given but little credit knowing her to be too free in accusations and brought vengeance upon him notwithstanding all his craft for the murther of his brethren 45. Pheroras his wife being accused of poysoning her husband Cap. 6. c. her maids were tortured and in their pain gave some suspition of the conspiracy which was more cleared by one Antipater that had the ordering of Antipater's affairs A grievous Conspiracy against him who confessed that his Master had compounded a poyson and delivered it to Pheroras to be given to the King in his absence and that it was kept by Pheroras his wife She confirmed the same declaring that the poyson was bought in Egypt by Antipater's procurement that it was committed to her charge and how that when her husband was sick and Herod came out of kindnesse to visit him being overcome with his love he forbade her to give it him Amongst the accessaries was Herod's own wife the daughter of the High-Priest she was put away her father deposed and Mathias the son of Theophilus preferred to his place Herod also her son was put out of the Kings Teâ—â—ment wherein he had bequeathed the Kingdom to him after his death In the mean time Bathillus the Freed-man of Antipater returning from Rome was tortured and confessed that he had brought with him a poyson to deliver to Pheroras wherewith the King might be certainly and speedily dispatched in case the other should fail Antipater returned ignorant of these passages for that almost every one was his Enemy and before his father and Quintilius Varus though he sought to cover his wickednesse all things were made plain against him whereupon he was committed to close prison He sickneth Shortly after Herod himself sickned and became exceeding teasty and wrathfull as well for these things as for that he thought the people was glad of his misfortunes having at the instigation of the Doctors of their Law cut down an Eagle of Gold of great value that stood over the Portal of the Temple But his sicknesse more and more increased 46. His disease was strange and fearfull Cap. 8. 9. For he burned with an inward heat which pierced and tormented him in his bowels He was also vexed with a ravenous and infatiable appetite and an Ulcer in his Entrails with a strange and furious Colick His feet were swoln with moisture and a shining kind of flegm His strange Disease his stomack being no lesse afflicted His body rotted and was full of crawling Worms which afforded an intollerable stench besides he was held with a filthy and troublesom Priapism a strong Convulsion of his Nerves and shortnesse of breath being generally judged thus to be punished for his infinite impieties and sins committed against the Majesty of God doubtlesse his intention to kill Christ with the innocent bloud of the Infants cried loud He used all means for recovery and went over Jordan to the hot Baths of Callirhoe Thence returning to Jericho a melancholick humour seized on him which rendred him unsociable and displeased with all men Perceiving now that he should die and supposing that the Jews would much rejoyce in his death he shut up many of the chiefest of them in the Hippodrome and gave in charge to his sister Salome and her husband Alexas that as soon as he was dead they should cause them all to be killed that a lamentation might accompany his funeral Before his death he received Letters from Caesar who gave him leave to deal with his son as he saw occasion Antipater yet believing that he was dead plotted how to escape and seize on the Kingdom but his Jaylor with whom he dealt revealed it to Herod He killeth his son Antipater who had procured the death of his brothers and plotted against his father's life who commanded one of his Guard instantly to kill him and to such an end came he for the murther of his brethren and the sad Tragedies he had raised in his father's house Herod having attempted to kill himself died some five dayes after his son in the 72 year of his age 27 after his getting possession of the Kingdom and 29 after he had been declared King by the Romans 't is uncertain how long after the birth of Christ but as is supposed not above two years in the first of the 195 Olympiad the 754 of the Citie A. D. 2. Ol. 195. ann 1. V. C. 754. Caius Caesar and L. Aemilius Paulus being Consuls Salome and Alexas before his death was throughly known And dieth to their great honour discharged those that were locked up in
and exact in reforming manners by degrees falling into his natural humour Envieth Germanicus From the beginning he was much afflicted with the fame of Germanicus his brother Drusus his son by nature begotten of Antonia the younger daughter of Antony the Triumvir by Octavia the sister of Augustus concerning which Antonia Pliny reporteth that she never spate and his own by adoption who now prosperously carried on the War in Germany Within two or three years a very plausible occasion presented it self for the calling of him back from those Legions which were so much at his devotion For it hapned then that the Parthians were in great commotions about their Kings Phraates had 27 years before for his own security sent four of his sons as Hostages to Rome through the procurement of his wife I hermusa an Italian woman Josephus Antiquit lib. 18. cap. 3. which having been formerly his Concubine had then a son by him and that this her son might obtain the Crown got the rest to be sent out of the way and then they two murdered the King This Bastard called Phraataces reigned but being hated by the people for his paricide was not long after slain and then was set up one Orodes of the family of the Arsacidae who being also hated for his cruelty came to the same end Tacitus Annal. l. 2. Then sent the Parthians for one of the Hostages and Vonones the eldest was dismissed by Tiberius But they counting it a disgrace for any to reign over them who as they termed it had been a slave to Caesar rebelliously cast him off and called in Artabanus who then reigned in Media and was also one of the Arsacidae or the blood royal of Parthia He at his first entrance was repulsed by Vonones but the second time overthrew him and got possession of the Kingdom Vonones retiring into Armenia sent to Tiberius for aid who for that Artabanus threatned hard and the principal of the Armenians were of his faction did not think fit to make War upon him therefore Vonones yielded himself to Creticus Silanus who governed Syria and Artabanus set Orodes one of his own sons over Armenia At the same time Antiochus King of Commagena dying Sueton in Tiberio cap. 49. Tacitus ut priùs a contention arose betwixt the Nobility and Commons the former would have the Countrey reduced into the form of a Roman Province but the people were for a King Now also Philopator King of Cilicia being dead his subjects were divided upon the very same grounds Syria also and Judaea being weary of their burthens desired a diminution of their Tributes 57. Idem cap. 43. Tiberius now perswaded the Senate that the abilities of Germanicus were requisit for quieting the East whereupon the Provinces beyond the Seas were decreed to him with larger power than had been granted to any that governed them either by lot or the gift of the Prince Germanicus was often importuned by Tiberius upon this ground to return yet intent upon his businesse he first subdued several Nations in Germany and by the overthrow of Arminius obtained great glory which was something obscured at last by a shipwrack It was the design of Tiberius to expose him unto danger and treachery therefore he removed Silanus his friend and put Cn. Piso a froward man into his room to whom he gave in charge some secret thing as many believed Under pretence of quieting the East exposeth him to danger and treachery Germanicus being thus expelled to compose the affairs of the East as * Sueton in Caligula cap. 1. Tacitus ibid. cap 56. one truely termeth it placed Zeno the son of Polemo King of Pontus over Armenia Q. Veranius a Knight had the oversight of Cappadocia which was made a Province for Archelaus the King thereof courted not Tiberius enough when he was at Rhodes and therefore was called to Rome and there kept till his death Q. Servaeus also was set over Commagena Artabanus sent to Germanicus about renewing the league and good correspondence desiring that Vonones might not be kept in Syria nor suffered by his Messengers to sow discord amongst the people offering him also leave to come to the bank of Euphrates to which he answered as became the State and himself This year died Livy the Historian Euseb in Chronico who was born at Padua and also Ovid the Poet having remained a banished man in Pontus several years whither the displeasure of Augustus confined him either for that he had seen him do some unseemly thing which he would not have known or for publishing his wanton books concerning Love A. D. 19. V.C. 771. Lib. 2. De Tristibus as he hints himself This was the 771 year of the Citie the 19th after the birth of Christ Tiberius Augustus the third and Germanicus Caesar the second time being Consuls 58. Germanicus the year following made a voyage into Egypt Tacitus lib. 2. Capp 59 60 c. A. D. 20. V. C. 772. Sueton in Caligula cap. i 2 3 4 c. Josephus Antiquit l. 18 c. 8. to view it for the rarity of its Antiquities for which he was chidden by Tiberius as going without his leave Thence returning into Syria he was most shamefully and without any measure affronted by Piso and at length died of a lingring disease at Antioch Who dieth of a lingring disease at Antioch being thought to miscarry by the fraud of Tiberius and the Ministry of Piso who plainly said that he must either displease Father or Son But the fruit he reaped in pleasing thus the Father was but unpleasing for returning to Rome the year following he escaped narrowly tearing in pieces by the people and being condemned by the Senate killed himself For Germanicus there was an universal mourning not onely in Rome and the Provinces but also amongst Barbarians and Enemies themselves He was a person excellently accomplished and of a most sweet disposition whereby he became the love and delight of the people and Augustus long debating with himself whether he should not leave him his Successor at length caused Tiberius to adopt him who 't is thought being restrained by fear and reverence of him after his death broke out into such courses as made the other more missed and glorious By his wife Agrippina the daughter of Agrippa and Julia he died father of three sons His issue viz. Nero Drusus and Caius and of as many daughters He died in the 34th year of his age and that which followed his second Consulship M. Junius Solanus and C. Norbanus Flaccus being Consuls 59. Three or four years after was Tiberius punished in his own kind by the poysoning of his own son Drusus and that by his greatest favourite Aelius Seianus This man being the son of Seius Strabo a Roman Knight Tacitus Annal. lib. 4. when very young followed Caius the Nephew of Augustus and afterwards by divers Arts wound himself into the affections of Tiberius
intervening matters impertinent to his present purpose read the History of any Empire or Kingdom Contemporary to it by it self so he may likewise observe that the principal passages in all of them are linck'd together by Synchronisms not onely placed in the Margent but in the beginning or end of every notable Occurrence Thus I have briefly and with much sincerity couch'd together some of those Excellencies which amongst many others I have observed in this Institution of History of which if I may presume to give my private opinion though I am conscious to my self how little it ought to signifie to the World I think the work taken all together is for the order of it handsomly and judiciously contrived for its style perspicuous and for the learning in the several parts of History Antiquity and Chronology uncommon Those who desire a greater politenesse in the style may consider that the florid way of writing which hath undeservedly acquired so great a name to some of our own Age and Nation is nothing proper to an Historian and that our Author busied himself in matters more serious and of greater use he chose rather the plain but comely strength of the Dorique Pillar than the Effeminate though curious shape of the Corinthian For my own part I confesse that plainnesse and unaffected simplicity is pleasing to me and I think no Intelligent Person that goes upon businesse will leap Hedges out of the open and direct Road to Travel over Flowry Fields or painted Meadows AN INSTITUTION OF Generall History The First Part. BOOK I. CHAP. I. From the beginning of the world to the beginning of the first Empire 1. IN (a) Gen. 1.1 the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth By (b) Heb. 1.3 Faith we understand that they were framed by his Word so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Man created 2. Mans habitation being made and conveniently furnished the sixth day Gen. 1. c. then and not till then was he made of the dust of the Earth and God breathing into his nosthrils the breath of life he became a living Soul Being placed in the Garden of Eden and a meet help wanting to him Eve was framed of one of his ribs Of all the Trees of the Garden except that of the knowledge of Good and Evil they might safely eate and at such time as they should eat it they were surely to dye But the Serpent beguiled the woman Falleth who did eat thereof and giving to her Husband he also did eat Hereby they rendred themselves guilty of temporall and eternall death they were condemned to labour and sorrow and those not confined to their own persons but extended to their whole posterity involved with them in the same guilt the demonstrating whereof might seem the Scope of this present Work nothing having succeeded but vanity and vexation of spirit nothing but labour and travail under the Sun Expelled Paradise 3. Adam being expelled Paradise to till the ground begat of Eve his wife Cain and Abel though in what years is not expressed Abel was a Keeper of Sheep and Cain a Tiller of the Ground By Faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain by which he obtained witnesse that he was righteous and contracted such envy that his Brother slew him in the field Cain killeth Abel The voice of his blood cryed to God from the ground and drew down this punishment upon Cain besides that of the ground formerly laid upon his Father to be a Fugitive and Vagabond in the Earth Then departed he from the presence of the Lord and went into the Land of Nod where he built a City and called it Enoch after the name of his Son His Family was propagated to Lamech the fifth in descent from himselfe by whom the Jews * Vide Mererum in Gen. 1. Pererium have thought him to have been slain by reason of Lamech's words to his two wives that he had slain a man to his wounding and a young man to his hurt if Cain should be avenged seven fold then Lamech Seventy and seven fold Seth's birth After the death of Abel Adam begat Seth in the hundred and thirtieth year of his Age as Moses (c) Gen. 3. maketh expresse mention neglecting the account of time in the Family of Cain because his wicked race perished in the Flood the Church of God being to be continued in the posterity of Seth of whom also as to the flesh his Son himselfe was to proceed And posterity 4. In the race of (d) Gen. 1. Seth is laid down the account of years from the Creation to the Deluge For Seth being born when Adam was 130 years old begat * Here the word begat is to be understood in the same sense as the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latin gignere which are applied to Mother as well as to Father and betoken birth rather than conception The Latin word genitus and natus signifie the same thing Tune ille Aeneas quem Dardanio Anchisae Alma Venus Phrygiae genuit Simoentis ad undas Vide Gen. 40.20 Mat. 11.1 Luc. 1.47 1 Pet. 2.2 Vide Plin. lib. 7. cap. 8. Enos at the age of 105 Enos being 90 begat Caixan and Cainan when he was 70 begat Mehalelec From the birth of Mehalelec to that of his son Jared passed 65 from Jared's to Henoch's 162. and thence to that of Methusalah 65. Methusalah when he begat Lamech was aged 187 years Lamech when he begat Noah was 182 and Noah at the time of the Flood had lived 600 years all which amount to the summe of 1656 each year of the Father's age being supposed compleat at the birth of his Son All these by divine providence for the propagation of Mankind obtained a very long time upon the Earth Though Enoch had the shortest yet he never died being taken up by God after he had walked with him 365 years Methusalah his son of all others arrived at the greatest age being 969 when he died Yet in a certain sense Adam lived longer than he for being created in his perfect strength and fit for generation he had the advantage of 60 years before which age we read none of them to have had any children Nature then requiring a longer time for maturity If 60 now be added to 930 years which he lived the number exceeds that of Methusala's age by 21. Seeing the World required it it cannot but be presumed that each of these begat other children and some of them before these here mentioned But such being but collaterall to that line Gen 5. A. M. 1656. which was to be brought down to Noah who was to continue the generation of Mankind and to re-people the Earth Moses upon that account had no occasion to make mention of them Man's wickednesse causeth a Deluge 5. In the 480
year of the life of Noah God seeing all flesh to have corrupted it selfe and as well the posterity of Seth as that of Cain to be given up to all wickednesse it repented him that he had made Man He resolved not alwaies to strive with him yet gave him the space of 120 years to repent in If no amendment appeared in that time he fully determined by an universall Deluge to destroy Man and Beast with the creeping thing and the Fowls of the air Yet Noah a just man found grace in his sight Noah and his family preserved in the Ark. and being a Preacher of righteousnesse to the wicked World the Lord was graciously pleased to make choice of him and his family to be a remnant and a seed out of which Mankind and his Church might be propagated and repaired He commanded him to build an Ark of * Some interpret it Cedar others Cypress than which no wood is stronger of which the doors of the Temple of Ephesus were made the coffins of those that died in the service of their Country Jupiter's scepter ships in Babylon and Assyria Gopher wood into which he was to take his wife his sons and their wives with some of every living thing of all flesh of the clean by seven and the unclean by two On (e) Vide Ludov Capellum in Chronologia sacra the tenth day of the second Month he commanded him to bring the living Creatures into the Ark The order of the Deluge On the seventh after he entred it and on the same day the rain began to fall and so continued for 40. dayes and as many nights For 150 dayes the waters prevailed upon the Earth reckoned from the first fall thereof insomuch that fifteen Cubits upward the Mountains were covered and all flesh died that moved upon the Earth both of Fowl and of Cattel and Beast and of every Creeping thing that creepeth upon the Earth and every Man But God remembring Noah and every living thing and all the Cattell that was with him in the Ark after the fourty dayes the windows of Heaven were stopped and the rain from Heaven was restrained and at the end of 110 more which make up the 150 the waters were abated This fell out on the 29th day of the 7th moneth and the 196 of the year consisting of Lunar moneths or the 17th day of the 7th moneth if they were Solar The Ark resteth on Ararat 6. On the 17 th day of the 7th moneth the Ark rested upon the Mountains of Ararat according to the Hebrew if in this place the version of the 70th and Hierome in the vulgar be not rather to be credited which have the 27th seeing it is not probable that the Ark should rest the same day or two dayes before the waters began to decrease On the first day of the 10th moneth were the tops of the Mountains seen and fourty dayes after Noah sent forth a Raven which went to and fro untill the waters were dried up from off the earth The Raven returning no more unto him seven dayes after he sent forth a Dove to see if the waters were abated which finding no rest for the sole of her foot returned unto him He stay'd yet other seven dayes and again sent forth the Dove which in the evening brought in her mouth an Olive leaf so that he knew the waters to be abated Then seven other dayes passed he sent her out the third time and she returned not to him any more the waters being now so much faln that the ordinary Hills might be uncovered wherein she might continue and feed although the Plains and Vallies were still overwhelmed On the first day of the first moneth of the 601 year of Noah's life the waters were dried from off the face of the earth yet so as it still remained moist and dirty having been so long a time soaked with such quantity of moisture Therefore he stay'd yet 55 dayes more till the 27th day of the second moneth before he went out of the Ark so much time having been requisite for drying the ground especially in low places and for the growth of grasse and other things necessary for the sustenance of living Creatures which had now continued in the Ark 365 dayes or a full solar year which exceedeth the lunar eleven dayes Where Ararat is 7. The Ark rested upon the Mountains of Ararat Vide Bochaâ—ti Phaleg lib. 1. cap. 3. by which place most understand Armenia rejecting the pretended Verses of Sibylla which place it upon a Mountain of Phrygia near to the Citie Celaenae and out of which the two Rivers Marsyas and Meander do issue Some will have it to have rested about Araxene a Plain of Armenia through which the River Araxes runneth by the foot of the Mountain Taurus But the far greater number consisting both of Heathens Jews and Christians pitch upon the Mountains of the Gordyaans otherwise called Carduchi Cardiaei Cordyaei Cordueni Gordi Cordaei Curdi c. the Hill it self being variously named Kardu Cardon Kurud Kardynus Cordyaeus c. What Hill soever it was it must have stood Eastward of the Countrey of Shinar or Babylonia and the Vine must have naturally grown there upon which and other accounts these Gordyaean Mountains are rejected by a learned (*) Sir Walter Raleigh lib. 1. cap. 7. Sect. 10. Writer of modern times who affirmeth that Ararat named by Moses is not any one Hill so called no more than any one Hill among those Mountains which part Italy from France is called the Alpes and will have the same ledge of Hills running from Armenia to India to keep the same name all along and even in India to be called Ararat For that the best Vine naturally groweth on the South-side of the Mountains Caucasi and because of other excellencies of that soyl he thinketh it most probable that Noah there setled himself and planted his Vineyard And he alloweth best of the opinion of Goropius Becanus The Testimony of the Heathen concerning Noah's Flood who conceived the Ark to have rested on the highest Mountains of that part of the World 8. Of this Deluge a tradition remained amongst the Heathen (e) Josephus Antiqu. lib. 1. cap. 3. Berosus the Caldaean Priest of Belus and contemporary with Alexander the Great wrote of the Ark's resting upon the Cordyaean Mountains of Armenia and how those that came to see the Reliques of it which yet were to be seen in his time plucked off some pitch which they used to carry about them as an Antidote against infection Hierome the Aegyptian who wrote the Antiquities of Phoenicia related the same besides Mnaseas and many others amongst whom Nicolas of Damascus is considerable who in his 96 book spake of the Hill Baris in the Countrey of the Mynians a people in Armenia upon which many saved themselves in a Deluge and one being carried thither in an Ark there rested who might saith he be the
built Niniveh and the Citie Rehoboth and Calah and Pesen between Niniveh and Calah Some according to this Translation will have this Assur to have been the son of Sem who having built Niniveh Whether he built Niniveh and founded the Assyrian Kingdom Nimrod dispossessed him or his or some manner of way obtained and joyned it to the Babylonian as Julius Africanus hath delivered But others contend that this Assur is the name of the Countrey and not of a Man and that it is to be read And out of that Land went out Nimrod into Assur i. e. Assyria and builded Ninive c. Otherwise they think it would be out of the way for Moses to mention the son of Sem in this place where he is in hand with the Genealogie of Cham neither could it be peculiar to him to go out of this Land and build Niniveh seeing all mankind almost at the division of the Earth went out of it The last reading onely maketh the sense intire for how else could the four Cities properly be said to be the beginning of Nimrod's Kingdom except he added more unto it Lastly this seemeth very urgent that in Scripture Assyria is called the Land of Nimrod Mich. 5.6 4. He was a mighty Hunter before the Lord or therein none was to be compared with him things being said to be such before God as were so indeed or in an eminent manner He judging not according to outward appearance but as they are in their own natures By the means of Hunting it is probable that he made way unto his Monarchy Made way to his Kingom by hunting For under pretence of what was very necessary at this time when men were few scattered and lying abroad without defence against wild beasts which ever especially abounded about Arabia and Babylon he might gather a band of men and by such exercises which the Heathens (d) Xenophon de venatione in Cyropaedia by their practice as well as opinion shewed to be convenient for breeding of Warriours train them up till he converted their force from beasts to men What was performed by him seemeth to have been attributed to his successors Ninus is (e) Diodorus l. 2. p. 64. A. said to have gathered an Army of Arabians and therewith to have subdued the Babylonians which seemeth to have related to his Conquest of that Countrey For being a Chasaean and consequently an Arabian he might by the assistance of his own Countrey-men and Kindred effect it whom he (f) Bochartus l. 4. c. 12. rewarded with that Region beyond Tigris which thence was by the Hebrews called Chus by the Caldaeans Chuth Cissia by the Greeks and Chuzestan i. e. the Province of Chus by the Persians From his usurping the right of Noah some think the Fable to have sprung of Saturn being cast out of his Kingdom by Jupiter the word Nimrod signifying a Rebell and answerable to his carriage He is also judged to be the true Bacchus The true Bacchus this word being little changed from Bar-Chus that is the son of Chus Bacchus was the son of Jupiter and he was the Grand-son of Jupiter Hammon The most ancient name of Bacchus was Zagreâ—s which signifieth a strong hunter answerable to the Epithete given to Nimrod He undertook an expedition into the East wherein seem to be contained the Facts of Nimrod and his Successors Bacchus was feigned to be born at Nysa in Arabia and Nimrod was also an Arabian And not unlikely might Nimrod be thought to be over the Vines who first raigned at Babylon where was that most excellent kind of Wine dignified by the Ancients with the name of Nectar To the raign of Belus or Nimrod Athenaeus 65 years are given by Julius Africanus Ninus 5. Ninus his son succeeded him and canonized him for a God which gave as 't is said the first occasion to Idolatry He made a confederacy with Arieus His Conquests King of Arabia which Countrey withstood most Conquests and then invading Armenia forced Barzanes the King thereof to submit to his Vassallage Next he entred Media where he took and Crucified Phamus the King and then being pricked on by desire of glory and incouraged by his successe he subdued all the people of Asia in seventeen years except the Indians and Bactrians (g) Biblioth l. 2. p. 65. ex Ctesia Cnidio Justin lib. 1. the latter whereof under Conduct of their King Zoroastres or rather Oxgartes for Zoroaster the great Magician lived many ages after stoutly opposed him and yet at length were brought under as we have it from Diodorus who reporteth also that Ninus built Ninive which he so named after himself Ninive Whether he his father or any other built it A Citie it was of great bignesse strength and ornament being in compasse sixty miles of a Quadrangular form incompassed and fortified with a Wall a hundred foot high and of such a breadth as three Charriots might have been driven together a-breast upon it adorned also with Towers 200 foot in height The place of it is not agreed of and (h) Lege Bocharti Phaleg l. 4. c. 20. some think there were two Cities of this name one upon Euphrates in Comagena and another in Assyria beyond Tigris As for Ninus many things done both by his father and successors seem to be attributed to him He reigned 52 years and the manner of his death is diversly related (i) Orosius One saith he was shot with a Dart as he lay before a Town (k) Dinon apud Aelian var. Hist l. 7. c. 1. Another writeth that Semiramis his wife whom he had chosen for her admirable beauty and now doated on obtained leave to wear his Royall Robe and reign over Asia five dayes and then when she had got the power into her hands commanded one of the Guard to kill him But a (l) Diodorus ubi supra p. 76. D. ex Athenaeo aliis third His death onely relateth him to have been secured in prison Semiramis his wife counterfeiteth her son 6. He left a son by Semiramis named Ninyas who being but young she put on mans Apparel and counterfeiting his person as well as Sexe is reported to have done very great things part of which might rather be challenged by the two foregoing Kings and by some that followed her Justin ex Trogo lib. 1. Diodorus ut prius The resemblance of her son in all the lineaments and proportion of his body took away suspicion for the further prevention whereof she commanded the same kind of Garment to be worn by the people At length when she thought she had got fame sufficient she made her self known which detracted not from her glorie Her acts but added to the lustre of it She re-edified and inlarged Babylon incompassing it with a Wall made up of Brick Sand and a certain Clay or slime clammy like Pitch which there abounded and * Herodotus
kindly unto him set his Throne above the Throne of the Kings that were with him in Babylon and changing his prison garments allowed him a continuall diet all the dayes of his life But for his wickednesse and debaucheries he continued not long Neriglissor being circumvented by Neriglissor his Sister's Husband and slain when he had raigned but two years Neriglissor after his death reigned 4. After him came his Son Laborosardochus Laborosardochus Nabonidus who being of an untowardly disposition was made away by his Relations after nine months and they preferred to his place one Nabonidus a Babylonian by Ptolomy called Nabonadius by others Nabannidochus and Labynitus (g) Apud Iosephum lib. 1. contr Apiâ—em Who reigned 17 years for which some think 27 is to be read This succession we have from Berosus the Caldaean attested by Ptolomy who yet leaveth out Laborosardochus either for his small continuance or because he reigned together with his Father But learned Men do not agree in the manner of reconciling this History with what Daniel hath written of Belshazar Whether the same with Belshazar Some will have Zabynitus or Nabonodus to be Belshazar Nabonodus being the last of the Kings which Belshazar also seemeth to be at his death Babylon being taken by Cyrus as the interpretation of the writing on the wall hinteth Peres thy Kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians As for Darius the Mede he seemeth to them to be no other then Cyaxares the Son of Astyages King of Media and the Uncle of Cyrus who of his own accord delivered Babylon to him and they think this sufficient to prove that Laborosardochus could not bee Belshazar because hee hath but nine months assigned him by Berosus whereas we read in Daniel of the third year of Belshazar 28. Others think they have ground enough to denie Nabonidus to be Belshazar who is called the Son of Nebuchadnesar in regard no such relation is mentioned by Berosus that can intitle him to so much as his grand-child which Laborosardochus was by his Daughter being called his Son by a common Hebraism For the Latin version of Josephus which maketh Nabonodus of the blood it is in no case agreeable to the Originall which plainly relateth him to have been of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 conspiracy For the 5th year of Belshazar it well enough agreeth with Laborosardochus because he reigned 4 years with his Father and after his Father's death nine moneths by himself Now the History of Daniel onely relateth Belshazar to have been slain not that Babylon was then besieged by Cyrus it being improbable say they that a time of so great danger the King and his Nobles should spend in feasting and jollity but rather likely that behaving himselfe too insolently in that drunken fit he was knocked in the head by his Companions as Berosus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hinteth and the Scripture rather seemeth to approve than contradict As for the interpretation of the Writing on the wall it might note what was already determined and within a little time was to be accomplished concerning Cyrus the Persian who being at that time known to the World could not be hid from Daniel who had met with his name long before in the Prophesie of Isaiah and had his mind without doubt fixed upon the 70 years of Captivity foretold by Jeremiah to which a period should shortly be put by that person That Darius Medus was of Median descent appeareth but that he was King of the Medes can no way be evinced especially seeing that no antient Greek Historian maketh mention of Cyaxares the Son of Astyages whom we read to have had but one Daughter except Xenophon and he either one purpose seemeth to thwart Herodotus or to have written his Cyropaedia rather (h) Cicero ad quintum Fratrem Ep. 1. to shew what a Prince ought to be than what Cyrus was indeed and so to have taken some of that liberty of invention which others (i) As the Grand Cyrus of George de Scudery Governor of Nostre Dame de la Garde a Romance of 10. Volumes have done of late upon the same and other Subjects But though Joseph Scaliger may seem to show more reason for this later assertion yet Pererius truly affirmeth the thing to be obscure perplexed and difficult 29. If Laborosardochus bee taken for Belshazar then Nabonodus must be the same with Darius Medus whom further some would have to be the Brother of Astyages not his Son and yet called Cyaxares In him the Empire of the Babylonians ceased and was derived upon the Persians by Cyrus whose first beginnings are to be viewed with the progresse of his actions Cyrus which made way to that pitch of greatnesse whereat he arrived Herein Historians do not relate the same things That Astyages was his Grand-father is acknowledged by all except Ctesias who will have them nothing akin and calleth him Astyigas His Father's name is granted to be Cambyses his Country Persia but his condition is diversly reported of Herodotus writeth how Astyages dreaming two dreams concerning his Daughter Mandane The sum of what Herodotus hath written concerning his Birth and Fortune which by the Wizards were interpreted to portend the losse of his Kingdom through the greatnesse of her issue gave her in marriage to one Cambyses a Persian of obscure fortune and not satisfied in this security sent for her when she was with child and as soon as the Boy was born gave him to one Harpagus to be made away Harpagus fearing he might afterwards be called to an account by the Mother for violence offered to the Babe delivered him to the King's Shepherd to be exposed in the Woods unto the mercie of wild beasts This being done and the Shepherd's Wife lately brought to bed of a stil-born child she prevailed with her Husband to fetch him home nursed and brought him up as her own Son amongst the Shepherds At seven years of age being chosen King of the Boyes in their play he executed the office with severity towards such as were disobedient and for this was complained of by their Parents to the King Being sent for and accused of the crime he would acknowledge none alledging he had done like a King and standing in his justification without the least change of countenance Astyages was struck with admiration and presently called to mind his dream Upon examination of the Shepherd he got out the whole matter owned him for his Grand-son because he thought the dream fulfilled in his boyish reign amongst the Shepherds onely he thought it good to send him out of the way into Persia 30. But to punish Harpagus for his disobedience he invited him to supper and caused to be served up to the table his onely Son of which after he had eaten heartily and approved the meat he let him see his entertainment by the head hands and feet reserved in another platter Harpagus for
years of age had a Son named Nachor And Nachor one when he was 29 called Terah or Thare Abram 2. Terah being 70 years old begat Abram Nachor and Haran Vers 26. Not that all these were born at the same time or are to be accounted in age as we find them in order What year of his Father he was born De istis lege Ludov. Cappellum Chronol Sacra notis ad Tabulam 5. Joh. Gerard. Vossii Isagog Chronolog Dissert 5. c. 6. Jacob. Cappell Hist Sacra Exotica ad A. M. 2003 multus alios priority in years not being constantly observed in Scripture but rather that of piety and true worth Haran is to be reckoned as the eldest who died at Ur of the Chaldees before his Father departed thence and left 3 children viz. one Son named Lot and two Daughters Milcah married to his Brother and her Uncle Nahor and Sarai or Iscah to Abram The second was Nahor Father to Chesed or Chased and so Abram the youngest because he was born not in the 70th as hath been thought but 130 year of his Father For Terah lived in all (a) Vers 32. 205 year and died in Charan Abram when he came out of Charran which (b) Acts 7. â—4 Stephen saith was after his Father's death was (c) Gen. 12.4 75 years old which being deducted out of 205 130 years will remain But if he was born in the 70 year of his Father then at his death was he 135 years old and having Isaac born to him when 100 in the Land of Canaan he must with him have returned back to Charran which seemeth very incredible or else he left it not at his Father's death as Stephen must make us believe he did 3. Abram therefore was born in the 130 year of his Father's life A. M. 2008. and the 2008th of the World as is clear from the ages of all his Progenitors taken at the births of their Sons and laid together About the 70 year of his age God commanded him to leave his Father's house SECT I. Gen 11.12 Acts 7. and come into the Land which he should shew him promising to make of him a great Nation to blesse him and in him all the Families of the Earth He obeying this command drew on his Father also with him He cometh from Ur to Canaan and so together with Lot the Son of Haran and Sarai Abram's wife they came from Ur of the Chaldaeans to Charran and dwelt there A. M. 2078. Dwelling there seemeth to intimate a longer stay than of one year so that some probably think 5 years to have been there spent For Terah now very old might detein them by his weaknesse they being unwilling to leave him till they saw him either recovered or dead But after his death mindfull of God's command they left Charran and came into the Land of Canaan Thence into Canaan This journey from Ur to Charran was the beginning of the 430 years of his and his posteritie's sojourning in a strange Land the promise also made to him being so many years before the promulgation of the Law in Mount Sinai as the Apostle Paul hath observed 4. The first place of Canaan in which Abram made any stay was Sichem Gen. 12. where God again appeared to him and renewed his Promise another of giving that Land to his Seed being added to it and in this place he built the first Altar to the Lord. Thence he removed towards the hilly Country and the Eastern tract of Luz afterwards called Bethel where he built another Altar and so proceeded into the Southern Coasts whence a Famine drove him into Aegypt Sojourneth in Aegypt There he sojourned and taught the Aegyptians Astrology which Josephus saith they were ignorant of till he communicated to them the knowledge of it and of Arithmetick His wife being beautifull for fear of his life he counterfeited himself her Brother so that Pharaoh began to cast his affections on her till plagued by God he was constrained to dismisse them both in peace Out of Aegypt then he returned to that place between Hai and Bethel where he built the second Altar Chap. 13. Now was he and Lot grown so rich that no longer could they conveniently live together Lot being departed to the Plains of Sodom God again renewed his promise to Abram which he more largely explained both as to the giving of the Land and the propagation of his Posterity After this as he was commanded he went and viewed the Land then pitch't his Tents in the Plain of Mamre neer Hebron where he built another Altar to the Lord. 5. At this time 4 Kings about the River Euphrates Chap. 14. viz. Amraphel King of Shinar oâ— Babylonia Arioch King of Ellasar thought to be Arabia because of a City upon the borders of that Country called Ellas Chedorlaomer King of Elam afterwards Persia and â—idal King of Nations thought to be many petty Kingdoms adjoyning to Phoenicia and Palaestine came and fought against the 5. Kings of the Pentapolis viz. Bera of Sodom Birsha of Gomorrah Shinab King of Admah Shemeber of Zebojim and the King of Bela afterwards called Zoar all who had 12 years served Chedorlaomer Recovereth Lot and the Booty from the 4 Kings and in the 1â—th rebelled They overthrew these five petty Princes led away much pillage and many Captives amongst which was Lot who then sojourned in Sodom Abram hearing this armed 318 servants and pursuing them recovered Lot and all the prey which he restored to the owners In his return Melchisedech whom some improbably make Sem King of Salem or Jerusalem Priest of the most high God brought forth Bread and Wine and blessed him to whom he gave the Tithes of all In this storie Abram is first called an Hebrew by Moses And there came one which had escaped and told Abram the Hebrew which word in Scripture is not found applied to any other before him 6. Some (d) Vide Bochartum Phaleg lib. 2. c. 10. think he was so called from Heber the Son of Salah and that this appellation onely was proper to his Family Why called an Hebrew because it kept the most antient or Hebrew tongue incorrupt But (e) Lege Ludov Cappell Chronol Sacra p. 111 c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others finding the word to signifie one that cometh from beyond the water or a Stranger think it was given to Abram upon no other account then because he came from beyond Euphrates None of Heber's Posterity being called so but onely he and some of his they think addeth much to their reason They conclude that the Hebrew language was not appropriate to Heber as a reward of his piety because those that descended of him used it not alwayes and to others besides his posterity it appeareth to have been natural They instance that Laban spake Syriack and the Canaanites and Philistins the Hebrew naturally as
16. p. 779. C. inhabited part of Arabia from the River Euphrates to the Red-sea called Arabia Petraea from Petra the Metropolis of the Countrey which wanting fruits abounded in Sheep and Cattel (h) Lib. 19. p. 722. A. Diodorus describeth it to have lyen like a Wildernesse untilled as without inhabitants without Rivers or Fountains It was unlawfull with them to sow or plant to drink wine or build houses being extraordinary desirous of liberty and judging these things but temptations to such as were stronger to inthral them Some of them kept Camels others Sheep some used to convey Spices brought out of Arabia the Happy to the Sea When they were invaded by an Enemy they betook themselves into the Wildernesse which being vast and without water affoarded them sufficient protection Another son of Ismael named Kedar gave name to a place of Arabia the Desart often mentioned in Scripture It is thought that though the Chusaeans Madianites and Ismaelites were of several Originals yet they dwelt promiscuously together and grew up into one Nation of the Saracens 11. Fifteen years after this Isaack being 138 years old and blind Gen. â—7 sent his eldest son Esau to Hunt for Venison that he might eat and blesse him before his death But Jacob by his mother's help supplanted him and got the blessing having formerly bought his birthright for pottage Hereat Esau inraged determined to kill him after his fathers death which Rebecca knowing sent him into Mesopotamia to her brother Laban that he might thence also take a wife out of her own kindred and not make his choice amongst the Hittites of which Esau had married two wives In his journey Chap. 28.29.30 God appeared to him in a dream and blessed him for which cause he changed the name of the place from Luz into Bethel Coming to Laban after a moneths time Jacob flieth from his brother into Mesopotamia he Covenanted to serve him seven years for his youngest daughter Rachel which being ended Leah the eldest was given to him in her stead and presently after Rachel for which he agreed to serve him other seven years A. M. 2246. Rachel most beloved continued barren and Leah because neglected obtained favour of God to be fruitfull which raised such emulation betwixt them as Rachel first and then Leah gave her maid to his bed accounting the Children begotten on them as their own Within seven years he had by Leah seven sons His issue viz. Reuben Simeon Levi Judah Issachar Zabulon and a daughter named Dinah by Bilhah Rachel's maid two sons Dan and Naphtali by Zilpah Leahs maid also two sons Gad and Asher Lastly by Rachel her self one son named Joseph and born the fourteen year of his service ending Six years longer he served Laban for wages being to have the Cattel of such and such a colour which his hard master changed ten times but could not withstand the providence of God in his growing rich His return 12. Having served his father-in-law and Uncle twenty years Chap. 31.32 c. and observing what envy he had contracted from him and his sons he stole away with all he had and proceeded three dayes on his yourney ere his departure was known Then Laban with his friends pursuing overtook him after seven dayes in Mount Gilead which from the event of this meeting had its name After several expostulations they made a Covenant Laban being warned by God not to hurt him and in Testimony thereof laid together an heap of stones which Jacob called Galead but Laban in his Syrian tongue Jegar-Sahadutha Jacob then continued his journey towards Canaan A. M. 2266. wrestling with God's Angel in his way from which he received a blessing and the sirname of Israel His brother Esau also met him and lovingly received him contrary to his fears The first place he stayed at was Succoth so called because there he built an House and made Booths for his Cattel Thence he passed over Jordan and came to Sichem where he bought of Hamor the father of Sichem a Field for a hundred Lambs or so many pieces of money How long he continued in either of these places is not expressed Demetrius * and Alexander Polyhistor wrote that he abode ten years in Socot Apud Euseb praeparat Evang. lib. 9. cap. 21. saying nothing of Sichem perhaps because he made little stay there Indeed Dinah seemeth to have been ravished not long after their first coming thither Hamor speaking to his Citizens concerning them as persons lately come and her curiosity to see the women of that Countrey probably may be thought to have proceeded Dinah ravished from the strangenesse of it At the end of these ten years she was ravished then sixteen years old being born a little before Joseph and perhaps the same year To be revenged upon Sichem who committed the rape her two brothers Simeon and Levi slew him and put the whole Citie to the sword coming upon them when they were yet sore by Circumcision which he had procured them to admit of that he might obtain the maid for his wife 13. Jacob much troubled hereat was commanded by God to go to Bethel having buried all the strange gods and the earings of his family under the Oake in Sichem At Bethel he erected an Altar to the Lord and here Deborah the Nurse of Rebecca died Thence he removed to Ephrath being 107 years old Rachel dieth and when they had almost reached the place Rachel died in Travel of Benjamin having as Demetrius and Alexander wrote lived with her husband 23 years Eleven years after Jacobs return into Canaan Chap. 38. when he was now 109 years old Joseph being hated of his brethren because he had brought to their father their evil report and for his dreams which presaged his preheminence over them they sold him to the Ismaelites Joseph sold A.M. 2277. who carried him down into Egypt where Potiphar Captain of the Kings Guard bought him being now seventeen years old Ten years he lived with him till refusing to satisfie the wanton desires of his Mistresse he was falsly accused by her of her own fault and cast into prison The year after he interpreted the Dreams of the chief Butler and Baker of Pharoh both which were in prison with him and accordingly the Baker was hanged but the Butler restored who yet forgat Joseph 14. At this time his Grand-father Isaac died aged 180 years A. M. 2288. in the 2288 year of the World He was buried in Hebron by his two Sons Esau and Jacob Isaac dieth the former having as some think they have ground in charity to believe reconciled himselfe to his Brother and joyned himselfe to the Church not being estranged from the Grace of God but onely from the speciall and particular Covenant as to the promised Seed which they have the same reason to think concerning Ismael The Funerall past and the Goods divided betwixt them being both
exceeding rich and therefore requiring large room Esau departed to his former possession of Mount Seir Providence so ordaining it that when the Israelites should afterwards come to inherit Canaan his posterity might neither be destroyed nor displaced He was otherwise called Edom Edom. and from him Idumaea took it's name which seemeth from Strabo to have also included the Country of the Nabataeans And likely enough it is that he who married the Sister of Nebaioth might joyn himself to them and praeside over them This is the famous Heroe Vide Fulleâ— Miscell 4. c. 20. from whom not onely Idumaea but also the adjoyning Erithraean Edomaean or Red Sea all signifying the same thing was so called being known to the Greeks by the name of Erythras the same with Edom. 15. Gen. 41. But two years after Joseph had interpreted the Dreams of the servants of Pharaoh he was called up out of prison to explain the meaning of one which the King himself had dreamed This A. M. 2290. betokening 7 years of great plenty to come and after them as many of famine and it being necessary as he hinted to Pharaoh to chuse out some wise Man who being set over the Land should gather and preserve the fruits of the Earth against the time of want Pharaoh made choice of him being about 30 years old for this purpose he appointed him next to himself Joseph advanced and gave him in marriage Asenath the Daughter of Potipherah Priest of On or Heliopolis where Strabo writeth that the Priests of old time had their habitation on which be begat Ephraim and * A. M. 2297. Manasses According to his praediction 7 most plentiful years ensued wherein he gathered into store-houses the Corn that abounded and after them came 7 other of famine which praevailed sore both in Aegypt and the neighbouring Countries of Canaan and Arabia Chap. 42 43 c. Jacob amongst others wanting provisions in the 2d year of the famine sent his Sons down into Aegypt to buy Corn. Joseph knowing them though undiscovered accused them for coming as Spies cast them into prison and dismissed them not till Simeon the eldest of those which conspired against his life was bound and left as an Hostage for their bringing down of Benjamin that so their story might be confirmed of their being one Man's Sons and that their youngest Brother was left behind The next year being pressed with famine they returned and Benjamin with them whom their Father was constrained to let go Now after some further terrifying of them he made himself known and sent for his Father down into Aegypt Jacob understanding of his Son's life and promotion whom he had given over of a long time Jacob goeth into Aegypt A. M. 2298. for dead gladly went down and with him 66 Souls besides his Sons Wives in the 3d year of the famine of the World the 2298th aged 130 years 16. By Pharaoh's consent Joseph placed them in the Land of Goshen Chap. 47. and there nourished them during the famine He sold to the Egyptians the Corn formerly treasured up and therewith purchased for the King all their Money Goods and Lands except the Lands of the Priests which were not alienated The grounds he afterwards granted to the former owners Chap. 48 49. paying the fifth part of the profit to Pharaoh's use After Jacob had lived in Aegypt 17 years he adopted the two eldest Sons of Joseph viz. Manasses and Ephraim of whom the younger he preferred before the elder He called his Sons together blessed them and told them apart what should befall them in their posterity From Reuben his first born he took the preheminence because he had defiled his bed and gave it to Judah A. M. 2315. He prophecied of Christ's coming Dieth commanded them to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah in the Land of Canaan with his Ancestors and then died at the age of 147 years in the year of the World 2315. Joseph caused his servants the Physitians to embalme Israel and a mourning of 70 dayes or 72 was observed for him which number in that Country was onely proper to Kings Then obtaining leave of Pharaoh he and his Brethren with a great company of Courtiers carried him into the Land of Canaan Gen. 50. and buried him there according to his will where they also mourned for him 7 dayes 17. Being returned into Aegypt Joseph forgave his Brethren the fault they formerly had committed against him which now they feared he would revenge after their Father's death and as long as he lived he nourished them and their children This space of time was 54 years after his Father's death at the end whereof having exhorted them to Unity and Concord foretelling them their departure out of Aegypt Joseph dieth and commanding them thence to carry his Bones he dyed at the age of 110 years A. M. 2370. when he had governed Aegypt under severall Kings the space of 80. Trogus Pompeâ—us as appeareth out of Justin * Lib. 36. c. 2. his Epitomizer wrote many things concerning him partly taken out of the Sacred History partly mixed with such Fables as the Heathen were not wanting to invent concerning the Jews Abram Moses and Israel are made by him Kings of Damascus which City took it's name from their Predecessor Israel had ten Sons to whom he committed the Kingdom and commanded them to call themselves Jews from Judah who died before the division and whose portion was divided amongst them all The youngest of the 10 Sons was Joseph whose excellent wit his Brothers fearing they sold him to some Marchants that carried him down into Aegypt Here learning the Magick Arts he became very dear to the King having skill in working Wonders and interpretation of Dreams moreover nothing either Divine or Humane was beyond his reach insomuch that he foretold the barrennesse of the ground severall years before it hapned and all Aegypt had perished with famine but that the King by his advice caused Corn to be treasured up many years finally such was his knowledge that his answers seemed rather the Oracles of a God then the replies of a Man Then followeth that Moses was his Son who being both wise and beautiful became a leader to such Aegyptians as were infected with scab and itch and so returned to Damascus the Country of his Ancestors Which lyes with others hereafter to be mentioned are to be attributed to the malice of the Aegyptians With the life of Joseph endeth the first Book of Moses his history called by the Greeks Genesis which containeth the account of 2369 years of the World The next to it in order of time the Book of Job is thought to be of which Moses also is reputed Author by the common consent and opinion of the Hebrews 18. After the death of Joseph and all that generation Exod. 1. the Children of Israel increased abundantly and grew exceeding mighty so
that the Land was filled with their numbers The Israelites oppressed in Aegypt But a certain King arising which knew not Joseph to keep them down he pressed them with sore Labour and lest they should increase gave order to the Midwives to drowne all the Male Children in the River At this time 58 years after the death of Joseph Chap. 2. and 41 after that of Levi Aruram the Son of Caath and Grand-son of Levi by Jochabed the Daughter of Levi so called by an Hebraism Vide Pererium in 2 Exodi and not Caath's own Sister as some have thought was made Father of a Son whom for his beauty they hid 3 moneths Moses born not fearing the Kings command A M. 2428. and when he could no longer be concealed put him in an Ark of Bul-rushes daubed within and without with Pitch and laid him on the brinck of the River Hither the King's Daughter by Josephus called Thermutis coming down to wash her self found the Babe and moved with compassion sent for a Nurse which was Jochabed her self through the procurement of Miriam her Daughter which had watched what would become of the Child and unknown had offered her selfe for a messenger Being nursed up she educated him as her own Son and called him Moses because she had taken him out of the water Moy in the Aegyptian tongue as Josephus * De nominibus Haebraeis 〈◊〉 Josepho versis vid. Iacob Cappellum Hist Sacra Exotica ad A. M. 1719. saith signifying Water and Yses taken out though Mosche in the Hebrew is no compounded word signifying drawn out delivered or rather a deliverer not without a mystery he being a Type of that great Deliverer of Mankind He was learned in all the Learning of the Aegyptians and became mighty in words and in deeds 19. But Moses being grown up by Faith refused to be called the Son of Pharaoh's Daughter and despised the pleasure of his Court having according to Josephus his history thrown down his Crown sett upon his head when a Child and trampled it under his feet for which as an ill omen the Priest who had foretold that his Nativity would prove dysastrous to the Aegyptians would have had him slain but he was spared through the affection of Thermutis Being forty years old he visited his Brethren the Israelites and looking upon their burdens when he saw an Aegyptian smiting one of them he killed him and hid his bodie in the sand But this coming to Pharaoh's ear he was forced to flye for his life into the Land of Midian where he kept the Sheep of Jethro or Hebab Priest of that Country A. M. 2468. who gave him Zipporah his Daughter to wife Forty years he continued with him Exod. 3 4. till the burthens of the Children of Israel were grown so intolerable after above 80 years continuance that God being moved with their cries called to him out of a burning Bush as he was feeding Sheep to send him on a message to Pharaoh about their dismission He laboured by all means to make excuse but at length confirmed by promise of Divine assistance by Miracles and the company of his Brother Aaron 3 years elder he undertook the employment Sent to Pharaoh 20. This message was ill resented by Pharaoh Chap. 5 7. c. and greater burthens imposed on the people no Straw being now allowed them for the making of Brick in which servile worke they were imployed Many signs and wonders were wrought by Moses in the King's presence which little availed Jannes and Jambres Magicians doing the same with their Enchantments Ten Plagues also by the Ministry of Moses The ten Plagues of Aegypt God inflicted upon the Land 1. The waters were turned into blood 2. Frogs swarmed in the Land 3. Lice 4. Flies and other Insects 5. A Murrain followed amongst the Cattell 6. Ulcers in Man and Beast 7. Thunder and Rain mingled with Fire and Hail that destroyed the Corn with the Trees of the field 8. Locusts covered the face of the Earth and consumed the fruits thereof 9. Ensued Darknesse throughout the Land Aegypt such as no Aegyptian could stir out of his house yet the Israelites had light in their dwellings 10. Last of all the First-born were slain from Pharaoh that sate upon the Throne to the First-born of the Captive in the Dungeon and the first-born of Cattell The Israelites depart 21. Exod. 12. The Nine former Plagues Pharaoh's heart was so hardened as to withstand but the Tenth forced him to let the people go Upon the death of the First-born he and his Subjects thrust them out with haste out of the Land A. M. 2508. and fogot the Jewells of silver and Jewells of gold which they had lent them For the Israelites were commanded by God to borrow these things and the night before their departure to kill a Lamb with the blood of which they were to sprinkle the lintels of their doors that the Angel appointed to do this execution upon the First-born might passe by their houses at the sight thereof And in memoriall of the thing this they were to do every yeer on the tenth day of that moneth thenceforth commanded to begin the year being called Abib eating a Lamb in a travelling posture with their loyns girt and staves in their hands Thus left they Aegypt 430 years after the first promise made to Abraham and his leaving Ur of the Chaldaeans 400 after the birth of Isaac 210 after Jacob's descent into Egypt in the 2508th year of the World This their departure is also attested by Heathen Writers but related to have been upon such grounds as the Aegyptians themselves invented who as it seemeth took occasion from the Plague of Ulcers which they suffered in their own persons to feign that because of Leprosie they were forced out of the Land as will largely appear in the History of Aegypt SECT II. SECT II. From the departure of the Israelites out of Aegypt to the death of Solomon and the Rent of the Kingdom The number of the Israelites at their departure 1. THe number of the Children of Israel may be esteemed by what is recorded concerning their men of War Vide Pererium in 12. cap. Exod. of the Age of twenty years and upwards Of these went out about 600000. besides Women and Children so that if those of that Age be reckoned as two parts of five of the whole multitude which is the usual account amongst all Nations to reckon men for War as 40 to 100. in respect of the whole body then the totall number of all both old and young amounted to about 1500000. To these must be added a mixed multitude which having taken up their religion went out with them and is thought by some to have consisted of as many more so that the whole sum of all together at this rate would arise to 3000000. As for the number of the Israelites
it need not seem incredible that from about 70 persons in the space of 210 years so many should proceed For if but one man in the thirtieth year of his Age should begin to be a father and had but in all ten Children Vide Jacob. Cappell ad A. M. 2293. who also with their posterity should beget at the same Age that one man before 200 years would have descended from him of the sixth Generation 1000000. of the fifth 100000. of the fourth 10000. of great Grand-Children 1000. of Grand-Children 100. and of Children 10. But that the Israelites began to be fathers before the Age of thirty is more then probable nature * Mea memoria in civitate Lactoratensi Novempopulaniae puer minor annorum duodecim genuit ex puella consobrina sua quae nondum decimum annum expleverat Rem notam narro cujus memoria adhuc recens est in Aquitania Pater hoc ipse de se patri meo testatus est quod alioqui tunc ne pueri quidem ignorabant Scaliger in Parei Deut. 1. sometimes not requiring half that time and there is ground sufficient to think that they often exceeded the number of ten Children The Scripture relateth Abdon to have had fourty sons Abizara thirty and as many daughters Gideon seventy sons and Ahab as many Aegyptus Danaus Priamus and Darius are reported to have had fifty Children Artaxerxes Justin relateth to have had 115. and Hierotimus 600. These things to add no more prove the great increase of the Israelites to have been possible in the course of Nature although not without an especial providence 2. Moses had gathered the people together as Josephus writeth about Ramesses the chief Citie of Goshen that they might be in a readinesse and thence they came to Succoth where was their second station Here Moses propounded the command of God concerning the annual observation of the Passeover The Passeover annually to be observed and the Consecration of the first born A ready way hence to the Land of Canaan would have been through that of the Philistins but because the Israelites were born in slavery and therefore had but low and poor spirits to exercise them to stir them up and lest for want of experience they should be so terrified as to return God lead them another and longer way From Succoth therefore they came to Etham in the end of the Desart in two dayes whither God conducted them by a Pillar of a Cloud by day and Pillar of fire by night that never forsook them till they came to the Borders of the promised Land From Etham they journeyed to Pihahiroth and thence to the Red-sea Hither Pharoh pursued them with all his Forces repenting he had let them go They were there exceedingly struck with terrour and murmured against Moses for bringing them out of Egypt In this extremity God divided the waters of the Red-sea which being as a Wall on both sides to them they passed over on dry ground The Egyptians essayed also to pursue them in this place but the Pillar then removed from before them and placed it self between them giving light to the Israelites The Israelites passe the Red-Sea but causing great darknesse to their Enemies Hereupon ensued great consternation and a pannick fear amongst the Egyptians which causing great disturbance the Lord also fought against them and they fled But then the waters returned to their place and overwhelmed them all so that neither Pharoh nor any one of his men escaped This place of the Red-sea being here not at all fordable the sole power of God procured their passage though Josephus to gain credit to the story from the incredulous Heathen Vide Strabonem l. 14. p. 666. D. taketh off from the miracle by an unsutable comparing of it to Alexander the Great his passing the shoar of the Pamphylian-Sea which at low water was ever bare and at other times not very deep 3. From the Red-Sea they journeyed three dayes through the Wildernesse of Etham which as it seemeth stretcheth forth it self to both the sides of the Sea where they found no water Thence they came to Marah where they found water but bitter and thence the place had its name which bitternesse was removed by the casting in of a certain Tree which God shewed to Moses From Marah they came to their fifth station at Elim where were twelve Fountains of water and seventy Palm-Trees and thence to the Red-Sea which name seemeth to be applied to some Bay or Creek thereof From the Sea they came into the desart of Sin where they pitched their Tents on the fifteenth day of the second moneth after their departure Quails and Manna Here murmuring for flesh Quails were rained down upon the Camp at evening and in the morning was there found Manna which continued every morning to fall all the fourty years they abode in the Wildernesse This Wildernesse of Sin being very large and reaching as far as Mount Sinai they had several stations in it The ninth was at Diphka the tenth at Alush the eleventh at Rephidim where the people again murmuring for water the Rock being struck by Moses gushed out into streams Whil'st they here continued Exod. 17. the Amalekites descended from Amalek who was the son of Eliphaz and Grand son of Esau fell in upon their rear and made slaughter of the weaker sort Moses against them sent Joshua the son of Nun he himself in the mean time praying to God in the Mount And as long as his hands were lifted up the Israelites overcame but when he let them down the Amalekites prevailed so that Aaron his brother and Hur his sister Miriam's husband bore them up till the going down of the Sun 4. In the third moneth they removed Chap. 19.20 and took up their station in the desart of Sinai over against the Mountain Horeh which 't is thought was some part of Sinai and here they continued almost a year to the 20th day of the second moneth of the next year Upon this Mountain God gave the Law of the ten Commandments in a terrible manner on the 50th day after their coming out of Egypt The Decalogue as * Hieronymus ad Fabiolum Leo Serm. 1. de Pentecoste some of the Ancients apprehended The day after several other Laws were promulgated as it were Commentaries upon the Decalogue both Judicial and Ceremonial Then Moses having Offered Sacrifice read the book of the Law to the people and made a Covenant betwixt God and them and went up into the Mount where he remained fourty dayes six in the lower and cloudy and 34 in the highest and fiery part In this space of time he received advice concerning the structure of the Tabernacle the Ornaments and Consecration of Priests c. From this familiar Conversing of God with Moses the Heathen Law-givers took occasion to feign such a priviledge to themselves As amongst the Getes Zamolxis gave out he received
in times of Rebellion and for their exercise to be as Thorns in their eyes and Goads in their sides The Canaanites being thus deprived of their ancient habitation by Joshua and the Israelites Many of them as is conjectured removing to the Mediterranean-Sea where they were known afterwards by the name of Phoenicians continued not all there but spread themselves abroad and sent Colonies far and wide into many places of Europe Asia and Africk concerning which that excellent book of Bochartus called Canaan is to be consulted That is remarkable which * A. M. 2555. Procopius mentioneth concerning Pillars erected in the Province of Africk In Vandalius called Tingitana with a Phoenician-inscription to this purpose We are they who fled from the face of Joshua the Robber the son of Nane How long this War continued till the division of the Land is not expressed in Scripture yet is thence to be gathered For Caleb being fourty years old when with others he was sent by Moses to search the Land was at the time of the Division as he saith 45 years older Now the Spies were sent out in the fifth moneth of the second year after their departure out of Egypt or sooner so that from that time to the entrance into Canaan followed almost 39 years the Israelites being fourty years in the Wildernesse which being deducted out of the said forty five six years and some few remain during which the War in Canaan must have continued The Clerouchia or division of the Land 19. The Clerouchia then or division of the Land fell out in the beginning of the seventh year from their entrance into Canaan and in the year of the World 2555 also beginning It continued about one year as some gather from the story First of all an inheritance was given to two Tribes and an half viz. the Tribes of Judah Ephraim Chap. 14.15 c. and the other half Tribe of Manasses Then met the Israelites together in Shiloh because seven other Tribes yet remained undisposed of Therefore certain men were sent from that place to bring a Survey of all the Land which could not be done in a few dayes and then after their return the division was perfected for all which no lesse then the space of a year seemeth necessary So there are from the beginning of the World to the end of this Division 2555 years Vide Ludov. Capellum in Chronol Sacr. containing just so many weeks of years as there are natural dayes in a year viz. 365. Or if we make a great year consisting of so many years as the solar year consisteth of dayes then have we six or seven such great years It is further observable that from the beginning of the World to the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan may be reckoned so many Jubilies of years viz. 52. as are dayes in the seventh part of a Solar year one onely excepted The War having endured six years they rested on the seventh wherein the Division was made as in the Sabatical year 20. The rise therefore and beginning of the Sabbatical year and of Jubilies some chuse rather to fetch from the first entrance into Canaan then from the division of the Land The rise of Sabbatical years and Jubilies For though they began not to sow the Land on this side Jordan till after the division yet before this had they taken possession of the Countrey lying beyond the River which was divided betwixt the two Tribes and the half whereof though it must be granted that those which were fit for War accompanied their brethren over Jordan according to the charge laid upon them by Moses yet is it to be supposed that those which stayed behind were nourished by the fruits of that soyl For Manna had already ceased and the Corn which the other reaped of the Enemies sowing being but gotten by degrees according as they Conquered the Countrey could scarce maintain them without sending for supplies to those that stayed beyond the River When they had ended the division the Children of Israel gave for an inheritance to Joshua that which he asked even Timneth Serah in Mount Ephraim where he built a Citie and dwelt therein Josh 18. The Tabernacle of the Congregation was set up at Shiloh by the whole Assembly As for the Levites they had no inheritance assigned them Chap. 20. but the Lord being their inheritance they were to live of Tythes Offerings Onely 48 Cities on both sides of Jordan were set apart for them to dwell in which were also to be Cities of refuge whither those that were guilty of casual homicide might fly from the avenger of bloud and there remain in security till the death of the High-Priest Joshua dieth Joshua being very old at the division is by the Jews said to have lived past the first Sabbatical year but to have died before the next arrived Some give to his government twenty years and some above Chap. 24. v. 29. Judge 11.8 but others think he died not long after the division There is no certainty thereof from Scripture but that he lived a hundred and ten years is expresly recorded The Israelites fall to idolatry 21. After Joshua and that generation were dead which had seen the wonders of the Lord another arose after them that knew not the Lord nor the works he had done so that the Children of Israel followed other gods serving Baal and Ashtaroth For this cause the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers which spoiled them He sold them into the hands of their Enemies round about insomuch that they could not stand before them but whithersoever they went out the hand of the Lord was against them for evil as he had said and sworn Neverthelesse he raised them up Judges to deliver them out of the hands of those that spoiled them and yet they would not hearken to their Judges but went a whoring after other gods and bowed themselves unto them Hereupon the Lord resolved not to drive out thenceforth any Nations before them which Joshua left when he died that by them he might prove Israel whether they would keep his way and to teach them War Chap. 3. There were left five Lords of the Philistins with all the Canaanites the Sidonians and Hivites that dwelt in Mount Lebanon from Mount Baal Hermon unto the entring of Hamath The Children of Israel dwelt amongst the Canaanites Hittites Ammorites Perizzites Hivites and Jebusites they took their daughters to be their wives gave their daughters to their sons and served their gods Cushan oppresseth them 22. For this the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel Vers 8. and he sold them to the hand of Cushan-rishathaim King of Mesopotamia How long this was after the division the Scripture expresseth not Lud. Cappellus We read that he oppressed them eight years but some think it should be read in the
eighth year viz. after the division or eighth years because this servitude ended in the eight But that it began not immediatly after the division neither after the death of Joshua seemeth evident because the Israelites served the Lord as long as that Generation lasted which had seen his wonders which cannot be conceived extinct at the same time with him Others think a longer time then seven years to have passed betwixt the division and this oppression assigning fourteen years to the government of Joshua after the division then ten more to the government of the Elders after his death Jacobus Cappellus who might very well live longer then so none that were twenty years old when they came out of Egypt having entred Canaan except Joshua and Caleb After that as many years they attribute to an Anarchy in the sixth year of which they will have the Civil War to have broken out betwixt Benjamin and the rest of the Tribes Judg. 20. wherein all the Benjaminites except 600 were slain Four years after this War and at the end of the 10th Cushan the King of Mesopotamia afflicted Israel for its idolatry eight years But concerning this there is no certainty Othniel delivereth them 23. At the end of the eight years God stirred up for a deliverer Judg. Chap. 3. Othniel of the Tribe of Judah Nephew to Caleb by his younger brother Kenaz and his son-in-law Into his hands the Lord delivered Cushan and the Land had rest fourty years After his death which is set to the end of these fourty years Israel turned again to idolatry and the Lord delivered them up to Eglon Eglon oppresseth them King of Moab for eighteen years At the end of this term he stirred up Ehud a left-handed man of the Tribe of Benjamin who under colour of a message stabbed Eglon into the belly Delivered by Ehud and gathering the Israelites together on Mount Ephraim slew 10000 of the Moabites all men of War After this the Land is said to have rested 80 years the words being taken literally but then some think none of the years of the Tyrants or Oppressors are to be counted severally and by themselves but to be included herein as other years after mentioned else the account will swell much larger then the whole number of years which the Scripture seemeth to allow of If we take-in all the years ascribed to the Tyrants then they will have it an Enallage frequent in all Languages and instead of 80. Ehud governed or the Land rested under him onely eight years but others think they have as much reason to take them literally Shamgar judgeth Israel 24. After Ehud Shamgar the son of Aneth judged Israel Chap. 4. but no mention is made of any time It followeth when Ehud was dead the Children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord and he sold them into the hand of Jabin King of Canaan whose General was Sisera and who had 900 Chariots of iron Jabin oppresseth them he mightily oppressed them twenty years It is most probable that in this time the Government of Shamgar was included he slew with an Oxe-good 600 of the Philistins And the Philistins who at this time might also afflict Israel or else it being but short might fall betwixt Ehud's death and the oppression of Jabin there being probability enough that some time passed after his death before the Israelites so highly provoked the Lord as to be given up into Jabins hands At the end of these twenty years Deborah Deborah and Barach deliver them the wife of Lapidoth judging Israel at this time in Mount Ephraim moved by God sent for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kadesh-Naphtali and made him Captain He with 10000 men of Zebulon and Naphtali overthrew Sisera who flying on his feet to the Tent of Heber the Kenite descended of Jethro father-in-law to Moses Jael his wife killed him by a Nail driven into his Temples as he lay asleep So the Land rested under Deborah fourty years as we read it * Usher another interpreting it in the 40th year viz. after the rest restored to it by Ehud 25. This time expired and the Israelites relapsing to idolatry Jud. 6. God gave them up into the hands of the Midianites The Midianites oppresse them and other people of the East which afflicted them seven years destroying their Corn driving away their Cattel and making havock of all things This made them cry to the Lord who first reproved them by a Prophet and afterwards by an Angel stirred up Gideon the son of Joash of the Tribe of Manasses to deliver them He having pulled down the Altar of Baal and burnt his grove Chap. 7. out of 23000 men chose 300. with which number marching against the Midianites Gideon delivereth them he so affrighted them by a stratagem of Lamps and Pitchers that he routed their whole Army The Ephraimites took Oreb and Zeeb Gideon following the Chance beyond Jordan wholly discomfited them and took Chap. 8. and slew two Kings of the Midianites Zeba and Zalmanna After so great a victory the Israelites offered him the Kingdom but he refused it and asked onely the earings of the prey wherewith he made an Ephod which afterwards gave occasion to idolatry all Israel going a whoring after it and became a snare to him and his house But thus Midian being subdued the Country was in quietnesse under Gideon 40 years as most read it but as others was quiet in the 40th year viz. after quietnesse restored to it by Deborah and Barach Abimelech his Son maketh himself King 26. Though Gideon refused the Soveraignty Chap. 9. yet Abimelech his base Son thinking such a thing was not to be neglected dealt with the Sichemites of whose City his Mother was native to make him King and by their help he seized on the Kingdom having slain his Seventy Brethren upon one stone Jotham the youngest onely escaping The Israelites after Gideon's death had again turned after Idols and therefore God not onely subjected them to the Dominion of this most wicked of all parricides but to intestine dissentions by reason of him For after he had tyrannized three years Gaal with the Sichemites conspired against him which having timely discovered he destroyed them and their City sowing it with Salt and burnt the house of their god Berith with a thousand Men and Women which had fled to it Then went he against Thebez and took it the Inhabitants whereof retired for defence into a strong Tower Here as he was about to set fire to the door a Woman cast down a piece of a Mil-stone upon his head and so brake his skull that he caused his Armour-bearer to kill him lest it should be said that he died by the hands of a Woman Tolah judgeth Israel After his death Tolah the Son of Puah Chap. 10. the Son of Dodo a Man of Issachar that dwelt
Lord as he slept in his Chamber and brought his head unto David Ishbosheth slain after seven years He rewarded them with death 1 Chron. 12. and was by the Captains and all the Elders of the Tribes anointed the third time King at Hebron over all Israel which government he held 33 years 2 Sam. 5.6 7. c. A little after this installment he took Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it the seat of his Kingdom himself building and fortifying the Citie of Sion and Joab repairing the rest Then twice he overthrew the Philistins in Rephidim who came up against him after they heard he was made King 1 Chron. 12. c. The Ark of God he removed from Kiriath-Jearim to the house of Obed Edom the Gittite and thence after three moneths into Sion He purposed to build God an house but was forbidden because a man of bloud that work which was to be reserved for Solomon For besides his Wars in his younger time all the space betwixt this and the birth of Solomon seemeth imployed in Wars wherein he overcame the Philistins Amalekites Moabites Ammonites Idumaeans and Syrians The Borders of his Empire he very much inlarged not onely from Shihor of Egypt to the entring in of Hamath but also as far as Euphrates the utmost limits promised by God unto Abraham and onely possessed by him and his son and Successor Salomon David's adultery and murder 39. Salomon was the second son begotten on Bathsheba 1 Sam. 11.12 13. the wife of Uriah the Hittite with which woman David first committed Adultery and then for a cover added to it the Murder of her husband After he had been reproved by Nathan the Prophet he repented and wrote the 51 Psalm upon this occasion Punished Yet the Infant conceived in Adultery died as soon as it was born and though Salomon was born the next year at it's thought A. M. 2957. yet this sin escaped not without a further punishment For within awhile Davidis 14. his eldest son Amnon ravished his half-sister Tamar Amnon ravisheth Tamar and for that was killed by Absalom Some years after Chap. 15.16 17 18. Absalom by the advice and policy of Achitophel seized upon the Kingdom Absolom rebelleth David hereupon fled to God as his Rock of refuge and composed the 3d. and the 55th Psalms then opposing force to force overthrew Absolom in the Wood of Ephraim by Joab his General who thrust the young man through with a Dart as he hung in an Oak contrary to David's order who had charged all the Captains to deal gently with him for his sake This Rebellion was followed by a new sedition raised amongst the Israelites by one Sheba upon this occasion Chap. 19.20 because they had not the chief hand above the Tribe of Judah The conspiracy of Sheba in bringing back the King to his house but this was happily suppressed after Joab had procured the inhabitants of Abel to cut off Sheba's head 40. After these things several battels insued with the Philistins 2 Sam. 21. 1 Chron. 20. in one of which the last wherein he was present David hardly escaped the hands of Ishbi-benob one of the sons of the Gyant being rescued by Abishai his Nephew who slew the Philistin Not (c) 2 Sam. 24. long after tempted by Satan and his own ambition he numbred the people for which God being angry proposed to him three sorts of punishments David numbreth the people viz. Famine Sword 1 Chron. 20.7 or Pestilence as to which he chose rather to fall into the hands of God then of man Then God sent a Plague whereby perished in one day 70000 men but as the Angel was also about to destroy Jerusalem he was commanded to desist David at length having arrived at seventy years of Age was so decayed and spent by his many labours and troubles 1 Kings 1. that he could not receive any heat from Cloaths and therefore a young maid one Abisag 1 Chron. 28.29 a Shunamite was chosen out to lye in his bosom Adoniah his son taking advantage at this infirmity by the assistance of Joab the General and Abiathar the Priest seized upon the Kingdom Maketh Solomon King When he had notice thereof according to the prediction of God and his promise unto Bathsheba he established Solomon in his Throne and having given him a charge Dieth died about six moneths after when he had reigned over Judah alone in Hebron seven years and six moneths and in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah 33 years in the year of the World according to the vulgar way of reckoning without taking in the 100 years formerly mentioned in the History of the Judges 2985. A. M. 2985. 41. David being dead and Solomon established in the Kingdom 1 Kings 2. Adonijah asked Abisag the Shunamite to wife and for that was put to death Solomon putteth Adoniah and others to death as affecting the Soveraignty Abiathar was removed from the Priesthood and Zadok of the Posterity of Phinehaz placed in his room as had been foretold by God against the house of Eli from which the Priesthood now returned Joab for fear fled to the horns of the Altar and there was slain by Benaiah who was made Generall in his stead Simei who had cursed David when he fled from Absalon was commanded to build him an house in Jerusalem and not to stir thence beyond the Brook Kidron upon pain of death which he after two years suffered having broken the order Chap. 3. Solomon within a year after his Father's death married the Daughter of Pharaoh after which offering 1000 burnt-offerings at Gibeon where the Tabernacle then rested God appeared to him in a dream and offered him whatsoever he would ask He asked onely wisdom to govern his people and neither riches nor honour with which God was so well pleased that he made him to excell therein all meer men and accumulated also the other upon himâ— 42. Having all things in a readinesse for building an house to the Lord Chap. 6. Clemens Stromat lib. 4. for which David his Father had made large provisions Vaphres King of Aegypt supplying him with 80000 Men and Hiram King of Tyre with as many besides an Architect named Hypero whose Mother was an Israelitish Woman of the Tribe of Judah he laid the foundation of the Temple in the 4th year of his reign and the second day of the second moneth Zif The Structure being in building 7 years The building of the Temple the work began according to their computation who by reckoning the years of the Judges and the oppressions severally add 100 years to the Aera of the World in the 3089th year from the Creation entering was dedicated in the 3095th ending and in the 587th year after the departure out of Aegypt also ending from which if we substract those 40 they lived in the Wildernesse then 547 years will be
in Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his Sons had cast them off from executing the Priest's Office With the Tribe of Judah is also to be reckoned that of Simeon whose possessions were within the Inheritance of Judah Josh 19.9 for which that part of the division that fell to it was too much Part also of the Danites had it's seat within that of Judah for it appeareth that they had some Towns in the division of the Land which formerly had been assigned to the Children of Judah who as hath been observed had so large a Country at first assigned to them rather to protect and defend than solely to possesse it All these still remained the Subjects of Rehoboam though ten Tribes are said to have revolted the Tribe of Dan being attributed to Jeroboam for that Dan the chief City was within his dominions and because the Tribe of Manasseh being separated and divided into two parts might be reckoned for two Tribes The Kingdom thus divided the Northern parts fell off but the Southern continued in obedience to the Son of Solomon whose successors henceforth are called Kings of Judah as those of Jeroboam Kings of Israel and yet this distinction is not alwaies observed Jehosaphat being called King of Israel 2 Chron. 31.2 28.19 and also Ahaz though we know they were both Kings of Judah of that division onely 2. Rehoboam purposed to make War upon the Tribes but 1 King 12.14 admonished by God gave over the enterprize of invading them with 180000 Men although there was continuall War betwixt the two Kings all their dayes The Priests and Levites that were driven into Judah reteined it in the true religion three years but when Rehoboam had established himself He and his Subjects rebel against God he forsook the Law of the Lord and all Israel with him committing sins above all that their Fathers had done They built them high-places images and groves on every high hill and under every green tree there were Sodomites in the Land and they did according to the abhomination of those Nations which the Lord cast out before the Children of Israel Because of this the fifth year of his reign Shishak King of Aegypt perhaps invited by Jeroboam who had lived with him in exile came up against him with 1200 Chariots 60000 Horse-men and innumerous people out of Aegypt the Lubims Sukkiims and Aethiopians with which he took garrisons in Judah and pierced as far as Jerusalem Afflicted they humble themselves and are delivered Rehoboam and his Princes humbling themselves at the preaching of Shemaiah thereby obtained deliverance which yet was to be bought at an high rate For Shishak took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the Kings house with all the golden shields which Solomon had made in the room of which Rehoboam put others of brasse He died after he had reigned seventeen years Abiah 3. Abiah his Son succeeded him whose Mother is in one place (a) 2 Chron. 11.20 named Maachah the Daughter of Absalom and in another (b) Chap. 13.2 Micajah Daughter to Uriel of Gibeah A. M. 3043. Some think she was the Daughter of Tamer which might be married to this Uriel and adopted by Absalom who seemeth to have left no issue He imitated the impiety of his Father his heart not being perfect before the Lord his God and yet God remembring the Covenant made with David brought him by a fatherly correction into order and acknowledgement of his Soveraignty 1 Kings 15. He also warred with Jeroboam all his dayes who coming up against him with 800000 Men he joyned battell with him having but half so many and yet trusting in God obtained Victory and killed 500000 Israelites the greatest number we read to have fallen in one battel He took from him Bethel Jeskanah and Ephraim with their Towns neither did Jeroboam recover his strength in his time Abijah waxed mighty married fourteen Wives begat two and twenty Sons and fifteen Daughters Yet he reigned but three years Asa A. M. 3046. 4. Asa his Son succeeded him in the 20th year of Jeroboam ending 1 Kings 15. 2 Chron. 14.15 16. Chap. and did that which was righteous in the sight of the Lord. He reformed what was amisse commanding his Subjects to seek the God of their Fathers in his time the Land had rest ten years In his 11th year according to Josephus came Zerach the Aethiopian against him with 1000000 Men of Cashaeans inhabiting Arabia where also Zerach his Aethiopia is onely to be found and Labaeans besides 300 Chariots To those he opposed himself with 300000 of Judah and 280000 of Benjamin and calling upon his God obtained the Victory which he prosecuted and got much bootie Returnnig to Jerusalem he was so wrought upon by the words of Azariah the Prophet the Son of Oded as together with his own Subjects and others that fell to him in abundance out of Israel he sacrificed to and made a Covenant with God Then proceeding in the reformation of his Kingdom he removed Maaca his Grand-mother from her dignity because she was the patronesse of Idolatry Baasa now who reigned in Israel provoked with the revolt of his Subjects and jealous of the growing power of Asa came up against him and built Rama in the 36th year from the division lest any should go in or out to him Asa to divert him hired Benhadad the King of Syria to invade Israel This Ben-hadad was the Son of Tabrimmon and Grand-son to Hezrin or Rezin the first King of Damascus and from him the Sirname of Hadad descended upon his Posterity He smote Jion Dan Bethmaach all Civeroth with the Land of Napthali and constrained Baasa to leave off building Ramah Asa then destroyed Ramah and with the stones thereof built Seba and Mizpah but was checked by God for not trusting in him but putting his confidence in the King of Syria and War for this was denounced to be upon him all his dayes Hereat he grew angry with the Seer that brought the message and oppressed some of his people and for this was punished with the Gout in his later dayes for a remedy to which he had recourse to the Physitians and not to God So he died in the 41 year of his reign Jehosaphat 5. Jehosaphat succeeded him to a good Father a better Son 1 Kings 22. A. M. 3087. In his third year he sent the Levites throughout the Cities to teach the people having removed the Sodomites out of the Land He married his Son Jehoram to Athaliah the Daughter of Ahab King of Israel and in his 18th year made him Vice-King This affinity drew him down with Ahab to fight against Ramoth-Gilead where Ahab received his death's wound and he escaped narrowly with his life For joyning himself with this wicked King he was sorely chidden by Jehu the Prophet the Son of Hanani which so affected him as he reformed his Subjects 2
Chron. 19 20 21. chap. travelling himself from Beersheba unto Mount Ephraim to accomplish it he also constituted Judges to whom he gave a pious and strict charge After this the Moabites Ammonites and a great multitude of others invaded him against which he first strove by Prayer to God and thereby obtained Victory his Enemies being so stricken with madnesse that they fell upon and slaughtered one another Afterwards intending to send Ships for gold to Ophir because he joyned with wicked Ahaziah King of Israel the Lord spoiled the works and the Ships were broken at Esion-geber Some think he made his Son Partner in the Kingdom it self having formerly been but his Vicegerent a year or two before he died He reigned 25 years or rather 24 with some odd months Joram 6. To Jehosaphat succeeded Joram being 32 years old 2 Chron. 21. A. M. 3109. to the best Father the worst Son who being established in his Seat made away all his Brethren and some of the Princes In his dayes the Edomites or Idumaeans who hitherto from the time of David had been in subjection to the Kings of Judah revolted They had heretofore been governed by a Vice-Roy chosen either out of themselves or the Jews but now they made themselves a King the Prophecie of Isaac the common Progenitor of both Nations being now fulfilled that though Esau should serve his younger Brother Jacob yet the time should come when he should break the yoak from off his neck Gen. 27.40 At the same time Libnah a City of the Priest's in the Tribe of Judah revolted because he had forsaken the God of his Fathers for having married Ahab's Daughter he followed the example of his house making high-places in the Mountains of Iudah and causing his Sujects to commit Idolatry therein Because of this 2 Chron. 21. vers 12. there came a Writing to him from the Prophet Elijah rebuking him for his sin and foretelling his punishment Elijah being before this taken up to Heaven the Jews have believed that this Letter was sent down thence Some think there was another Prophet of this name but most are inclined to believe that foreseeing before his assumption the Idolatry of this man he left this Letter with his Schollers to be delivered to him in due time According to the threatnings therein contained God first stirred up against him the Philistins and Arabians who making an invasion took away all his goods his wives and sons except Jehoahaz the youngest otherwise called Ahaziah and Azariah Afterwards God struck him with an incurable disease in his bowels which after two years came out of his body so that he miserably died having reigned eight years three whereof are to be reckoned in conjunction with his father He was buried without honour at Jerusalem not in the Sepulcher of Kings not desired missed nor lamented Ahaziah A. M. 3116. 7. 2 Kings 8. 2 Chron. 22. Ahaziah his son succeeded him who followed the steps of his Grand-father Ahab's wicked family and became a Patron of Idolaters But having scarce reigned one year he went down to Jezreel to visite his Uncle Joram King of Israel where they were both killed by Jehu 2 Kings 9. Joram being slain outright and Ahaziah dying shortly after of his wound at Megiddo Athaliah his mother seized upon the Kingdom Athaliah usurpeth Chap. 11. 2 Chron. 24. wherein to establish her self she destroyed all the Royal seed Onely Jehosheba the daughter of Joram and wife to Jehojada the High-Priest withdrew Joash an infant her brother's son and hid him six years in the house of God At the end of these years Jehojada brought him out to the people then seven years old and anointing him King slew Athaliah restored the worship of God and destroyed the house of Baal whose Priest Matthan he slew before the Altar Joas 8. Joas then succeeded his father after six years 2 Kings 12. A. M. 3122. who did what was good and just as long as Jehojada the Priest lived and through his advice took care to repair the Temple which now had stood 155 years But Jehojada being dead who lived 130 years the Jews observing that he the repairer of the Temple was born the same year that the builder thereof died Idolatry brake out afresh through his connivance The Prophets exclaimed against it in vain especially Zacharias the son and successor of Jehojada against whom Joas was so far transported beyond the bound's of piety gratitude to his father's memory that he commanded him to be stoned and that in the Court of the house of the Lord. Whil'st as he died he said The Lord look upon it and requite it So he did for after a years time the forces of Hazael King of Syria though but small invaded Judah destroyed all the Princes of the people and sent the spoyl to their King Joas himself they left very sick of great diseases but when they were departed from him his own servants conspired against him for the bloud of the sons of Jehojada the Priest and slew him on his bed in the 40th year of his reign A. M. 3160. 9. Amaziah his son succeeded him Chap. 14. who also seemeth to have reigned with him the three last years seeing he is said to have begun his reign in the second year of Joas King of Israel When he was confirmed in his seat 2 Chron. 25. A. M. 3160. he put those to death that slew his father sparing their Children according to the Law of Moses In his 12th year he undertook an expedition against the Edomites with 300000 of his own Subjects and 100000 Israelites which he hired for 100 Talents of silver But as he was about to begin his march a Prophet dehorted him from joyning to himself the Idolatrous Israelites so that he dismissed them and they returned home in great discontent He prospered against the Idumaeans but the Souldiers dismissed fell upon his Cities and smiting 300 of them took much spoyl Yet he at his return to amend the matter having brought home the gods of the Edomites set them up to be his gods bowed down before them and burnt incense to them The Lord being sore angry for this sent first a Prophet to him whom he rejected But burning with a desire to be revenged upon the Israelites he sent and defied Joas their King who admonished him to be well advised but this being in vain they met and joyned battel wherein Amaziah was taken and led back to Jerusalem the Wall of which Citie Joas demolished 400 Cubits and plundering the house of the Lord with the Kings house then departed Fifteen years after Amaziah lived but then having turned away from following the Lord a conspiracy was made against him in Ierusalem whence he fled to Lachish and there was slain by the pursuers after he had reigned 29 years Uzziah 10. He left a son named Uzziah and Azariah who succeeded him 2 Kings 15. but being
through the prayer of the Prophet Elijah it rained not upon the Land for three years but at the end thereof he prayed again and the Heavens gave rain He took occasion to shew the vanity of the Idoll Baal and then slew his Priests for which being threatned by Jezebel he fled into the desart to Mount Horeb. Chap. 19. Against Ahab came up twice Benhadad King of Syria once with 32 petty Kings and both times with great forces but still was overthrown Chap. 20. and at the latter time yielded himself Ahab honourably received him and making a league with him let him go in safety for which he was sharply rebuked by a Prophet and told that his life should go for the life of Benhadad and his own people for his people but there followed a peace betwixt Israel and Syria for three years In this space Ahab fell sick for Naboth's Vineyard who being by Jezebels procurement accused of blasphemy was stoned to death and so Ahab injoyed the Vineyard by way of confiscation For this so wicked a fact severe judgement was pronounced against him and Jezebel by Elijah the execution whereof by a temporary repentance they caused to be be prorogued But the three years of the peace being expired he renewed the War with Syria for that Benhadad having ingaged to restore such Cities as he had taken refused to surrender Ramoth-Gilead Four hundred false Prophets perswaded him to undertake the Expedition onely Micajah sent from God disswaded him from it With him joyned Iehosaphat King of Iudah whose Son Iehoram had maried Athaliah his daughter But going down both together Ahab received a wound by an arrow and thereof died that day in the 22th year of his reign A. M. 3103. Jehosaphati 18. Ahaziah 6. Ahaziah his Son succeeded him whom he had formerly made his Associate in the Kingdom and reigned 2 years in all being said to have begun his reign in the seventeenth year of Iehosaphat King of Iudah because his Father then dyed having reigned 21 years and some part of another After Ahab's death Moab fell off from Israel 2 King 1. to which it had been subject ever since the dayes of David Ahaziah falling sick of a fall which he had through a lattise in his upper Chamber sent to consult Baal-zebub the god of Ekron about his recovery but the Lord commanded Elisah to meet the Messengers and denounce death to him for this his sin Hereat Ahaziah being angry sent two Captains with their fifties one after another to fetch him to him but he called for fire down from Heaven which consumed them then being intreated by the third he went with him to the King where denouncing the same to his face Joram Ahaziah accordingly died not long after Him his Brother Ioram followed in the 18th year of Iehosaphat King of Iudah ending who wrought evil in the sight of the Lord Chap. 3. but not like his Father and Brother for he put away the Image of Baal erected by his Father yet cleaved to the sin of Ieroboam the Son of Nebat who made Israel to sin because of his carnall interest all the Kings of Israel accounting it an especiall piece of policy to busie the people in the worship of the golden Calves 7. Joram made War upon the Moabites which had revolted in conjunction with Jehosaphat King of Judah and the King of Edom his Tributary Elisha the Prophet miraculoussy providing the Armies of water and promising them Victory When the Sun arose and shone upon the Pits full of water it appeared to the Moabites blood so that they concluding their Enemies to have fallen one upon another came out to take the plunder of the field but finding other entertainment were repelled with great consternation and losse The Israelites then falling upon the Countrey made havock of all things and besieged Mesha King of the Moabites in Kir-hazereth who being streightened attempted with 700 Men to break through to the King of Edom but could not whereupon taking his Son his own some think others the King of Edom's which should have reigned in his stead he offered him for a burnt-offering upon the wall This spectacle seemed so horrible as raised indignation against Israel and such pity towards the Man driven by extreme necessity as Josephus telleth it that being mindfull of the mutability of humane affairs they raised the Siege and departed 8. Benhadad King of Syria made severall attempts upon Israel and besieging Samaria reduced it unto extreme necessity by Famine Him Hazael his Servant slew and possessed himself of his Kingdom but having received together with it the succession of the War Jehoram went up against him Chap. 8. and was accompanied by Ahaziah King of Judah to Ramoth-Gilead Here receiving a wound he returned to Iezreel to be cured but the Army was left under severall Captains amongst which was Jehu the Son of Jehosaphat to whom Elisha sent one of the Sons of the Prophets Jehu annointed King to annoint him King He was presently received as such by the Army and returning to Jezreel Chap. 9. slew Joram A. M. 3117 Athaliae 1. Chap. 10. and gave Ahaziah his death's wound after he had reigned twelve years Destroyeth the family of Ahab He caused Iesabel to be thrown down out of a window where her carkeise was eaten by the Dogs after which writing Letters to Samaria he procured Seventy Sons of Ahab to be slain and their heads sent to him Then going thither he slew 42 persons in his way of the kindred of Ahaziah King of Iudah who were going to visite Iehoram and Iesabel at Samaria he put to death all the Priests of Baal and burnt the Temple with the Images Yet took he no heed to walk in the Law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart departing not from the sin of Ieroboam For his executing of justice upon the house of Ahab the Lord promised that his seed of the fourth generation should sit upon his Throne Yet because of the rottennesse of his heart he began to cut Israel short in his dayes by the means of Hazael who now subdued not onely the Gileadites but also whatsoever the Israelites possessed beyond Iordan raging with cruelty againg Man Woman and Child as Elisha had foretold him Iehu coming to the Kingdom at the same time as Aâ—haliah began her usurpation in Iudab reigned full 28 years and then died Jehoahaz 9. Iehoahaz his Son succeeded him in the 23th year of Ioash the Son of Ahaziah King of Iudah who did evil in the sight of the Lord Chap. 13. in the sin of Ieroboam a grove being also in Samaria Hazael mightily oppressed Israel also in his dayes so that to him were left but 50 Horse-men A. M. 3145. Joasi 23. 10 Chariots and 10000 Foot-men Yet the Lord was intreated by him and sent Israel a Deliverer notwithstanding which yet Prince and People remained incorrigible After he had
such reports 17. As Manetho erreth in the cause of the departure of the Jews out of Egypt Manetho his false Chronologie so also in the time thereof though not so grossely as his Friend Apion Manetho nameth the King Themusis by whom they were expelled Who if the same with Amosis he lived 230 years before their true departure and that he is the same appeareth by Manetho's Catalogue taken out of Josephus But to go on with the Storie of the Kings Themusis reigned according to Manetho 25 years and four moneths after their Expulsion Chebron his Son succeeded him and reigned thirteen years next him Amenophis 20 with seven moneths his Sister Amesses 2 and 9 moneths Mephres followed her and continued twelve years and nine moneths him Mephramuthosis who reigned 25 and ten moneths then Thmosis nine and eight moneths Amenophis thirty and ten moneths Orus 36 and five moneths His Daughter Acencheres reigned 12 years and one moneth Rathotis her Brother nine years Acencheres twelve and five moneths another of that name twelve and three moneths Armais four and one moneth Armesis one and four moneths Armesses Miamun Sixty six and two moneths and lastly Amenophis ninteen and 6 moneths In whose time one who forsaking Eusebius followeth Manetho in ranking those Kings holdeth the Israelites to have departed Egypt and consequently will have this King drowned in the Sea That Ramesses Miamun was he who first began to afflict the Israelites the length of his reign as * Usserius Annal Vet. Test ad A. M. 2427. 2494. one supposeth maketh probable whose name also seemeth to him to have given appellation to one of the Cities in building of which they were imployed 18. After Amenophis reigned Sethosis who having great Forces both by Land and Sea left his Brother Armais deputy of Egypt Manetho apud Josephum l. 1. contr Apionem and forbidding him the Diadem and medling with his Wife or Concubines undertook an Expedition against Cyprus and Phoenicia Sethosis or Aegyptus and then against the Assyrians and Medes all which he brought under A. M. 2522. either by the sword or the terror of his name whereby elevated in his mind he confidently marched up and down the East-countries overturning the Cities and States thereof at his pleasure Much time being herein spent his Brother in the mean while acted all things in Aegypt contrary to his injunctions by the advice of his Friends assuming the Diadem and rebelling Of this the Chief-Priest secretly gave him intelligence so that hasting back to Pelusium he recovered his Kingdom Manetho addeth that this Sethosis was also called Aegyptus from whence the Country took the name of Aegypt and this his Brother Armais had also the appellation of Danaus If so then Amenophis who was swallowed up of the Sea His Brother Armais or Danaus must be taken for Belus the Father of Aegyptus and Danaus according to the Greeks who not being confounded with the Father of Ninus as by Mythologists he is wont to be is said to have lived 322 years before the destruction of Troy which account Learned Usher judgeth fitly to agree with the time of Amenophis He also thinketh Ramesses Miamun to be Neptune Mia coming near to and therefore seeming to be derived from Moy which in the antient Aegyptian language Ramesses Miamun the same with Neptune according to Josephus signifieth water Neptune is said also to be Father of Busiris who at this time tyrannizing about the River Nile cruelly slew such Strangers as came near him Such a Son indeed was worthy of so cruell a Father as Ramesses Miamun and it seemeth likely enough that the Story of Busiris might be taken from his and his Son's cruelty to the Israelites and so the thing may well enough be applied to Amenophis Amenophis his Son with Busiris Further if we observe what * A. Gellius Noct. Attic. lib. 15. c. 21. another telleth us that the Poets are wont to call cruell and bloody men by the name of Neptune as born of the raging and troublesome Sea then may we find more reason for Ramesses Miamun his being so called because of his inhumanity towards the Israelites and their innocent Children 19. Now to joyn this Storie of the Aegyptians with that of the Greeks whom yet the other complain of as corrupting their Antiquities (d) Lib. 2. Apollodorus writeth how Neptune on Lybia the Daughter of Epaphas who being the Son of Telegonus What the Greeks write concerning Sethosis and Io the second daughter to Jasus King of Argos built Memphis as some say and reigned in the lower part Aegypt begat two Sons Belus and Agenor whereof the later went into Phoenicia and there reigned Belus obtained Egypt and of Anchinoë the Daughter of Nilus begot Aegyptus and Danaus He sent Danaus to inhabit Africk or Lybia so called from his Mother and after Aegyptus had subdued the Country of the Melampodi or Black-feet named it Egypt after himself which according to Eusebius was formerly called Aeri◠and according to others Potamitis But he whom Maneth◠in Josephus calleth Sesothis seemeth to be the same with Diodorus his Sesoosis and Sesostris of Herodotus concerning whom both of them record as Manetho hath done very admirable things Agreeable to what Manetho delivereth of Sesothis Herodotus (e) Lib. 2. c. 102 c. writeth that Sesostris subdued many Nations (f) Lib. 1. p. 34 c. Diodorus saith His Conquests that Sesoosis conquered Arabia and Lybia before his Father's death and afterwards having a great ambition to do as much by all the World first secured the affections of his Subjects at home to keep them in obedience by his clemency and bounty Then with an Army of 600000 Foot 24000 Horse and 27000 Chariots he set upon the Ethiopians towards the South whom having conquered he compelled to pay a Tribute of Ebonie Ivory and Gold With a Navy of 400 Ships sent into the Red Sea he subdued all the maritime Coasts as far as India he himself with a Land-Army over-running not onely those parts of Asia which afterwards Alexander subdued but beyond Ganges all as far as the Ocean it self 20. After this he conquered the Nations of Scythia as far as the River Tanais which severeth Asia from Europe and left some of his Egyptians to make a Plantation by the Lake Maeotis that gave originall to the Nation of the Colchi which the Egyptians supposed they sufficiently proved to be their Colonie from the use of Circumcision imagining that the Jews had also this rite from them Finally all Asia he subdued with most of the Islands Cyclades but then passing over into Europe was in danger of losing his Army for want of Provisions and by the difficulty of places therefore in Thrace he put bounds to his Expedition having in all places erected Pillars wherein was written his successe and where he found courage he caused a member of a Man to be ingraven but where
he met with cowardise that of a Woman At length after nine years he returned home with much spoil where he refreshed and rewarded his victorious Army Here he was not idle but set himself to such works as he thought might eternize his name wherein he imployed none of his naturall Subjects but the Captives he had brought with him This the Babylonians not enduring brake out into rebellion and fortifying a place near the River held it out in despight of him till at last by composition they enjoyed a Seat which they called Babylon in remembrance of their own Country He raised up great heaps of stones and earth and to them removed such Cities as by reason of the lownesse of their situation were obnoxious to inundations from the River yet lest there should be want of water and for convenience of trade he caused Rivolets to be digged throughout the Land he also fortified the Country by a wall on the East and otherwise povided against invasions 21. For an ostentation of his greatnesse he caused such as being subdued held their Kingdoms of him or had received new Principalities at his hand at certain times to come down with their Presents His pride whom he otherwise used with much respect but being to go to the Temple or enter the City he would loose his Horses out of his Chariot and be drawn by four of these Princes At length having excelled all Men in Conquests and other Royall atchievements he fell blind and killed himself when he had reigned 33 years for which act he was the more admired by the Egyptians These amongst other things are reported of Sesostris before whose Statue many years after Darius the son of Hystaspes causing his own to be erected the chief Priest contradicted it alleadging that Darius had not yet excelled Sesostris in honourable actions with which freedom the King was well pleased and said Sethosis or Sesostris the second son to the other if he lived he would labour to come no whit short of him His son succeeded him of the same name and misfortune in the losse of his sight which to recover he was bid by an Oracle to wash his eyes in the Urine of some woman which never knew any other man then her own husband Beginning with that of his own wife he proceeded to make trial of the honesty of many others but found none effectual to the cure but the wife of a certain Gardiner which woman he then married and burnt all the rest Many after him followed in order till one Arnosis came to the Government who by his Tyranny made way for Actisanes Actisanes King of Aethiopia the King of Aethiopia He using his power with moderation put no Malefactor to death but cutting off their Noses sent them away into the Confines of Aegypt and Syria where he built them a Citie called from the maimednesse of the inhabitants Rhinocolura which was destitute of all sorts of provisions through the barrennesse and unhealthfulnesse of the place The soyl he chose on purpose that they might be diverted from idle and vitious courses by anxious and effectual care for a livelyhood which they got by a trade of fishing in the adjoyning Sea 22. After his death the Egyptians recovered the Soveraignty and created a King of their own Nation Mendes called Mendes He spent his life in making provision for death by a Sepulcher inimitable for Art which he made under the notion of a Labrynth according to which pattern they believed Daedalus to have framed that he made for Minos King of Crete wherein to keep the Minotaure After Mendes an Anarchy followed for a long time till one of ignoble extraction was made King After an Anarchy by the Egyptians named Cetes but by the Greeks Proteus who living in the time of the Trojan War had great skill in Astrology and the knowledge of winds whence and because the Kings of Egypt were wont to have several kinds of living Creatures Trees Fire and other things painted and worn about their heads the Greeks took occasion to invent that fable of his turning himself into all manner of shapes Remphis Remphis his Son and Successor spent his time in the improvement of his revenue and customes insomuch that he died far richer then any of his Predecessors having got together 400000 Talents of Gold and Silver Nileus from whom the Nileaas named The next who was any thing considerable was Nileus who because he took great care about bringing water from the River to furnish the Countrey changed the name of it from Egypt into Nile Chemmis first buildeth a Pyramid 23. The 8th from Nileus was Chemmis Diodorus who being born at Memphis reigned fifty years and built the greatest of the three Pyramids counted amongst the seven wonders of the World Herodotus writeth that the first King who gave his mind to this work was Cheops and that he prostituted his daughter to raise money for this purpose That the biggest was twenty years in building by no fewer then 100000 work-men towards the diet of whom the price of Onions and Garlick onely amounted to 1600 Talents of silver That his daughter of every one who had to do with her begged a stone and therewith built a little Pyramid near adjoyning Diodorus writeth that the basis of the greatest was on each side 700 foot broad Vide Phicium lib. 36. c. 22. the heighth above 600 foot and at the top it was six Cubits broad all of solid stone very hard and of an everlasting substance which he proveth for that the whole structure in his time remained unchanged and uncorrupted though raised 1000 years before But others which within this hundred years have travelled into Egypt relate how those monstrous buildings which stand 13 miles off from Memphis and look like Mountains at a distance are on the North-side much eaten and consumed with that wind the Etesian winds being there as much putrifying as the Southern in other parts These Piles of stone stand in a sandy place which affordeth not any quarries of stone some five miles distant from the Nile so that the work may well seem right miraculous though the Egyptians raised many fables thereupon But so many thousands of men were to be killed with this toil that one might be stately buried which yet they say hapned not to him For the people were so enraged hereat that his son durst not there bury him but laid him in another obscure and ignoble place And yet he could not contain himself but to his power must also imitate his father's madnesse Cephren 24. Cephren the brother of Chemmis succeeded him and reigned 56 years Herodotus though some would have his son Chabry's immediatly to have followed him Diodorus He spent his time the same way building another Pyramid in workmanship like to the former but much inferiour to it in compasse and largenesse being also buried in an obscure place for fear
onely this Law took no hold on Parents but such were constrained to continue three dayes imbracing the Carkeises Against Children who killed their Parents most exquisite punishment was devised for having first their flesh all cut and slashed and then being laid upon Thorns they were burnt quick Women condemned were not executed before their delivery For other Laws not-Capital it was enacted that Souldiers running from their Colours or disobeying their Officers should not dye but be branded with infamy as a means to excite them to regain their former credit If any held intelligence with the Enemy his Tongue was to be cut of his head They that imbased the Coyn used new weights counterfeited Seals Clarks that falsified and forged Records were to loose their hands Ravishment of a free woman was punished with the losse of the Members Adultery of the man with 1000 stroaks with a Rod of the woman with the losse of her Nose 39. Bocchoris enacted that he who denied the borrowing of any money should be absolved upon his Oath which was accounted as a sufficient purgation a mans credit being so much therein concerned Usury upon Bond was not to exceed the double of the principal for which it was lawfull to distrain the goods but in no wise to meddle with the person of the debtor that was owing to his Countrey and not due to his Creditor especially if a Souldier the common safety suffering in him Upon this account they were wont to scoff as the Lawgivers of Greece who forbade seizing upon Plows Weapons and other things but suffered those that should use them to be carried away and imprisoned For stealing they had a peculiar Law Every Thief entered his name with the Chief of that mystery and when he had stoln any thing carried it streight to him where if any one could tell the time and place and prove it by certain tokens to be his he was to pay the fourth part of the value and receive it again the Law-giver thinking this the best remedy against what otherwise could not be prevented The Law-givers of Egypt 40. The first man that gave Laws to the Egyptians was Mnevis perswading the people to receive them because they were communicated to him by Mercury The second was Sasyches who amongst other Laws instituted those concerning religion and being a man of great learning taught Geometry and Astronomy 3. Sesostris who as he excelled all others in military glory so he made Laws for the Discipline of War 4. Bocchoris a wise and prudent man several of whose Apothegms were a long time preserved in the memories of men 5. Amasis who much amended the whole policy of Egypt his rare wisdom having preferred him to that high Dignity for which also being admired abroad as well as at home he was resorted to by some out of Greece as an Oracle Lastly Darius the son of Hystaspes King of Persia Particular customs of the Egyptians 41. As for particular Customs The Egyptians married as many wives as they pleased posterity being with them a thing of greatest consequence except the Priests vvho vvere allowed but one apiece Children born of bond-vvomen and free vvere alike respected and equally legitimate the father by them being onely accounted the author of Generation the mother affoarding but place and nourishment to the Child in which respect also contrary to the custom of other Nations those Trees that bare fruit they accounted Males and the barren ones Females Their Children they educated exceeding hardly the expence of bringing one up not exceeding twenty drachms Each Child succeeded his Father in his Trade or course of life All sorts had some kind of learning especially such as conduced to their callings Musick was neglected by them as rendring men effeminate Once a moneth they used to purge or use some Medicinal course for their health With them no Physician was found as Herodotus writeth who professed the Art of curing the whole body but one was for the head alone another for the eyes and so for the other parts all which yet as Diodorus hath it were nourished of the publick and bound to observe Methods and Medecines prescribed them in books which if they altered or changed upon the miscarriage of the Patient they forfeited their lives together with their credit 42. Such was the constitution of the Egyptian Commonwealth as they themselves related which from some gaineth little credit this constitution of policy hardly agreeing with the manners of those Kings that built the Pyramids so that to them this excellent model of Government seemeth to be of the same nature and credit with the * Vide Judicium Jacob. Cappelli in Hist saern Exotica ad A. M. 1931. Cyropaedia of Xenophon This is observable that according to this constitution the propriety in the Land was carried from that form wherein it was left by Joseph who purchased all the Land except that of the Priests for Pharoh and made the King absolute Lord thereof Their ridiculous superstition The fond and ridiculous superstition which possessed this people above others taketh off much from its reputation That sordid and degenerate humour of consecrating with such blind earnestnesse Bulls Sheep Dogs Cats Ichneumons Ibis Gossehawks Eagles Goats Wolves Crocodiles * Porrum aut caepe nefas violare aut frangere morsu O Sanctas gentes quibus haec nascuntur in hortis Numina Juvenal Satyr 15.2.9 plants that grew in their Gardens and other things is so abominable at the first sight as none of their pretences can give thereto the least shew of reason in the opinion of a man but ordinarily qualified with the light of Nature Ah! what a thing is man devoid of Grace Adoring Garlick with an humble face Begging his food of that which he may eat Starving the while he worshippeth his meat Who makes a Root his God How low is he If God and man be sever'd infinitely What wretchednesse can give him any room Whose house is foul while he adores his Broom None will believe this now though mony be In us the same transplanted foolety Mr. Herbert in his Church Militant CHAP. V. The most Ancient state and condition of Greece during the Babylonian Empire with a Description of its Kingdoms and Common-wealth SECT I. The State of Greece in General 1. THe most Ancient common name of the inhabitants of this Countrey is more agreeable to the Roman Appellations of Graii Graeci and Grajugenae than that whereby they have rather chosen to call themselves viz. Hellenes For till * Vide Apolled lib. 1. c. 21. Thucyd. l. 1. in praefat Aristot de Meteoris l. 1. such time as Hellen the son of Deucalion reigned in Thessaly which hapned some years after the Deucalionean Deluge no such name as the later was known From him his Subjects who inhabited that part of Thessaly Whence the Greeks were called Hellenes being betwixt the two Rivers * Strabo l. 8. p. 383. A. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
his Subjects took the name of Argi and Argivi and the whole * Lege Strabon lib. 3. p. 365. Peninsula named Apia before he would have called after himself Argos In (l) August de Civit. Dei l. 18. c. 6. his time Greece began to be full of Corn which being ascribed to his care and industry he was honoured after his death with a Temple and Sacrifice which worship was before given to one Homogyrus killed by a Thunder-bolt for that he had first yoaked Oxen in the Plow His brother (m) Apollodorus lib. 2. initio was Pelasgus said also to have been begotten by Jupiter on Niobe the father of Lycaon and who gave name to the Pelasgi a people that first inhabited Arcadia hence called Pelasgis Pelasgia afterwards spread (n) Dionys Halicarnass lâ—b 1. themselves throughout Greece and sent Colonies into Latium Argus on his wife Euadne the daughter of Strymon begat Jasus Peiranthus Epidaurus and Criasus Jasus begat Agenor Criasus the father of that Argus whom the Poets make all eyes though some report him the son of Arestor Criasus succeeded his father after he had reigned seventy years and Governed the Argives 54. Two of his brothers are added by Pausanias viz. Pirasus the same with Peiranthus and Phorbas Peiranthus first built a Temple to Juno at Argos wherein he placed her image made of a wild Pear-Tree and made his daughter (o) Argol p. 58. 17. Euseb praep l. 3. Evangel lib. 3. Callithya called also Callithoe and Io Priest thereof which Superstition being continued for many Ages all instruments publick and private were dated from such or such a year of her Successors as the custome hath been from those of the Kings or Magistrates in other places 6. That this Peiranthus reigned appeareth no where but in Pausanias who seemeth to make him the immediate Successor of Argus by the name of Pirasus Pirasus Phorbas Triopas But Phorbas succeeded Criasus and reigned 35 years after him Triopas 46. whose son Xanthus being Prince of some of the Pelasgi who went out from Argos seized first upon part of Lycia and there seated himself afterwards he passed over into the Island Isa then void of Inhabitants Diodorus Siculus lib. 5. pag 239. in margine notata A. which dividing amongst his followers he named Pelasgia in processe of time called Lesbos Pausanias maketh Jasus and Agenor the sons of Triopas Jasus and Jasus to have reigned at Argos though by Eusebius he be not reckoned amongst the Kings His daughter was the famous Io which being got with Child by Jupiter and thereupon through the displeasure of Juno turned out of her wits or into a Cow as the Poets sing passed over the straits of Thrace to which upon this occasion of her Metamorphosis was given the name of Bosphorus Then went she down into Egypt where restored to humane shape she brought forth her son Epaphus the builder of Memphis and was afterwards taken for a goddesse and called Isis Herodotus leading us out of the Labrynth of fables Lib. 1. ad initium relateth that the Phoenicians after their removal from the Red-sea where he thinketh them once to have inhabited to the Mediterranean applied themselves unto sailing and Traffick from Assyria and Egypt unto other places On a time coming to Argos which then excelled all Greek Cities on the fifth or sixth day after they had exposed their merchandise to sale many women came to their ships to buy what liked them and amongst the rest this Io the Kings daughter The Phoenicians encouraging one another laid hands on those they could catch and taking her with some others carried them into Egypt This by Herodotus is made one of the first grounds of envy betwixt the Asiaticks Greeks though he confoundeth her with the daughter of Inachus which is usual and the Greeks as Pausanias hinteth gave another account of her deportation 7. As Pausanias reckoneth Jasus amongst the Kings of Argos which after him was without doubt called Jasos (p) Stephanus and the Citizens Jasii so he nameth Crotopus Crotopus his brother Agenor's son for his Successor whom Eusebius will have to have succeeded his Grand-father Triopas His daughter Psamathe being with Child by Apollo after her delivery exposed the Infant which she named Linus It chanced to be devoured by wilde beasts whereat she was so troubled that her father perceiving it got out the matter and put her to death for which Apollo brought a plague upon the Argives who to pacifie him made great and solemn lamentation for the Child which is not to be confounded with the Poet Linus as some so order the matter Crotopus having reigned 21 years was followed by Sthenelas his son Sthenelas who held the Kingdom for 11. Galenor and then left it to his son Galenor In his time Danaus the brother of Egyptus King of that Countrey having 50 daughters refused to marry them to his brother's 50 sons because he was bidden by an Oracle to beware of a son in Law and therefore taking them away with him Apollodorus lib. 2. sailed to Rhodes wherein he built a Temple to Minerva Lindia and thence to Argos where he moved a contest with Galenor for the Kingdom Diodorus l. 5. p. 227. D. A.M. 2531. as descended of Epaphus the son of Io. Both pleading hard before the people the cause as doubtfull was put off till the day following at what time there came a Wolf and killed an Ox which was feeding by the Walls Apollod ibid. Pausan in Argolicis pag. 61. The people took the Wolf to signifie Danaus because a stranger and making this contest of the beasts a leading case decreed the Kingdom to the Egyptian Danaus 8. Danaus having obtained the Kingdom his brother Egyptus feared lest by the marriage of his daughters he might get too great alliance and strength and therefore sent down his 50 sons to Argos with an Army and command either to marry them or destroy him They perswaded their Uncle by fair means to receive them as sons in Law but he commanded his daughters that each of them should the first night kill her Bridegroom and gave them Poniards for that purpose They all obeyed him except Hypemnestra and some add Bebrice which dismissing Lynceus with advice to shift for himself was by her Father accused and brought to Judgment but acquitted by the Argives and afterwards had leave from him to receive again Lynceus now reconciled to him As for the rest of the Sisters they were bestowed upon such as in tryall of Masteries got the better and became so infamous that it was believed they were condemned in Hell to fill with water a Barrell which having an hole in it let out as much as it received in 9. From Danaus those who formerly had the name of Pelasgiotae were called Danai He built the Castle and his Daughters are said to have supplied the City with water by
Castor sons to Tyndareus King or Sparta Meleager and Argus who built the ship named after him Argo wherein they sailed and thence were afterwards called Argonautae Having all things in readinesse Pelias supplying Jason with all necessaries to be rid of him fearing he should call him to account for the Kingdom they set sail from Ioleus and came to Lemnus an Island in the Aegaean Sea whence they sailed to the Countrey of the Doliones Apollonius Rhodius l. 1. by whose King Cyzicus they were honourably received but thence lanching out by night were driven back by Tempest and being taken by him for the Pelasgi Lege Simsonium in Chronico ad A.M. 2743. with whom he was at feud he fell upon them and lost his life in the fight with many of his followers but his error once understood was magnificently buried by them From Cyzicus they came into Mysia where Hercules for want of skill in rowing brake his Oar and going into the Woods to provide another whil'st his companions rested themselves on the shoar it happened that Hylas his Boy drinking at a Fountain was intercepted by the Nymphs as the story goeth Crying out Polyphemus the son of Elatus who had married Laonome the sister of Hercules ran out to rescue him and meeting with Hercules went up and down seeking â—im in great perplexity so that they were left behind by their companions Theocritus in Hyla whom Hercules followed on foot to Colchos 17. Jason with the rest sailed to Colchos and by the treachery of Medea daughter to Aetes the King that fell in love with him became master of the Golden Fleece and returned home with her having finished his journey in four moneths They lived hapily at Corinth for ten years till Creon King of that Citie betrothing his daughter Glauce to him Medea was commanded to quit the place whereupon mad with anger she set the Palace on fire and slew her own three sons which she had by Jason as Euripides relateth the story Who as it 's probable too much indulgeth his poetick liberty the Corinthians having corrupted him with five Talents as an antient (y) Vide Parmeniscum scholiis ad Euripidem Historian hath discovered (z) Lib. 1. c. 2. Herodotus writeth in that a Messenger was sent from Colchos to demand Medea but he was put off with this answer that they of Asia had formerly stoln away Io from Argos As the Argonautae sailed by Athos and Samothracia they were driven by Tempest upon Sigaeum a Promontory of Troas (a) Diodorus l. 1. p. 171. where they found Hesione daughter to Laomedon King of Troy bound upon the shoar that she might become a prey to a Whale This Whale had been sent by Neptune to devour Passengers upon the Coast because (b) Vide Pindari interpret ad Nem. 3. Laomedon with money taken out of the Temples of Neptune and Apollo had built the Walls of the Citie and made no restitution Apollo had answered that no way could they be quit of the Whale but by the devouring of some one chosen out by lot which fell upon the Kings own daughter But Hercules moved with pity upon promise to have the maid and certain horses that never were handled undertook to kill the Whale which readily performing he trusted Laomedon with his wages till his return from Colchos Then he demanded them (c) Diodorus ibid. p. 175. by Iphicles his brother and Telamon whom he sent into the Citie but the King instead of restoring what he formerly detained imprisoned the Messengers and plotted the destruction of the whole company Priamus of all his sons was onely against this treachery and when he could not otherwise prevail sent in two swords to the prisoners wherewith they dispatching their keepers got out to their companions In revenge for this afterward Hercules took the Citie slew Laomedon and preferred Priamus for his integrity to the Kingdom 18. The Argonautae being returned into Greece Hercules (d) Idem pag. 178. took an Oath of them mutually to aid one another as also to chuse out some certain place wherein to meet and celebrate Games in honour of Jupiter Olympius This matter being left to his care and management Olympick Games instituted by Hercules he pitched on the plains of the Eleans lying upon the River Alpheus where he ordained exercises both to be performed on foot and hors-back appointed rewards to the Victors and sent abroad to give notice thereof to the several Cities which were all hereby wonderfully affectionated towards him But after Eurystheus had succeeded Sthenelus his father in the Kingdom of Mycenae he began to grow jealous of the strength and prosperity of Hercules and ceased not to presse him forwards into dangerous though glorious attempts He at first refusing went consulted the Oracle at Delphos which is said to have acquainted him with the pleasure of the gods that at the appointment of Eurystheus he should finish twelve labours and so attain to immortality Hereat he grew exceeding melancholy taking it in great disdain to be commanded by him which discontent arose to a Phrensie and in this distemper he killed the Children that he had by Megara and put her away but afterwards coming to his right mind resolved to venture himself and returned to Eurystheus for his orders His twelve labours 19. The * Diodorus l. 4. p. 219. B. first task imposed on him was to kill a Lyon in Nemea a Wood of Achaia whom no sword nor any other vveapon could peirce Being onely to be mastered by the hand he caught and strangled him then taking off his skin thenceforth wore it as a Garment The second thing injoyned him was to kill an Hydra with 100 heads like Snakes whereof when one was cut off two others sprung up in its room The third was to bring home alive the Erymanthian Boar at the sight of which beast upon his shoulders Eurystheus was so frighted that he ran for fear into a brasen Hogshead and in this expedition he also overcame the Centaures The next thing commanded him was to catch an Hart of marvelous swiftnesse with Golden horns which he effected but in what manner is not agreed on After this he drave away innumerable companies of Birds from the Stymphalian Fens which there and in other places devoured the Corn. Then cleansed he Augeas his stable not by carrying the Dung out upon his shoulders which indignity was intended him by Eurystheus but by the current of the River Peneus which he brought down thither for that purpose The seventh thing commanded him was to fetch a wilde Bull out of the Island Crete with which Pasiphaes is said to have faln in love and betwixt this and the next labour he helped the gods against the Gyants and pacifying Jupiter towards Prometheus loosed this man from the place vvhere an Eagle continually fed upon his Liver for his communicating to men the knowledge of fire The eighth task was to fetch
the Mares of Diomedes out of Thrace which had brazen mangers were tied with Iron chains and fed not on any other fodder than the flesh of strangers coming that way But Hercules first gave them their masters flesh and then brought them to Eurystheus who dedicated them to Juno and their breed is said to have continued to the time of Alexander the Great 20. After this it is that Diodorus maketh him to have sailed amongst the Argonautae to Colchos Then at the command of Eurystheus he warred against the Amazons in Africk and brought to him the Girdle of Hippolyta their Queen The tenth labour was to fetch the Oxen of Geryon out of Iberia or Spain as the fable goeth whereas Geryon reigned not there but in that part of Epirus which lieth about Ambracia and Amphilochus as (e) L. 2. Anab. Arrianus witnesseth from the Pen of Hecataeus a most ancient Historian (f) Eustathius in Dionysium Periegetem Athenaeus lib. 9. Scholiastes in Aristoph Aves Suidas and others do testifie There were afterwards in Epirus a very large sort of Oxen called Larini thought to be of that kind which Hercules drove away and to have had this name from Larinus his herdsman Seeing then that this occasion of invading Spain Italy and Gaul is taken away from this Hercules that expedition is to be left to the Phoenician to whom formerly we ascribed it But Hercules is farther said in this journey to have slain Antaeus to have gone down into Egypt and made an end there of Busiris that cruel Tyrant and erected his Pillars in the utmost bounds of the World Within eight years and one moneth he finished these his ten labours After his return he was enjoyned to fetch Cerberus out of Hell which having accomplished the 12th was the setching of the Golden Hesperian Aples which whether they were such and were kept by a terrible Dragon or by them is to be understood Herds of Cattel defended by some strong and valiant man he also brought out of Africk to Eurystheus Those are his 12 labours as Diodorus describeth and ranketh them His other acts 21. Having served Eurystheus twelve years he returned to Thebes and there gave Megara whom he had put away to Iolaus the son of his brother Iphicles He had now no legitimate issue and therefore married Deianeira Diodorus Appollodorus daughter to Oeneus King of the Calydonians to pleasure whom he derived the River Achelous into another Chanel and thereby rendred the Countrey more fertile whence the fable arose that he fought with Achelous turned into a Bull and cutting off one of his Horns gave it to the Aetolians part of whom the Calydonians were called the Horn of Amalthea wherein was plenty of all fruits Before this he had won Iole the daughter of Eurytus Prince of Oechalia by shooting which exercise her father had proposed to all comers against himself and his son Yet was he denied her whereupon to be revenged on Eurytus he drove away his Horses and carrying his son Iphitus who was sent to seek them up into a Tower to see if he could make any discovery of them when he could not espy them as if he had wrongfully accused him of theft he threw him down headlong For this he was struck with a disease and had answer from the Oracle at Delphos that if he would be freed from it he must be sold and the price given to the Children of Iphitus He then passing over into Asia willingly permitted one of his friends to sell him and was bought by Omphale Queen of the Maeonians to whom her husband Tmolus had left the Kingdom Being freed from his disease he did his Mistresse great service killing many of the famous Robbers called Cercopes and bringing some of them alive unto her Omphale admiring his acts after she knew who he was gave him his liberty and took him to her bed Of her he begat Lamus having already a son by his fellow slave named Cleolaus he served her three years and then returning into Peloponnesus went against Laomedon King of Ilium as some rank the series of his actions 22. Some years after having subdued several persons and Cities in Greece he joyned the Arcadians and others to him and went with an Army against Eurytus whom he slew with his three sons and taking away Iole came to Cenaeum a Promontory of Euboea Here being about to sacrifize he sent Lichas his servant to Trachine for his Shirt and Coat Diodorus ut priùs p. 169. c. Apollodorus wherein he was wont to perform that religious work From Lichas Deianeira learning how Iole was taken and fearing to be robbed by her of her husbands affections annointed his Shirt with a poyson given her by Nessus the Centaure as he was dying who would have ravished her and for that was killed by Hercules perswading her that it was an oyntment Efficacious to procure love As soon as the Shirt touched his body the venom also seized on it His end wherewith being grievously tormented he dismissed his Army and returned to Trachines where the disease increasing he sent to enquire of Apollo about a remedy It was answered he should be carried up to the Mountain Oeta where a great pile of wood being reared Jupiter would take care for the rest This done and all hope of recovery past Hercules in his warlike habit cast himself upon the pile and desired the standers by to put fire to it which when all his own relations refused to do Paeas who seeking his Cattel came that way as Apolodorus writeth or his son Philoctetos as most deliver to whom Hercules gave for a reward his Bow and Arrows set fire to it which also being kindled with lightning was presently reduced together with the body into ashes Iolaus finding one of his bones a perswasion arose A. M. 2776. that he passâ—d from amongst mortals to the Gods as the Oracle had formerly shewed He commanded that Hyllus his son when he came at age should marry Iole As for Deianeira she seeing what she had brought upon her husband out of vexation hanged her self Thus perished Alcaeus Sirnamed Hercules the Son of Amphytrion and Alcmena at the age of 52 years having in a fit of Phrensie as it 's thought burnt himself And these are the most remarkable things that are written of him who lived according to that Chronology which taketh not in the hundred years formerly mentioned in the dayes of Tholah the Judge of Isral 23. Hercules being dead his children for some time stayed at Trachine with Ceyces the King till Hyllus and others of them were grown up Then Eurystheus began to fear them and therefore resolving to banish them all out of (g) Diodor. l. 4. p. 181. Greece or rather Peloponnesus sent to Ceyces commanding him upon pain of his displeasure to remove them together with Iolaus and the rest of their Friends They being unable to make resistance voluntarily quitted the place
Idem in Argolicis after some years incurred the displeasure of his Sons for marrying his Daughter Hyrnetho to Deiphontes his kinsman he so affected them two above his other children that he made him his onely Counsellour in all affairs insomuch that his sons fearing he would transfer the Kingdom from themselves to him made their father away by one means or other And Cresphontes his Brother who had used too much cunning in getting Messene not long after seeming to be too gracious with the people incurred the displeasure of the Nobility In Messenicis and was murdered together with two of his Sons onely Aepitus then but young escaped and killing Polyphontes the usurper revenged his Father's death Recovering thus the Kingdom he had Successors Glaueus Isthmias Dotadas Sybotas Phâ—ntas Antiochus and Euphaes who dying of a wound received in a battel fought with the Lacedaemonians without issue Aristodemus was elected in his room Cisus and continued as long as the Kingdom it self lasted being overturned by means of the Spartans as will be seen in their story Cisus the eldest son of Temenus succeeded him though the people generally inclined to Deiphontes by whose party they were so stirred up and animated that Cisus being dead they took away from his Successors all regal power and authority All regal power taken from his Successos left them nothing but a meer empty title and so in reality this Kingdom fell being in effect turned into a Free-State Which change happened about forty years after the return of the Heraclidae A. M. 2940. 690 after the beginning of Inachus A. M. 2940. 38. One (f) Grotius ex Aeschylo in supplicibus de jure belli pacis lib. 1. cap. 3. and he a great one there is who would gather out of an old Tragoedian that the antient government of this Kingdom of the Inachidae was meerly absolute the King being by the Poet called both People and City not subject to any Laws but susteined by the power of his Throne and acting all things according to his meer will and pleasure But if credit may be given to the expresse words of (g) In Corinthiacis pag. 61. Pausanias SECT 4. rather than the liberty of a Poet The Kingdom of the Inachidae moderate Emmius thence concludeth their power was but moderate for the Argives saith Pausanias from the most antient times were exceeding studious of liberty Out of this principle being stirred up as it seemeth by the party of Deiphontes they abated the power of Cisus his Successors leaving them nothing but an empty name And this they further shewed when Meltas the Son of Lacidaus one of these Kings not enduring this abatement grew as they thought dissolute and imperious in the Government For impatient hereof they deprived him of all power took upon them to condemn him to death The Government made Democratical and pluckt up all Supremacy by the roots not suffering any afterwards to reign amongst them For though we meet with one afterwards called King of Argos in Herodotus yet that name signified no more than it did in the Common-wealths of Athens Carthage and Rome where this title was wont to be given to some sorts of Officers as this work will shew The Government was now Democratical the chief power lying in the people divided into three tribes to which the Senate was subordinate chosen every year for the preparing of matters for the whole body and the management of the executive power with authority to enact things of lesser consequence There was also a Council of State consisting of 80 persons besides inferior Magistrates of the City and Judges for determining of causes all which are mentioned in the league made betwixt the Argives Athenians and others described by Thucydides in his fifth Book of the Peloponnesian War No fuller intelligence have we concerning the constitution of this Common-wealth which yet flourished downwards for many Ages and had great contests with the Lacedaemonians especially about the territories of Thyrea to which both laid claim Sometimes they fell out about their confaederates being moved with much emulation and distaste at each others Government the one being a Democracie and the other an Oligarchie which once especially brought the State of Argos into great danger But these things belong to another place SECT IV. The most antient Kingdom and Common-wealth of Athens Cecrops 1. THe founding of the Athenian Kingdom is ascribed to (a) Eusebius in Chron. ex Castore A. M. 2449. Cecrops who first reigned in Attica then Acte in the dayes of Triopas King of Argos 373 years before the destruction of Troy 780 before the first Olympiad A. M. 2449. The (b) Diodorus l. 1. p. 17. Aegyptians said he was their Country-man and brought hither a Colonie of the Saitae who inhabited upon one of mouths of Nile He was feigned to be double-natured consisting both of a Serpentine and Humane shape because coming into Greece he shook off barbarism and turned civil Besides this Colonie he gathered the people of these parts into twelve Towns whereas before that they lived dispersedly according to the most antient custom of Greece and called them Athenae after the name of Minerva in the Greek Language The storie is (c) Augustin ex Varrone de Civitat Dei l. 18. c. 9. told that when the name came to be given on a sodain an Olive-tree and a Fountain of water appeared whereat Cecrops moved with wonder sent to enquire of the Oracle what they should mean It was answered that the Olive signified Minerva the water Neptune and that they might name that City from which of these two they pleased Hereupon all the men and women were gathered together to make the choice the men were for Neptune but the women being the greater number carried the name for Minerva Neptune angry hereat drowned their territories whom to pacify they punished the women several wayes They decreed that thenceforth they should not have a voice in any publick matter that no child should bear the mother's name and that they should not be called Athenaeae but Atticae Some women known by the name of Minerva there have been though impure spirits ambitious to blind men with superstition and idolatry might well act in this matter as Augustine telleth us under the name of Neptune Several Minerva's 2. Cicero 3º De natura Deorum mentioneth five several women that have had the name of Minerva The first was the mother of Apollo by Vulcan The second born of the River Nile and worshipped by the Saitae The third daughter to Jupiter Coelius The fourth begotten by Jupiter on Ceâ—iphe daughter to the Ocean called Coria by the Arcadians which invented the Chariot drawn by four horses The fifth was the daughter of Pallas said to have killed her Father because he attempted to violate her virginity Of these the second must be she that was thus honoured by Cecrops having founded
wherein after he had slain Immaradus Pausan in Atticis the son of Eumolpus their General he also lost his life when he had reigned 50 years He left three sons Cecrops Metion and Pandorus who falling into contention about the succession put it to the arbitration of Xuthus He adjudged it to the eldest but yet would they not rest satisfied which made him leave Athens Cecrops 2d and go into Aegialea where he died This Cecrops the second some think to have gathered the people into twelve Towns for that living dispersedly abroad the Carians by Sea and the Boeotians called Aeonae by Land harrased the Countrey as * L. 9. p. 397. C. Strabo writeth At the end of 40 years his son named Pandion succeeded him Pandion who was expelled the Kingdom by the sons of Metion his Uncle and fled to Pyla the King of Megara his father-in-law who left him his Successor Whil'st he here reigned he begat four sons Aegens Lycus Pallas and Nisus Pausan ut priùs who after his death went against the Metiontidae and expelled them Athens the Dominions whereof they divided into four parts according to their father's injunctions Megara falling to Nisus who reigned there a long time Aegeus 7. Though this division was made yet was Aegeus Soveraign in effect for fear of whom Lycus fled to Athens Pallas the other brother had 50 sons A. M. 2723. which growing up gave cause enough to Aegeus to be jealous of them having him in contempt because he was childlesse For though he married two wives Plutarch in Theseo yet had he issue by neither of them which made him go to Delphos to enquire of the Oracle about posterity The answer being obscure in his return he was entertained by Pittheus the son of Pelops a man famous for learning at Traezene Begetteth Theseus who either understanding the Oracle or otherwise induced Apollod A.M. 2725. made his daughter Aethra to lye with him after he had caused him to drink good store of Wine At his departure he put a sword and a knife under a great stone bidding her if she brought forth a Boy as soon as he could remove the stone and take those things from under it to send him with them as tokens unto Athens and he would own him for his son She accordingly brought forth a son called Theseus from putting the marks under the stone whom Pittheus brought up and for that he proved exceeding prudent and couragious his mother at sixteen years of age brought him to the stone acquainting him with his Original and his fathers injunctions He easily removing it and taking away the tokens prepared for his journey but they were unwilling to let him go by Land because all the wayes were full of Robbers since Hercules who went up and down destroying them after his killing of Iphitus had quitted these parts and was gone into Lycia where for some years he served Omphale the Queen But Theseus burning with emulation upon hearing continually the praise of Hercules his Kins-man for their mothers vvere next Cousins resolved to take that vvay to obtain some renown in killing those Robbers and effected his design upon several of them 8. Being arrived at Athens he vvas in danger to be poysoned by his father through the perswasion of Medea who now vvas fled to him from Corinth Plutarch and filled his jealous head vvith suspitions of this stranger till thinking it vvisdom to make himself known rather than let another do it he shewed him the tokens vvhich he presently acknowledged owning him for his son made his subjects as such to take notice of him But the sons of Pallas who before had been seditious now seeing all hopes of the Kingdom taken from them by him and disdaining that Aegeus should first reign himself being not of the bloud Royal but adopted onely by Pandion as Plutarch vvriteth and then leave for his Successor a stranger and a Bastard they took Arms and the better to accomplish their design divided themselves into two parties whereof the one came openly vvith their father against Athens and the other lay in ambush The acts of Theseus Theseus having notice of the later sort surprized and cut them all off vvhich so discouraged the other as they separated themselves and fled Theseus after this to employ himself and gain the favour of the people went and took the Marathonian Bull fetch 't out of Crete by Hercules and brought him quick into the Citie after he had infested the Countrey very much Then sailed he to Crete vvhere as the fable goeth he slew the Minotaure a Monster kept by Minos King of that Island Minos 9. Minos (q) Diodorus l. 4. p. 183. Rhadamanthus and Sarpedon were the Children of Jupiter by Europa and all adopted by Asterius the Grand-son of Hellen by his son Teutamus King of that Island who married their mother and was childlesse Minos was the Law-giver of the Cretians this honour being ascribed to him by the most Authentick of ancient (r) Plato in legibus Aristot Politic. l. 2. cap. 8. Authors Yet (Å¿) Apud Strabon lib. 10. p. 476. Epherus in his book of Europaean Commonwealths vvrote that he was but an imitator of one Rhadamanthus of the same name with his brother who by others is also said to have been imployed by Minos in this work but more ancient who first cultivated the Island by Laws Cities and Common-wealths feigning that he had from Jupiter all the Ordinances which he published In (t) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imitation of him Minos having continued in the Law of Jupiter nine years produced Laws in writing and ascribed them to the same Author as Homer also hinteth vvhich (u) Odyss vvord of Homer though Strabo taketh to signifie a continuance for ten years yet Plato and from him (x) Lib. 1. c. 2. Exter Exemp 1. Valerius Maximus interpret it not of nine years continuance but every ninth year vvherein as it seemeth he amended his Laws Although Minos vvas a King yet he directed according to * Apud Strab. ut priùs pag. 480. B. Ephorus the vvhole model of his Laws to the freedom of his subjects This liberty he thought to be preserved best by Concord vvhich vvould be most established by the prevention of avarice and luxury the great causes of disagreement He would therefore have them all live soberly and frugally to vvhich purpose he ordained that Boys should live together in companies called Ageloe vvhen they vvere grown up and men in others called Syssitia from eating together vvhich they also named Andrâ—a from their mâ—nhood that taking their meat all in publick the poor might live in equal condition vvith the rich The form of the Cretian Common-wealth 10. After the abdication of regal power the chief Magistracy was exercised by ten Cosmi in power though not in number like to 〈◊〉 Spartan Ephori being chosen out of the lowest
sort of people as those Vide Aristot quo prius Strabon yeâ— not out of the whole body but particular families which custom Aristotle accounteth worse than the other of Lacedaemon Those Cosmi at home Governed the Common-wealth in War commanded the Army with absolute Authority There was also a Senate chosen out of those who in this Office had well demeaned themselves being for life and not liable to be called to account There was an Order of Hors-men who were bound to keep Horses for the service of the State whereas they at Lacedaemon had no such tie upon them In the Concio or great Assembly all Members of the Commonwealth had equal Votes but its power was not great confirming onely what was propounded by the Senate and Cosmi They had publick slaves called Periaeci from their inhabiting up and down the Countrey who tilled the grounds and paid in a constant Revenue All when ripe of age were commanded to marry for the propagation of legitimate issue Yet they did not lead their wives to their houses when newly married but let them stay till they were fit to govern a family The Boys took their meat altogether on the ground serving themselves and the elder sort They were cloathed meanly and alike both Winter and Summer they used bickerings with one another both with single hand and Weapon on certain dayes and had those who exercised them also in shooting and a vvarlike kind of leaping invented by Cures moreover in certain Rithms called properly * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rythmi Cretici The Cretians had several commendable Laws as that which severely restrained drunkennesse another commended by Plato that required an account how publick Corn was distributed and spent The younger sort were utterly forbidden to make any inquiry into the equiry of the Laws and if the elder were unsatisfied without their knowledge they were to have recourse to the Magistrates and their own equals But that the Laws might be ingraven in their memories the boyes vvere vvont vvhen they vvere taught to read to get some of them by heart being put into Verse together vvith some Musical Notes 11. Lycurgus the Spartan Law-giver made this model the pattern of his new Commonwealth having travelled into the Island vvhere he had converse vvith Thales a man ennobled for his Lavvs and Lyrick Poems Strabo lib. 10. pag. 482. for vve must not suppose Minos the sole Author of the Cretiam customs As the Cretians had their Cosmi so the Spartans their Ephori though most probable it is that these vvere brought in after the death of Lycurgus As they a Senate so these also endovved vvith the like immunities The Concio or Assembly of the people in Crete resolved nothing but vvhat vvas propounded by the Cosmi and Senate vvhich vvas follovved by the first constitution of Lycurgus the Senate propounding at Sparta The Periaeci Aristot Politic. lib. 2. cap. 8. and Heloti fitly agreed though the Cretians received lesse dammage from the former because being in an Island there vvere no Neighbours to hold correspondence vvith the slaves The Syssitia of the Lacedaemonians vvere fetched as Aristotle proveth from Crete and their Phiditia taken from the Andria of that place as also their education of Children vvas agreeable to the Cretian Plato commendeth much the Commonvvealth of Crete De Legibus lib. 8. and the Legislator for his vvisdom and prudence though he abominateth the immodest love of boyes and rejecteth his reason for it vvhich yet Lycurgus so approved as to put it in his model Aristotle condemneth it as also amongst some other things the Election of the Cosmi and their too great advantage they had of raising seditions in the State vvhen they came to be punished But Polybius affirmeth the two Commonwealths of Crete and Sparta to have vastly differed not fearing to blame Ephorus Xenophon Calisthenes and Plato for saying they were very like because with the Cretians it was usual to ingrosse Land and Money whence they were avaricious contentious sedition and what not moreover they had annual Magistrates Lib. 4. 6. whereas the other had two Kings for life They were he saith fraudulent and crafty in their private demeanour and most unjust in their publick Councils Proverb cum Cretense Cretissare lib. 8. Though some publick abuses taxed by Polybâ—us might have crept in in antient times yet it appeareth from the testimony of that Verse of Epimenides a Cretian which St. Paul citeth and confirmeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the disposition even of the old Cretians for Epimenides is found contemporary with Solon was very naught 12. Minos succeeding his Step-father begat Lycastes and left him his Successor who on Ida the daughter of Corybas begat Minos the secohd fathered also on Jupiter He had issue by Pâ—pphae daughter to Sol and Crete Deucalion Astrea Androgeos Ariadne and other children Androgeos going to the solemn Feast of the Panathenaea instituted by Theseus at Athens excelled all men in the exercises then performed whereby he became farmiliarly acquainted with the Sons of Pallas This when Aegeus perceived fearing they might by his means receive some aid and assistance he procured him to be made away at which Minos sore aggrieved came to Athens to demand satisfaction but obtaining none is said to have procured from Jupiter a Famine to fall upon all Greece and especially Attica which could not be abated till he received satisfaction A (b) Plutarch ut suprà yearly Tribute then be imposed on the Athenians of seven Boys and as many Girls which being unwillingly willing to submit to they were sore displeased when they came to part with their children and repining at Aegeus as the author of their calamity at the third time of sending Theseus offered himself to go amongst the rest The Fable is that they were to be devoured of the Minotaure a Monster whose upper parts were like to those of a Man but resembled a Bull in the other Some thought there might be such a Monster indeed but most account it fabulous and it is interpreted to be meant of one Taurus the Captain of Minos who might have custody of these children whom Aristotle will not have killed but made slaves till their death Theseus promising to kill this Minotaure Aegeus with much adoe yielded he should go and commanded the Master of the ship that whereas for the sadnesse of the occasion they used black sails if his Son came back alive he should change them for white ones as soon as they came within kenning of Attica He killeth the Minotaure 13. Theseus coming into Crete by the help of Ariadne the daughter of Minos which fell in love with him got into the labyrinth where the Minotaure was kept and which was made by Daedalus who having killed his Sisters son at Aâ—hens fled into this Island and slew him It is thought Philocharus apud Plutarchum ut suprà that when he landed he offered the Combat to
said that he died in Crete and that he ordered his body to be burnt and the ashes thrown into the Sea lest his Relicks being brought back to Sparta they should account themselves freed from the Oath But * In Apologet. Tertullian writeth that he famished himself because the Lacedaemonians went about to alter his Laws The War with the Argives 21. Lycurgus being dead and the State setled after this great change it renewed the War formerly begun with the Argives and afterwards deluded with the ambignity of the Oracle commenced another against the Tegeata Pausan in Arcadicis Herod lib. 1. a people of Arcadia by whom they were worsted and Charilaus the King was taken prisoner through the especial valour of the women yet was he presently set at liberty upon his oath never to fight more against them which he but ill performed After this they overthrew divers Cities on which the Achaeans had seized some whereof made their peace as Pausanias telleth us and departed out of Peloponnesus Pausan in Messenicis The Colleague of Charilaus or Charillus for some time was Teleclus whose death gave one occasion to the famous Messenian War Charilaus was succeeded by Nicander his Son and Teleclus by Alcamenes In * Clemens Strom. lib. 1. the 34th year of Nicander was celebrated the first Olympiad The first Olympiad after the restitution of those Games by Iphitus in which Coraebus a Cook of Elis got the Prize in the Course These solemnities being of so great consequence in the knowledge of times must not be passed over without some observation The renewing of the Olympick Games 22. These exercises had in former times been held by divers others as Hercules both the Idaean and the son of Amphytrion as some think Pelops Endymion Neleus Pelias Lycurgus and others After the descent of the Heraclidae into Peloponnesus Oxylus the Aetolian also who as we said was chosen their guide and according to agreement Pausan in Eliacis had the Country of Elis given to him renewed the Games but they were interrupted as formerly or seldom observed for about 300 years till Iphitus the son of Praxonidas and Nephew of Haemon descended from him and one of his Successors again restored them after which they never intermitted but were kept up for many generations But the occasion of the last restitution was this Greece being almost ruined by seditions and pestilence Iphitus inquired of the Oracle at Delphos how those evils might be redressed A. M. 3229. Osiae 34. and it was answered that it was expedient for him and the Eleans to restore the Olympick Games whereupon he proclaimed them and for the better celebration of them procured a Truce to be made The place whence they had their name was Olympia a City situated in the territories of the Pisaeans upon the River Alpheus upon which account the Pisaeans contended a long time with the Eleans about their interest in them There was a Temple dedicated to Jupiter Olympius and a place for races and all sorts of exercises filled with many goodly buildings which resembled another City Near to the Town was also a place where the Eleans sate and judged of the controversies arising about Victories to which Crowns were given As long as the Eleans continued under a Monarchical Government their Prince of the posterity of Oxylus was sole Judge but afterwards there were two chosen by the votes of the people which were after increased to the number nine then to ten and last of all to twelve This Solemnity was held once every fifth year beginning so that from the commencing of one to the beginning of another passed four entire years by some mistaken for five because of the commencement of the Games The time was at the full of the Moon the change whereof immediatly preceded the Summer solstice in the moneth by them called Hecatombaeon 23. Upon this occasion meetings and consultations were had concerning the affairs of all Greece besides the Inhabitants of which many flocked from other Countries Care was here taken concerning the form of the year for the intercalation of a day at the end of every fourth Charge was given to the Priests of the Temple to take notice of every new Moon especially of that wherewith the moneth Hecatombaeon began and to proclaim it they were also not onely to register the names of the Victors in the several sorts of Games with other things that concerned them but also whatsoever memorable thing occurred in the intervals The account of time henceforth never failed and the affairs of Greece and other Countries were known in a most certain order And here the second interval of time amongst three reckoned by * Vide Censorinum de Die Natali cap. 21. Varro received it's period The first began with the beginning of things and ended at the Deluge called by him unknown the second began where the first ended and concluded with this restitution of the Olympiads which he termed Fabulous because the Storie thereof is mixed with Fables and the third commencing with the first Olympiad reached to his own time which he name Historical for that things done therein were truly and clearly related This happened 408 years after the destruction of Troy 774 before the Aera of Christ A. M. 3229. 24. Towards the later end of the seventh Olympiad A. M. 3256. V. C. 5. Jothami 10. a great change was made in the Government of Lacedaemon The bringing in of the Ephori into Sparta by the bringing in of the Ephori who according to Plutarch had their beginning 130 years after Lycurgus It seemeth that for all the means used by him to gain an equality and clip the power of the great ones yet it again grew extravagant within this time Arist Polit. l. 5. c. 11. so that the people to provide against that of the Kings and Senate for the future got these Officers created Five they were in number whereof one Elatus was the first chosen every year by and out of the people Val. Maxim lib. 4. without any distinction of birth or wealth insomuch that sometimes the meanest sort of men were elected which custom is noted as bad by Aristotle Plutarch in vita Licurgi But their use and end being onely to protect the liberty of the people such what ever they were must be preferred as made the greatest show of love to freedom of a sharp and bold wit and aversnesse towards the power of the great ones Plato de Legibus lib. 3. Theopompus the Son of Nicander and Grandson to Charilaus was King at this time who bringing in or giving way to this Office his wife rebuked him for so doing saying that he would leave the Kingdom to his Son of lesse value than he had it of his Father to which he answered Cicero de Legibus lib. 3. that on the contrary he should leave it so much the greater by how much more durable Indeed
Keepers so much drink that they falling asleep with one of their daggers he cut the thongs Being loosed he stabbed the Cretians and escaped and afterwards to requite the womans kindnesse married her to his Son Gorgus 42. Ten years the Siege of Ira continued the Messenians enjoying the grounds at the foot of the Mountain as far as the River Neda thereby being better provided for to hold out But in the eleventh when Aristomenes was renderd by a wound incapable of taking such care about the watch as he had been wont in a rainy and dark night the sentinels secure of him betook themselves to their own homes Amongst those there was one whose wife in his absence entertained a certain Herds-man as a Lover who belonged to Emperamus a Lacedaemonian now at the Siege He being hid by his Paramour upon her husband's coming heard the man tell the Story how he and his fellows had forsaken their charge and slipping away therewith acquainted his Master Both the Spartan Kings were absent at this time but Emperamus unwilling to let slip so fair an opportunity led the Army thither and got into the Fortresse before he was discovered A.M. 3337. Ol. 28. an 1. V. C. 86. Manassis 34. When the matter was perceived The end of the second War a great contest there was betwixt the parties but Aristomenes seeing there was no hope of doing any good and willing to save what was left of the afflicted Messenians obtained liberty to depart and so Ira being taken the War ended after it had lasted sixteen years in the first of the 28th Olympiad when Auâ—osthenes was Archon at Athens A. M. 3337. 43. When the Arcadians understood of the taking of Ira they desired of Aristocrates their King to be led out either to restore their friends or die with them but he having formerly betraied them at the great Ditch was now also corrupted with money and refused to do it alleging there was none left to whom they could give assistance Yet when it was clearly known that they were alive they sent some before to comfort them then met them with clothes and meat as far as the Hill Lycaeus and kindly invited them to live amongst them Aristomenes boyling with hatred and revenge against the Lacedaemonians chose out of the Company 500 men whom he knew to be no whit desirous to outlive the fortune of their Country and asked them in the hearing of Aristocrates not knowing any thing of his treachery and the Arcadians whether they would venture their lives with him Upon their answer that they would he acquainted them with his design to march straight for Sparta which if he could surprize now that all it's strength was imployed in the plunder of Messenia then should he make an even exchange with the Lacedaemonians but if not death would be the worst that could happen Besides the Messenians 300 Arcadians gave their names to this Expedition but being stayed by reason that the entrails of the beast were not propitious Aristocrates punished for his treachery Aristocrates had time to give notice of the design to Anaxander King of Sparta The treachery was discovered after the return of the Messenger by some that suspected it and the letter sent back from Anaxander was red in the Assembly of the Arcadians wherein thanks was given to Aristocrates as well for the help he afforded the Lacedaemonians at the great Ditch as for this timely notice Hereat the multitude was so inraged as they stoned him out of hand cast him out unburied and erected a monument to his infamy with this note that Perjury cannot escape God They exhorted also the Messenians to throw stones at him who looked upon Aristomenes as expecting directions from him but he onely fixed his eyes on the ground and wept 44. The Messenians desired of Aristomenes to lead them out to seek some new place to inhabit but he denied it resolving to spend his dayes in doing as much mischief as he could to the Lacedaemonians onely his son Gorgus and Manticlus he offered to them Those that had kept Pylus and Methone with others which lived on the Sea-coasts went by ship to Cyllene the haven of the Eleans to seek out the rest The following Spring several places being proposed to go to Anaxilas who then reigned at Rhegium and was descended of one Alcidamidas a Messenian that after the taking of Ithome in the former War betook himself thither sent some to convey them into Italy After their arrival he told them he had continual War with the Zauclaeans a people of Sicilie that inhabited a fruitful and pleasant Soil which if they would help him to conquer he would put it into their hands A. M. 3339. Ol. 28. an 3. V.C. 88. Manassis 36. He then besieged them by Sea The Messenians passe into Sicily and the Messenians by Land whereby being distressed and the greater part of the wall now cast down they fled to the altars of their gods Anaxilus would have had them slain and their wives and children sold but the other unwilling to commit such cruelty against any Greeks for such they were the Town being first inhabited by Râ—vers and afterwards by others from several parts of Greece gave them liberty to continue and incorporating themselves into their body changed the name of the place from Zancle into Messene Aristomenes for some time continuing in Greece married his daughters very honourably whereof Demagetus Prince of Rhodes at that time took the youngest to wife having been advised by the Oracle to make choice of that man's daughter who was the best in all Greece He carried his daughter to Rhodes whence he intended to go to Ardys the son of Gyges then reigning in Lydia and thence to Ecbatane to Phraortes King of the Medes but death prevented him and he finished his dayes in that Island being found in the number of those few that lived and dyed in great glory SECT 6. Such as continued in Messenia made slaves 45. Messenia thus subdued by the Lacedaemonians was tilled by the common slaves amongst whom such of the inhabitants as there still remained were inrolled and became a proverb for their hard bondage being worse used than any because as some think the War was carried on with them not for glory and Empire but for life and safety not with a contention which people should rule but whether should be preserved The accession of this Countrey to their demesnes very much increased the power of Lacedaemon and so they held it for two hundred years till an opportunity was offered for the old inhabitants in despight of them to return This thing being brought to passe long after must be referred to another place as also because what further hapned betwixt the Arcadians Argives and this Common-wealth is not very material whatsoever we have further to observe concerning the Lacedaemonians SECT VI. The most antient Kingdom of Corinth Corinth first called Ephyra and built by
he thrust his feet in Iron fetters and exposed him as a prey to wild beasts Yet either by those that had this charge Diodorus l. 4. p. 185. A.M. 2695. or others that found him he was carried to Polybus King of Corinth who caused his feet to be healed from the swelling of which he had the name of Oedipus and brought him up Many years after when he was grown Laius either hearing some rumor concerning him or carried by natural affection went to enquire of the Oracle what had hapned to his son and at the same time it chanced that Oedipus having heard of some design against himself went thither also to enquire who were his true Parents They met in Phocis A.M. 2722. where Laius bidding the other somewhat imperiously to give way Oedipus moved with choler killed him being utterly ignorant who he was Creon 8. Laius being dead Creon the brother of Jocaste called also Epicaste seized upon his Kingdom Oedipus and kept it for some time till Oedipus explained the ridle of Sphinx T is Munster which the Boeotians also called Phix Apollodorus is feigned to have had an head and face like a woman the hinder parts like a Lyon and wings as a Bird and keeping upon the Hill Phicion Plutarch in lib. quòd bruta ratione utuntur or Phiceon so named from her she proposed ridles which whosoever could unridle should have Jocaste in marriage with the Kingdom but if not she presently devoured them Unridleth the ridle of Sphinx Her ridle to Oedipus was this what is it that which goeth both on two Legs three and four A.M. 2758. Many having lost their lives for a misinterpretation he expounded it to be meant of a man who when an Infant creepeth on hands and feet when arrived at ripenesse of age goeth upright on legs and when he cometh to be old useth a staff Some think her a deformed and savage kind of woman that living on prey used to lie in wait for passengers But Pausanias writing that she was the Bastard daughter of Laius others judge her to have been for her wisdom preferred to determine the pretences of such as claimed the Kingdom and that those who were cast in the tryal she punished with death which cruelty the Poets detesting raised the fable Because of her abilities this kind of Monster was made by * Clemens Strom. l. 5. the Aegyptians an Hieroglyphick of wisedom and strength in both wich Plutarch maketh her to have excelled 9. Oedipus then married Jocasta his own mother not knowing what she was to him and obtained the Kingdom of Thebes Diodorus telleth us that he had two sons by her Eteocles and Polynices with as many daughters but others say he had them by Euryganea the daughter of Hyperphas At length all came to light both that he had killed his father and married his own mother whereupon she presently hanged her self and his sons kept him up close for the filthinesse of the thing as some say though others will have him driven from Thebes and that going to Theseus King of Athens he there died a little after Polynices while his father was yet living went to Argos Pausan Diodorus Apollod where he married Argia the daughter of Adrastus but after his death returned to Thebes to succeed him in the Kingdom The two brothers then agreed to reign by turns Eteocles Polynices but Eteocles having the first course refused to yield up his power at the time prefixed so that Polynices was glad to return to Argos At the same time there hâ—pned to be with Adrastus one Tydeus the son of Oeneus who having killed a man in Aetolia fled also to him both these he kindly received and by direction of the Oracle making them his sons-in-law promised to restore them to their Countreys and Estates Beginning first with Polynices he sent Tydeus in Ambassage to Eteocles who caused fifty men to lie in wait for him by the way but he killed them all and returned safe to Argos Adrastus to revenge the injury made all possible preparation for a War and invited all the best Souldiers from all quarters to the expedition Seven Eminent Captains gave their names whereof Amphiaraus who had married Eriphile the sister of Adrastus was Chief though of so ancient a thing as this Theban-war there can be little certainty The Theban War 10. A.M. 2785. Having each of them his several Army or Company rather they marched to Thebes which they besieged and divided themselves according to the Gates of the Citie Eteocles made all preparations for defence assigning to every Gate its Officer and consulted Tiresias a Prophet then blind concerning the event of the War He answered that the Thebans should overcome if Menaeceus the son of Creon would devote himself as a sacrifice to Mars which he presently did killing himself before the Gates Diod. l. 4. p. 177. The Thebans then made a sally but were beaten back to the Walls which when the Argives approched Capaneus one of the seven Captains first of all others set to Ladders and mounted but he being killed the other retreated and many of them were slain in the pursute After this it was agreed that the two brothers in a single Combat should decide the quarrel and so doing they mutually fell by the hands of each other then followed a very sharp fight wherein all the Captains that followed Adrastus were slain and he onely escaped by the swiftnesse of his Horse Arion Yet this victory cost the Thebans so dear that being themselves almost ruined hence Cadmea victoria became a proverb This War fell out 28 years before that of Troy Laodamus 11. Eteocles leaving behind him a young son named Laodamus Creon the brother of Jocasta assumed the Guardianship of him and would not suffer the Argives to be buried till Theseus and the Athenians procured it Ten years after the War when Laodamus was now grown up the sons of those Captains that had been slain called Epigoni made an expedition against Thebes to revenge the death of their fathers The expedition of the Epigoni A.M. 2795. Consulting before-hand the Oracle of Delphos about the successe they were bidden to chuse Alcmaeon the son of Amphiaraus for their General which having done and marching into Thebais they wasted all the Countrey round about the Citie Hereupon the Thebans made a sally and a sharp conflict insued wherein Laodamus slew Aegialeus the son of Adrastus and was himself killed by Alcmaeon though Pausanias saith he escaped out of the fight and fled to the Illyrians After this the Citie was taken and with other plunder Pausan Tiresias the Prophet was sent as a present towards Delphos but drinking by the way presently died This is he SECT 1. Thersander who is said to have experienced both Sexes and lived seven Generations even from the dayes of Cadmus to this time The Epigoni having taken
killed by one Celer who oversaw the work Romulus compassed in the Palatine Hill and made that the Rudiments of the Citie with an Heifer and a young Bullock joyned together plowing up a furrow where the Wall should be reared which use was afterwards observed by the Romans both in the building and razing of Cities This is the most common and received opinion about the Original of Rome Several opinions concerning the builder of Rome which some make built at another time and by other founders Cephalon Gergithius a most antient Historian wrote that it was built in the second age after the Trojan War by Romus one of the four sons of Aenaeas with whom many other Authors agreed Others made the founder of it to be Aeneas himself whom they will have come in company with Ulysses into Italy Aristotle the Philosopher wrote that part of the Achaeans themselves in their return from Troy were by Tempests driven upon Italy and forced to plant themselves in Latium Callias the Historian who Recorded the Acts of Agathocles mentioned a Trojan woman called Roma that being married to Latinus King of the Aborigenes bare to him two sons Remus and Romulus who building the Citie named it Rome after their mother Xenagoras reckoned up three sons of Ulysses by Circe Romus Antias and Ardea all which built Cities of their own name Dionysius of Chalcis with others would have this Romus to be the son of Ascanius some of Emethion and some of Italus by Electra the daughter of Latinus Besides these many other Greek Authors dissented about the founders of the Citie 11. Neither have Roman Writers agreed amongst themselves Some of them would have the sons of Aeneas to be founders of the Citie viz. Romulus and Remus others his Nephews by his daughter which he gave up as Hostages to Latinus King of the Aborigines Some write how Ascanius being left Heir by his father divided his inheritance with Romulus and Remus his brethren he himself built Alba and other Towns Romulus Capua so called from Capys his great Grand-father Anchisa from Anchises his Grand-father and that place afterwards called Janiculum which he named after his father Aeneas then lastly Rome after his own name which being afterwards desolate the Albans repeopled by a Colony led thither by Romulus and Remus According to this History this Citie should have been twice founded First not long after the Trojan times and then again in the fifteenth age after but more than this Antiochus of Syracuse mentioned a third Rome that must have been before the War of Troy writing that from Rome came a certain Sicilian fugitive to Morges the son of Italus King of Italy By reason of this uncertainty of the founders some whose prejudice against the Empire of the Citie moved them with envy accounted it no other than a receptacle and fortresse of Barbarians Fugitives and Vagabounds and were ready to call into question the History of Romulus as a meer invention made to hide the despicable Original of so great a Commonwealth 12. Whether it was a new Plantation or reparation of an old Town there is great variety of opinions concerning the time thereof Timaeus the Sicilian made its foundation contemporary with that of Carthage and the 38 year before the first Olympiad Several opinions concerning the time of the building But of those which seem to approach nearer to truth some place the foundation of it in the sixth Olympiad whereof Velleius Paterculus assigneth the first year others the third and Varro from the opinion of Tarcutius a most excellent Mathematician the fourth which opinion is followed by many Authors of great note besides Augustus Claudius Severus and Philip Emperours in their Saecular Games as Plutarch Tacitus Dio Gellius Censorinus Onuphrius Caesar Baronius Torniellus Joseph Scaliger and Jacobus Cappellus Solinus will have Pomponius Atticus and Cicero to reckon from the third year of this Olympiad but as Pliny Paterculus and Livy so Cicero varieth sometimes counting from the Calends of January of the foregoing one while of this and another of the following year M. Porcius Cato knowing that Rome was built something before the seventh Olympiad not standing upon minute and scrupulous deductions began the Aera of the Citie from the first of January that fell in the first year of that Olympiad and so the year of his own Consulship he said to be the 758 year of the Citie This Aera is followed by the Fasti Capitolini Solinus Eusebius Dionysius of Halicarnassus who taketh pains to prove the account good Polybius Sigonius Pighius Occo Goltzius Isaacus Casaubonus upon Polybius and others Fabius Pictor wrote that Rome was built in the eighth Olympiad the reason whereof as Cappellus thinketh is because Romulus might then have finished the Wall and Ditch some deriving the Aera of a building from laying of a foundation and others from the finishing of the structure Lastly L. Cineius as Dionysius informeth us held that the Citie was built in the second year of the twelfth Olympiad SECT 2. In this great variety of opinions we have rather more reason to approve that of Varro the most learned of all Romans A.M. 3252. Ol. 6. an 4. Jothami 6. Pekachi 7. which placeth the beginning of Rome in the fourth year of the sixth Olympiad the sixth of Jotham King of Judah and the seventh of Pekah King of Israel about the time that the Ephori were made at Sparta in the dayes of Charops the first Archon at Athens for ten years A.M. 3252. SECT II. From the building of the Citie to the destruction of the Kingdom the space of 245 years The founding of Rome 1. ROmulus being 18 years old laid the foundation of the Walls on the (a) Solinus cap. 2. Cicero de divin lib. 2. Plutarch in Romulo eleventh day before the Calends of May which answereth to the fourth of October after the Julian account betwixt the hours of two and three The Sun being in Libra and the Moon in Taurus Jupiter in Pisces Saturn Venus Mars and Mercury in Scorpio according to the Computation of Tarrutius the most noble of Mathematicians (b) De re Rustica l. 2. c. 1. Varro (c) Lib. 4. Fast Vide Joseph Scalig. de Emend temp l. 5. pag. 362. Ovid and several others write that Rome was founded on the Parilia or Palilia Festus telleth us that Parilia were so called a Pariendo from bringing forth those Stars in the head of Taurus or which make up the head of themselves as Gellius criticizeth against Tiro named Hyades and under which Rome was founded being also called Parilicium and Palilicium Sydus Servius noteth that Pales was the Roman Goddesse of fodder to whom a solemnity being observed on the eleventh of the Calends of May it had the name of Palilia Cappellus thinketh that according to the mind of Tarrutius the first year of the Citie commenced from the first of January and Capricorn in the new Moon
three moneths after the foundation was laid The number of the Colony 2. The number of the Colony amounted scarce to 300 horsmen and 3000 foot Dionys lib. 2. Livius lib. 1. wherewith Romulus which some make but the diminutive of Romus his true name planted this new Citie called Rome after himself To increase the number of his Citizens he opened a Sanctuary to all malefactors and discontented persons which then resorted to him in great numbers from the Countreys adjoyning Setting about the frame of the Commonwealth by his Grandfathers advice he remitted it to the choice of the people what kind of Government they would have whereby obtaining the Kingdom in way of gift his power became the more plausible He divided the people into three Tribes The division and distinction of Citizens every Tribe into ten Curiae and every Curia into ten parts or Decuriae over all which he appointed Officers According to the number of the Curiae he divided the grounds into thirty parts onely excepting one portion for publick use and another for superstitious Ceremonies He made a distinction of his people according to honour and dignity giving to the better sort the name of Patres either for that they were elder had Children for the Nobility of their stock or if detractors may be heard he therefore named these Patricii because they alone could shew their fathers the other multitude being a rable of fugitives that had no free and ingenuous parentage wherefore when an Assembly of the people was called by the King the Patricians were by a Cryer cited by their own and fathers name but the inferiour sort or Plebeians were gathered together by the sound of Ox horns Having distinguished his subjects into these two ranks he ordered what each should do The Patritii were to take care of superstition bear Offices of Magistracy administer Justice and Govern the Commonwealth together with the King The Plebeians till the fields feed Cattel and exercise trades lest by their medling in the Government and by mutual contention of the poorer and richer sort such seditions might arise as were too visible in other Commonwealths 3. To bind each to the other he commended to the Patricians certain of the Plebeians Patrons and Clients whom they should protect and countenance liberty being given to the common sort to make choice of whom they would for their Patrons This custome of Patron and Client was very ancient in Greece Dionysius especially amongst the Thessalians and Athenians where yet the Clients were very imperiously used their Patrons imposing on them services ill beseeming freemen and beating them like slaves if they disobeyed their commands The Athenians called them Thetae for their service and the Thessalians Penestae upbraiding them with their fortune But Romulus refined the use of Patronage rendring it profitable unto both Patrons by him were ordered to advise their Clients concerning Law of which they were ignorant and take care of them as well absent as present as their own children in what concerned mony and contracts undertaking sutes for them when oppressed and procuring them quiet both as to publick and private businesse On the other hand it was the duty of Clients to help their Patrons with money in the marriage of their daughters if need should be and redeem them or their sons if taken captive to bear the charges of private sutes or publick fines and that at their own cost in way of gratitude to assist them with their purses in defraying the charge of Magistracy or honourable employments This was common to both that neither ought to accuse the other to give any testimony or suffrage or to be reckoned amongst his Enemies which if any one did he was held guilty of treason by Romulus his Law and it was lawful for any one to kill him Hereby for many Ages this Patronage continued in force and was as effectual for love and mutual help as consanguinity or alliance it was the glory of the Nobility to have many Clients devolved upon them from their Ancestors and obtained by their own virtue But not onely the Plebeians in the City found themselves secured by this Patronage but in processe of time all Colonies associate Cities and such as were subdued by war had their Patrons to whom many times the Senate would remit such controversies as were brought before it from the said Cities or Common-wealths and ratifie their judgement Lastly such firm concord followed this constitution of Romulus that for 730 years as Dionysius reckoneth though many and great contests arose betwixt the Nobility and Commons about the Commonwealth as is usual in all both great and little States yet it never came to blood or slaughter but mutually yielding and granting all controversies were composed by civil expostulations till Caius Grachus Tribune of the people overthrew the peace of the City after which they neither spared to kill and banish one another nor to commit any other wickednesse whereby they might compasse Victory and their own devices 4. After this Romulus resolved to chuse a Senate which should assist him in the Government and from amongst the Patricians selected 100 after this manner Out of them all he first made choice of one particular man to whom Idem when he was constrained to be absent in the wars he committed the Government of the City Then he commanded every Tribe to chuse three men such as were eminent for birth and wisdom The Senate and every Curia to elect three out of the Patricians This number he called a Senate either for their age or virtue or because as Festus will have it nothing was done without their permission the Senate being named a Sinendo Perceiving after this that he stood in need of a Guard for his own person he caused the Curiae by their suffrages Celeres to chuse him out 300 young men ten out of each whom he called Celeres from their readinesse to execute his commands as most have written or according to Valerius Antias from their Captain whose name was Celer Under him were three Centurions and other inferiour Officers this Company with their Spears defended the King in the City and received his orders in battels were the first leaders and the keepers of his body beginning the fight first and retreating last of all which custom Dionysius thinketh Romulus to have taken from the Lacedaemonians Things being thus appointed The Office of King he limited unto all their work and honours The King's duty was to take care of their superstition to look to the preservation of the Laws and Customs either natural or written to decide the most weighty causes betwixt man and man and refer those of lesser consequence to the Senate into which he was also to have an inspection He was to call together the Senate assemble the people first to speak his opinion and ratifie what was approved by the major part This was the King's work at home who in
the one consisting of 354. and the other of 365 doubled these eleven dayes and every other year inserted a moneth after February consisting of 22 dayes and by the Romans called Mercedonius because at that time wages were wont to be paid He changed the order of the moneths assigning to March formerly the first the third place to January the first and February the second whereof this was the last and the other the 11th in the dayes of Romulus Many have been of opinion that Numa added January and February to the rest of the moneths and that formerly the Romans had but 10. which appeareth by the name of December the last moneth and because the fifth and sixth moneths from March were called Quintilis and Sextilis Thus March must have been the beginning of the year which Romulus so named from Mars his supposed father The second was April so called from Venus as some thought because her superstitious worship was performed in it when the women were Crowned with Myrtle as they washed or as others gathered from the opening of Plants at that time of the year The third was May named from Maia and sacred to Mercury the fourth was June from Juno as some thought others deriving the names of these two from Majores and Juniores the Elder and younger The rest had their names from their order as Quintilis Sextilis September October November December Afterwards Quintilis was from Julius Caesar called July Sextilis August from Augustus September and October the Emperour Domitian changed into his own names but presently after he was killed they recovered their former Onely the two last ever retained their first appellations Of those moneths which Numa either added or ranked February was so called from the expiations which used to be in it signified by the word Februa then they were wont to make parentations to the dead and celebrate the Lupercalia certain Sacrifices and Games in honour of Pan much like to the Sacrifice of Expiations January was named of Janus which Numa seemeth to have set before March because he would shew that Civil vertue is ever to be preferred before what is exercised in War For Janus was accounted one of the most antient Gods or Kings from whom reigning in Italy some make the Romans descended very studious for civil society and humane converse and who changed the course of mans life from brutish and savage to an humane and gentle kind He is therefore feigned to be double faced because he brought in another fashion of life than what formerly had been and had a Temple built by Numa with two doors that were shut in peace and open in vvar as was before said These things Plutarch relateth in the life of Numa 15. But Livie and other considerable Authors (a) C. 3. Solinus (b) Satur. lib. 1. c. 12. Macrobius and (c) c. 20. Censorinus write that the first Roman year consisted but of ten moneths and 304 dayes six of the moneths having 30 dayes and the other four 31 apiece But this account differing from the course of the Sun Numa to make them agree added 51 dayes to the year That he might make up the twelve moneths from the six consisting of thirty dayes he took one day apiece and therewith made up 57. which were divided into two moneths whereof the one contained 29. and the other 28 dayes and so the year began to have 355. Of this opinion besides Junius Grauhanus and Fulvius both Varro and Suetonius were as appeareth out of Censorinus Yet Licinius Macer and Lucius Fenestella by the same testimony two antient Writers of Annals delivered that the first Roman year consisted of 12 moneths agreeable to the former opinion related by Plutarch This a * Joseph Scaliger de Emendatione Temp. lib. 2. Lidyatus de variis annorum formis cap. 17. noble pair of modern Criticks prove to have been the truer opinion affirming that January and February were not added by Numa but transferred from the end to the beginning of the year and endeavouring to shew that they who would have the year but to consist of 10 moneths make it no shorter than they that are for 12. distinguishing it not so much in number as placing of dayes for the Romans in Romulus his time filled up the year either by assigning more dayes than thirty to the moneths or adding so many in the end thereof as seemed to be wanting But it sufficeth to have touched these things for the direction of beginners 16. Numa to gain credit and obedience to his constitutions feigned that he had converse with the Goddesse Egeria He married Tatia daughter to Tatius the King by which he had a daughter named Pompilia Some said he neither had any other wife nor any more Children but others both as to wife and children dissented from them He lived above 80. reigned 43 years and at his death was buried with great honour His body was not burned which he forbad but buried in a stone Coffin under the Janiculum and the Books of his Ceremonies laid by him in another which being twelve written in Latine and as many in the Greek tongue were 400 years after when Publius Cornelius and Marcus Baebius were Consuls by water wrought out of the earth and for that it was thought wickednesse to have such things discovered to the multitude from which he also kept them after the fashion of the Pythagoreans not communicating discipline by writing but onely by word of mouth burned by command of the Senate He kept the State in constant peace and his ability herein contributed to the general quiet of Italy so that by the example of his reign Plutarch judgeth that saying of Plato to be verified that the onely means whereby men should be made happy would be to have a Philosophical mind and regal power concur in a Prince who would make vertue superiour to dishonesty But the fortune of the succeeding Kings added to the lustre of his glory For of the five which followed the last was cast out and died in exile and none of the rest obtained a natural and quiet end according to Plutarch Tullus Hostilius 17. Numa being dead and the Government devolved upon the Senate after several Interreges at length Tullus Hostilius was created King by the Universal consent of the Citie His Grand-father was that Hostilius A. M. 3333. V.C. 82. Olymp. 27. an 1. who most gallantly behaved himself against the Sabines at the Cittadel and married of that Nation the daughter of Hersilia After much valour shewn he was slain in battel and left a young son who at ripenesse of age of a noble Matrone begat this Tullus Hostilius the third King of Rome whose beginning according to the account of Dionysius was in the second year of the 27th Olympiad wherein Eurybates the Athenian was Victor when Leostratus was Archon at Athens in the 83 year of the Citie and the 31 of Manasses King of Judah At his first beginning he
purchased the favour of the poorer sort by dividing unto them man by man that portion of Land which the two former Kings had kept to bear their charges saying that his own inheritance would suffice for his own expences Lest these should want room he took in the Hill Caelius where such as wanted habitation and now had gotten grounds built them houses and he also dwelt himself He was not onely of a different temper from Numa but as Livie describeth him more fiery than Romulus being as well moved by his proper inclination as the glory of his Grand-father so that he sought and greedily imbraced all occasions for War It was not long ere one was presented from the Albans who made depredations in the Roman Territories His War with the Albans and were again robbed by the Romans At that time Caius Cluilius Governed Alba who envying the growth of Rome sought to stir up division and raise War betwixt the two Cities Dionysius writeth that for this end he privately procured some to prey upon the Romans knowing they would revenge the injury and when they did so upon such as they could take he perswaded the Albans that they had received a great affront and excited them to take up Arms. 18. Ambassadors were sent to Rome to demand restitution Dionysius l. 3. Livius l. 1. and such as had been Authors of the injury to be given up into their hands This Hostilius being aware of and knowing that they who first refused to make satisfaction would bear the Odium of the War caused some of his friends kindly to entertain the Ambassadors pretending he was by necessary occasions hindred from giving them audience till he first sent some of his own to Alba to demand restitution They received a sharp repulse from Cluilius whereof Hostilius having notice then gave audience to the Albans told them how those that he sent had already received such an answer as argued the league quite broken whereupon he denounced a just and necessary War against the Albans which he would carry on not onely with his domestick forces but by the aid of his other subjects and dependents Both parties then made all possible preparations and drew out their forces to a place afterwards called the Ditch of Cluilius some five miles distant from Rome When they expected suddenly to decide the quarrel Cluilius was found dead in his Tent whether by some secret practice upon himself by grief or any other means is uncertain Into his place was chosen Metius Suffetius a man of a turbulent spirit and scarce able for warlike matters but thought fit for the place because as great an incendiary as his predecessor Yet sensible of danger that hung over his head from the Fidenates who gaped after the destruction of both he drew out the War in length and fearful to lose all was inclinable to a present composure Hostilius was now also not averse to a determination of the businesse being desirous to punish the Fidenates and Veientes who formerly overcome by Romulus had submitted to the obedience of Rome and in the dayes of Numa taken occasion of his peaceable Grovernment to provide for the absolute shaking off of the yoak This time they thought to present them with a fit opportunity for gathering together at Fidenae they were ready when the Albans and Romans should in battel have weakened each other to fall upon both 19. This plot discovered wrought so upon both the Captains that they came to a conference wherein much being alleged for the justice and right of both parties at length it was agreed that three persons on each side should by combat decide the quarrel and that City whose Champions should have the better obtain preheminence and command over the other Whiles every Officer desired to be one of the three Suffetius bethought himself of two ternions of brothers that were most fit as he thought to take it upon them One Seguinius of Alba had two daughters whereof one he married to Curiatius his fellow Citizen The Horatii and Curiatii and the other to Horatus a Roman It hapened that both being with child at the same time brought forth each of them three sons at the first birth which their Parents educated as the hope of their Families to these it was that Suffetius thought the Combat concerning Principality was to be committed being of equal years strength and courage The motion was imbraced by the parties who dispensed with their private affection no whit unsuitable to their consanguinity now that the honour and welfare of their Country was concerned In the Combat two of the Horatii were slain first and the third left to deal with three adversaries spirited afresh by the great advantage they had of him but warily retreating so as he might have but one upon him at a time he slew them all and Rome in him remained Conqueror As he returned into the City he was met by his Sister that fell upon him with chiding and outragious words for imbruing his hands in the blood of his Cousin-germans whereof one was contracted to her Now elevated by his successe and transported with a certain kind of Ecstatical love to his Country he killed her in the place as one that preferring private respect before publick good was unworthy to live Hereof he was accused and Tullus neither thinking it seemly to quit or condemn him as same say created the Duumviri for capital Judgement who condemed him but if so there lying appeal from these Officers to the People the multitude granted his life to the tears of his Father who not onely took not ill his daughters death but esteemed it an heroick act and gave her an ignominious burial 20. Hostilius dealt moderately with the Albans but Metius Suffetius their Dictator or King thinking his credit much impaired by the event of the Combat sought how he might betray the Romans and wrest the power out of their hands He dealt therefore underhand with the Fidenates and Veientes who now called to account for their double-dealings brake out into open rebellion and by promise of assistance incouraged them in their enterprize And when the Romans and the other came to ingage he resolved to stand neuter till he saw wich party had the better intending then to cloze with it The Romans were discouraged to see their friends stand aloof suspecting the treachery which Tullus also apprehending gave out that it was by his order as meaning by some stratagem to surprize the Enemy upon which report the Fidenates and their companions were discouraged and at length by the Romans who resumed their courage put to the rout After the Victory he called the Albans together and laying open the treachery of Suffetius which savoured the more of Treason because he had trusted him as his inward friend and kept him three years in his place caused him to be pulled in pieces having beforehand sent Marcus Horatius to Alba who rased the City and translated the Inhabitants
thereof to Rome after it had stood about 487 years according to the account of Dionysius which is to be preferred before the other of Livie or that of L. Florus an Author not to be relied on either as to Chronology or order and disposition of matters to say no more Alba destroyed 21. To this end came Alba through the power of it 's own Colony A. M. 3051. V.C. 100. Olymp. 31. an 4. Manassis 48. having flourished with riches numbers of Inhabitants and been the Mother of thirty Latin Towns After this Tullus having brought fully under the Fidenates moved War against the Sabines for robbing such Romans as used to traffick into the Country and refused to make restitution of the goods he overthrew them at the Wood called Malitiosa Sylva and forced them to beg peace Now also the Latines and Romans fell out because they refused to yield obedience to these who challenged it as due to their City which had conquered the Metropolis The War was managed for five years with great moderation onely besides continual depredations Hostilius punished Medallia for an example Livie which in the time of Romulus had received a Roman Colony Otherwise no battel was fought Pliny nor any Town taken and plundred which made both inclinable to peace Plutarch But at this time Tullus Hostilius died having reigned 32 years some say by Lightning with his whole Family for neglect of the Religion instituted by Numa but most believed him taken away by the practices of his Successor though Dionysius holdeth their opinion to be improbable 22. After the death of Tullus the state fell into an Inter-regnum Dionys l. 3. according to the custom Ancus Marcius and by the Inter-rex and Senate Ancus Marcius was elected King who being confirmed by the people A. M. 3366. V.C. 115. Olymp. 35. an 2. Josiae 6. began his reign in the second year of the 35th Olympiad wherein Sphaerus the Lacedemonian was Victor at what time Damasias was annual Archon at Athens He who according to what Festus writeth had the Sirname of Ancus from his crooked arm which he could not strech out in length was Grand-son to Numa Livius l. 1. by his daughter Pompilia She was married to Marcius the son of that Marcius who being the kinsman of Numa came with him to Rome Plutarch in Numa after he had earnestly perswaded him to take upon him the Kingdom being elected into the Senate after the King's death stood in competition with Hostilius for his place and missing of it laid violent hands on himself Marcius his son marrying Pompilia the daughter of Numa whether by Tatia or Lucretia is uncertain begot on her this Ancus Marcius who was five years old at the death of both his Grand-fathers Ancus considering that much of the superstition brought in by Numa was neglected set himself to restore the use thereof alleging to the people that the diseases Pestilence and other innumerable calamities which had lately fallen upon the City together with the disastrous end of Hostilius proceeded from neglect of their gods He advised them to return to Husbandry and other peaceable imployments neglecting violence and the profit that cometh by War The State being thus restored he thought as his Grand-father had lived so to passe his time free from all War and molestation but he found his expectation crossed for that he was compelled to be a warriour against his will and was never free from peril and tumult Scarce had he began to reign and had modelled the Commonwealth when the Latines contemning him as a sluggard and unfit for military imployment made depredations upon the Roman Territories Making preparation for War Livie writeth that he first denounced it sending to the Latins beforehand and now constituted the Office of the Feciales the Rules whereof he took from the Equicoli an antient people 23. He surprized Politorium a Town of the Latines Livius lib. 1. the Inhabitants of which he translated to Rome where for that the antient Romans inbabited the Palatine the Sabines the Capitoline Dionys l. 3. and the Coelian had been given to the new Denizons of Alba to them was granted the Aventine hill to inhabit other neighbours being added when within a while Tilene and Sicania were taken The Latines much concerned at this losse conspired against him for the Spring following but at several times he defeated their united powers and forced them to ask peace so did he the Fidenates Volsci Veientes and such Sabines as not yet having felt the strength of Rome sorely repined at the successe of an upstart City He laid a wooden bridge over the River Tiber and fortified the Janiculum on the other side with a wall having by a bridge united it to the City and in the midle of Rome he made a prison for Malefactors Neither did he onely extend the Pomaerium or Area of the City but inlarged it's dominion For having taken from the Veientes the Mesian Forrest his Territories reached to the Sea upon which at the mouth of Tiber he built a Town called Ostia to secure the profit of Navigation unto his Subjects for thither Commodities being brought by Ship were in lesser Vessels conveyed to the City Ancus Marcius reigned 24 years coming behind the commendations of none of his Predecessors either for the glory of Peace or War 24. Ancus being dead of a natural death as should seem by Historians save that Plutarch as was said included him in the number of those four that came to untimely ends the Senate received power from the People to order the affairs of the Commonwealth and created certain Inter-reges who holding the Assemblies for election The pedigree of Tarquinius Priscus L. Tarquinius was chosen King and began his reign about the second year of the 41th Olympiad wherein Cleonidas the Theban was Victor Eniochides being Archon at Athens A. M. 3390. V. C. 139. Ol. 41. an 2. Josiae 30. the 139th of the City and the 30th of Josiah King of Judah This man being of forein extraction what his Originall was why hee came to Rome and how he attained to the Kingdom is to be considered There was a Corithian Demaratus by name of the race of the Bacchiadae who trafficking much into Hetruria changed his Merchandise for Tuscan Commodities and thereby growing very wealthy when troubles arose at home by means of Cypselus his Tyranny with all his goods sailed from Corinth and fixed himself at Tarquinia a City of Hetruria where marrying a noble Matron of her he begat two sons called by the Hetruscan names of Aruns and Lucumon Aruns died without hope of issue Demaratus for grief followed him not long after so that Lucumo possessed of the whole Inheritance began to elevate his designs and to look after some place of Magistracy in his Country Here he received a repulse not being able to procure any mean Office at which sorely disdaining he heard that Rome received
but retire to a private life and let the World see he could as readily obey as be obeyed after he had restored the honour to those from whom he had received it Having struck a great reverence of him into the Senate he assembled the People to whom after a great complaint against Tarquin and a recital of what good things he had performed for the Publick he offered to resign his place but was confirmed therein and after he refused to give ear to such as would have Tarquin dispatched with great acclamations brought home to his house by the multitude 30. Tarquin thus prevented of what he expected from the Patritians counterfeited repentance and a desire to be reconciled to the King which was easily obtained Covered with this Cloak he laid his designs anew and being continually sollicited by his wife to attempt something worthy of a Kingdom took his opportunity on a day when most of the people were out of the Citie with the Roabs of Estate and all Royal Ensigns as King to go to the Senate house There he presumed to call together the Fathers and such being Assembled as were appointed beforehand took possession of the Kings Seat Tullius having notice hereof unadvisedly with a few followers hasted thither admiring the young mans impudence whom seeing in his Chair he fell of rating and received as bad language then going about to thrust him out Tarquin took him up by the middle and haling him to the door threw him down the stairs into the Comitium The old man hardly recovering his spirits was led homewards when his daughter and Tarquins wife being come in her Chariot to see the event saluted her husband as King but told him his principality would be but uncertain except perfecting what he had begun he would send some who should overtake and dispatch Tullius He took her advice and the feat being done she presently returned home the same way In her passage when she came to the place where the body lay as yet almost gasping her Chariot driver stood still confounded at the sight and not having room to passe besides it Hereat she reviled him and caused him to drive her over it after she had first thrown her footstool at his head The place formerly called Cyprius Vicus Dionys Festus in voce Sceleratus Vicus was afterwards named Sceleratus from that occasion To this end came Servius Tullius after he had reigned 44 years a man just and moderate who abolished the envy contracted in his illegal assumption by his after acts and was thought if he had not been prevented to have intended to lay down his Office and restore absolute liberty with the care of the Commonwealth to the people which some of the Patritians perceiving took in the interest of Tarquinius that they might preserve their own power 40. Lucius Tarquinius obtained the Kingdom by violence Dionys lib. 4. Livius l. 1. Florus l. 1. c. 7. in the fourth year of the 61th Olympiad wherein Agatharchus was Victor when Heraclius or rather Heraclides was Archon at Athens Lucius Tarquinius sirnamed Superbus By his Tyrannical and imperious carriage he soon got the sirname of Superbus as that of Priscus for distinction was given to his Grand-father He would not suffer his Father-in-law's body to be buried publickly for fear it should give occasion to the people to rise against him saying that Romulus died without burial He murdered such as he suspected to favour the cause of Tullius and fearing what end his wickednesse might bring upon him got to him a strong Guard which continually attended his person A.M. 3471. V.C. 220. Olymp. 61. an 4. Cyri 26. He reigned onely by his own arbitrary will neither standing upon the consent of the Senate nor people As for the former he much dimished it by the murder of the richer sort whose wealth he seized on for his own use and resolved to chuse no more in that it might wear out and grow contemptible All controversies he decided himself assisted by his intimate friends and took cognizance of all offences so as he might kill banish or fine at his pleasure He sought to establish himself and confirm his Tyranny by great alliance marrying his daughter to Octavius Mamilius the greatest man amongst the Latines being descended from Telegonus the son of Ulysses by Circe and by false accusation and a cunning device caused them to stone Turnus Herdonius who had discovered to them his basenesse and vilanies He began a War with the Volsci which ended not with him His Wars but lasted above 200 years and subdued the Sabines who refused to obey him From the Volsci he took Suessa Pometia where getting much plunder he first cast in his head the design of building a Temple to Jupiter which his Grand-father had formerly vowed and afterwards the Citie Gaebii by treachery making Sextus his eldest son to counterfeit flight from him for hard usage whereby he was made their General and having according to the secret advice of his father who in imitation of Thrasybylus the Milesian carried the messenger into the field and cut down the tallest Poppies dismissing him without any other message put to death the most principal Citizens at length easily betrayed it into his hands After this he made peace with the Aequi and renewed the league with the Tuscans Then went he forward with the work of the Temple formerly designed 41. Tarquinius Priscus in his last War with the Sabines made a vow that if he got the Victory Buildeth the Capitol he would build Temples to Jupiter Juno and Minerva and with great cost had in his life time levelled the Rock and formed a plot for the building but died before he could finish the work Tarquinius his Grandson resolving to perfect what he had begun with the plunder of Suessa set on all sorts of work-men at which time as they were digging to lay the foundation a mans head was found bleeding afresh which belonging to one called Tolus thence the building had the name of Capitol He perfected a great part of the Temple The Capitol but could not consummate the work being prevented by Exile which was finished by the Citie in the third Consulship after its freedom It was seated upon an high Cragge eight Akers in compasse almost two hundred foot wide on every side and almost of the same length and breadth as differing onely in fifteen feet After it had stood 425 years from its Dedication it was consumed by fire in the dayes of Sylla when L. Scipio and Caius Norbanus were Consuls as Tacitus writeth Yet it rose again with greater cost and Ornament on the same foundation It s front looking toward the South had a Porch Hist l. 3. c. 14. or Gallery with three rows of Pillars on each side were also a double row the three Temples were contained within the same Walls the middle belonging to Jupiter and the other two to Juno and Minerva under the same
first obtaining the Kingdom of Media 5. What time passed from the Conquest of Babylon and the beginning of his Monarchy unto his death is controverted amongst learned Writers Some reckon ten years or thereabouts and others but three of which number was once Joseph Scaliger who afterwards retracted it as an error but Ludovicus Cappellus hath renewed the assertion making it probable by arguments drawn from Scripture who therefore is to be consulted in his sacred * In notis ad Tab. 13. Chronology His issue Cyrus had issue two sons Cambyses and Smerdis or Tanaoxares with three daughters Atossa Meroe and Artystona to which Ctesias addeth Amytis Atossa and Meroe their brother Cambyses afterwards married and Darius Hystaspis obtained Artystona as also Atossa after the death of Cambyses Of the two sons to Cambyses he left his Kingdom and to Smerdis or Tanaoxares assigned the Government of Media Armenia and the Cadusians according to Xenophon Cambyses maketh War upon Egypt 6. Cambyses presently after he came to the Government made all possible provision for a War with Egypt the cause whereof is to be enquired after Herodotus telleth a story how he sent to Amasis King of that Countrey to desire his daughter Nitetis in marriage Lib. 3. cap. 1. which he not daring to deny because of the then formidable power of the Persians and not willing to gratifie him absolutely for that he conceived his daughter would be entertained but as a Concubine he found out a way as he thought to satisfie Cambyses A. M. 3476. Olymp. c. 2. an 4. V.C. 225. Cambysis 1. and yet keep his daughter There was one of Apries his predecessor's daughters yet unmarried her he sent to him under the name of his own who when she had sufficiently ingratiated her self with Cambyses told him how indeed she was nothing a kin to Amasis but begotten by his Lord and Master whereat the Persian conceived such indignation that to be revenged on him he invaded Aegypt But that which moved Cambyses to send for this woman seemeth something strange He had formerly desired from Amasis a Physician for the eyes the best that could be procured in Aegypt wherewith he gratifying him the man took it so ill of Amasis to be sent out of his native Country that in way of revenge he moved the matter to Cambyses concluding with himself that the King of Aegypt would not send his own daughter This was the saying of the Persians which Herodotus rather approveth than what the Aegyptians alleged that Cambryses was son to Nitetis the daughter of Apries and that the Persians ascribed that to the Son which beonged to the Father Vide Polyaenum lib. 8. because they would have Cambyses born of Cassanâ—ane the daughter of Pharnaspes of the noble race of Achaemenes and yet he confesseth there was a report that besides Cassandane Cyrus kept Nitetis as his Concubine whom he most affected and that to revenge his mother upon her Cambyses when but young threatned and after his Father's death made War upon Aeâ—ypt However things might go in reference to the daughter of Apries Cambyses seemeth to have invaded that Kingdom upon pretence of the right he had to it as Heir by conquest to Nebuchaâ—nesar who subdued it though it revolted from his Successors which might be concealed from Herodotus by the Priests who spared not to invent lyes for a cover to the disgrace of their Country 7. While Cambyses was yet busie in his preparations Vide Herod l. 3. cap. 4 c. one Phanes an Halycarnassaean by birth taking something in distaste from Amasis whom he served fled out of Aegypt by ship and coming into Persia advised this King that for his better passage of the sandy Desarts he should send to the King of the Arabians for sale conduct who being no good friend to the Aegyptian Passâ—th throâ—gh the Sâ—ndie Desarts came and met him with Camels bearing abundance of water which was necessary for the sustenance of the Army in that hot and dry place Ere Cambyses could arrive in Aegypt Amasis had prevented captivity by a natural death and Psammenâ—tus his son having succeeded him expected his coming at Pelusium one of the mouths of Nile Here a battel being fought the Aegyptians were overthrown and fled to Memphis whither Cambyses sent after them to yield up themselves to him but they tare in pieces the messengers and then being besieged stood out for some time but at length the City was taken Conquereth Aegypt Psammenitus had his son put to death before his eyes to try his patience though the Conquerour too late repented of it and had given him his life with the Kingdom to govern as a Province had he not attempted new matters for which he was forced to drink Bulls blood and so died having reigned six moneths after his Father His extravagant practices 8. This work done in Aegypt Cambyses betook himself to extravagant practices The dead body of Amasis he caused to be brought forth to be beaten pinched and then burnt contrary to the practice as well of the Persians as Aegyptians who abhorred such a thing because the former accounted Fire a god the later a ravenous beast perishing with the thing devoured by it Then resolved he to make a three-fold War One upon the Carthaginians another upon the Ammonians or the Inhabitants of the place situate about the Temple of Jupiter Hammon and the third against the long-lived Aethiopians who inhabited Africk near to the Southern Sea He resolved to send a Fleet against the Carthaginians an Army of Foot against the Ammonians and as for the Aethiopians he would first send to discover their Country While his Messengers were dispatching towards Aethiopia he gave order to the Phoenicians who having yielded themselves were his onely strength at Sea to fight against Carthaâ—e which they flatly refused because that City was a Colony of their own and thereby this design was dâ—shed After the return of his messengers who brought him word how he was slighted by the Aethiopian King in great rage and haste he set forwards against him without all thought of victualling his Army commanding all his foot to follow His fruitlesse Expeditions except the Graecians When he was come to Thebes he sent about 50000 men against the Ammonians with command after they had spoiled them to burn the Temple and so he marched on with the rest of the Army But ere he had passed the fifth part of his journy all provisions failed and all the beasts that carried burthens were eaten up yet did he not now recollect himself but proceeded till they were constrained to eat up every tenth man and then returned he with great losse and disgrace to Memphis where he dismissed the Greeks from his service The forces sent against the Ammonians never reached thither neither ever returned being all overwhelmed as was reported in the Sandy Wildernesse 9. Cambyses at his return to Memphis found
the Citizens in great mirth and jollity for that Apis their god had appeared to them lately which he interpreting as an expression of joy for his bad successe wounded the beast in the thigh thinking to strike him into the belly of which he died He derided much the Aegyptians for such deities those that were found rejoycing he commanded to be slain and the Priests to be beaten with rods For such impiety they accounted him stricken with that madnesse which afterwards appeared For not long after he sent his brother Smerdis back into Persia having conceived great indignation against him because he alone of all the Persians could draw a Bow that was brought him by his messengers out of Aethiopia After this he dreamed that one came and told him how Smerdis sate on the Throne and with his head reached to Heaven whereupon he sent Prexaspes his greatest confident to make him away who murdered him in a pretended hunting He murdered his brother sister or as some said drowned him in the Red Sea To this he added the murder of his own Sister whom without any example he had married because she upbraided him with their brother's death Memorable is the answer of his Judges who when he demanded whether there was not a Law amongst the Persians that a man might marry his own Sister answered they found no such Law but one there was viz. The King might do whatsoever he listed Then married he one Sister and afterwards another whereof the younger he killed being great with child as the Aegyptians reported so that she miscaried double 10. To this rage and madnesse against his relations he added fury towards those that were nearest about him Asking Prexaspes the minister of his paricide what his people thought of him and receiving this answer that they thought him too much given to wine that it might be seen how sober he was to do mischief he said it should be a demonstration if he could shoot with an arrow the son of Prexaspes right into the heart which accordingly he did The day after he buried quick twelve other Persians for no sault at all and commanded Croesus the Lydian to be slain for admonishing him gravely concerning such enormities having dispatched him himself with an arrow if he had not taken him to his heels His servants notwithstanding preserved Croesus alive expecting a reward if he should afterwards repent of his death And he really rejoyced in his preservation when he returned to himself but put them to death for their disobedience Many more such like things he did whilst he remained at Memphis and raged against the Images and Temples of the Aegyptians 11. But whilst he thus spent his time two of the Magi Medians by birth conspired against him One of them he had left Overseer of his houshold affairs The Magi usurp named Patizithes who having certain knowledge of the death of Smerdes though it was kept very secret took occasion thereat to rebel because most of the Persians thought this Prince yet living For having with him in the Kings house a brother as like him in the lineaments and proportion of body as in name him he placed in the Throne and sent up and down through the Empire to perswade every one rather to obey Smerdis the son of Cyrus than Cambyses One of these messengers coming down to the Army towars Aegypt found it at Ecbatane in Syria where standing in the midst he proclaimed what was enjoyned Cambyses being much startled blamed Prexaspes for having neglected to execute his commands but he protesting his obedience therein and that he had buried his brother with his own hands the messenger was persued and fetcht back out of whom Prexaspes getting out that he had not himself seen Smerdis SECT 2. but Patizâ—thes had given him instructions as from him easily conjectured what was at the bottom and therewith acquainted the King Then too late did Cambyses bewail his brother and resolving with all speed to march for Susa as he mounted on horseback his Sword fell out of the Scabberd and wounded him in the thigh Demanding the name of the place he gave himself for lost for that it had been told him he should die in Ecbatane which he had ever interpreted of the place in Media so called where he hoped it would be in his old age Twenty dayes after he revealed the whole matter concerning his brother to the Nobility about him conjuring them not to suffer the Empire to return to the Medes but rather recover it the same way it had been betrayed Not long after his thigh-bone being putrified he died when he had reigned seven years and five moneths Cambyses dieth He left no issue and so the direct line of Cyrus in him received it's period SECT II. From the death of Cambyses to that of Xerxes 1. SMerdis the Magician called also Mardus Lege Herod l. 3. cap. 67. c. Sphendadates and Oropastes reigned those seven moneths which were wanting to compleat the eighth year of Cambyses whom the Persians believed not as to his brothers death but thought that indeed he was alive and reigned because Prexaspes feared to confesse that he killed him In this time he or rather his brother wonderfully pleased all men except the Persians remitting to other Nations their tributes and excusing them from War for three years A.M. 3483. Ol. 64. an 3. V. C. 232. But in the eighth moneth he was discovered by the means of Otanes a man of highest rank in Persia who suspected him for a counterfeit because he never would appear in publick nor admit any of the Nobility into his presence He having a daughter then at Court which had been Concubine to Cambyses and now was in the same quality to him that reigned as all the rest of his wives to her he sent to know whether it was indeed the son of Cyrus with whom she lay She having had no acquaintance with that Prince The imposture of the Magi discovered could give him no answer and neither could she come near Atossa who being sister to Smerdis might easily know him for that the Magician to prevent intelligence kept them severed one from another This increasing the suspition Otanes sent to her again charging her as he lay asleep to know whether he had any ears for Cyrus had upon some account cut off the ears of Smerdis the Magician She obeyed her Father when it came to her course notwithstanding the danger and the day following confirmed him fully in what he had suspected 2. Otanes presently discovered the matter to Aspathines and Gobryas two men of prime rank also among the Persians who easily giving him credit as having suspected the same thing themselves A conspiracy against them agreed to take three more each of them one into Council about it Otanes brought Intaphernes Gobryas chose Megabysus Aspathines took Hydarnes and Darius being then arrived at Susa from Persia which his Father Hystaspes
governed they also thought fit to add him to their number Darius when admitted signified that he had been assured of the cheat how he was come to Town upon no other account than to kill the impostor and urged them to joyn with him and attempt it speedily Otanes was much against such hasty proceedings desiring further to consult about it but Darius alleging the danger of delay for which cause if they would not attempt something that very day hee would go and discover rather than be discovered at length they agreed to him 3. But while they were thus debating the matter the Magi knowing that Prexaspes had made away Smerdis the sone of Cyrus and considering how nearly it concerned them to make him their own had sent for him and by vast promises endeavoured to purchase his secrecy in that private affair He seemed to compile and desired tha the Persians might be called together under the wall that he might perswade them that he who now reigned was the true Smerdis But after he had mounted the turret he began to reckon up the Pedigree of Cyrus from Achaemenes related his kindnesse and good turns done to the Persians and then telling the whole matter concerning Smerdis whom he had murdered after he had laid many curses upon them except they recovered the Empire and revenged themselves upon the Magi he threw himself down headlong and died The seven Conspirators utterly ignorant of this arrived at the Court at such time as the Magi were consulting concerning what had happened where the Porters easily admitted them because of their dignity nothing being suspected of them But coming into the house they were stopped by such Eunuchs as there waited whereupon they forced their passage with their Swords and were encountred by both the Magi who having taken the Allarm and perceived the matter betook themselves to their weapons One of them wounded Aspathines in the thigh and put out the eye of Intaphernes the other retired into another room whither he was pursued by Darius and Gobryas The Magi slain Gobryas grapling with him Darius stood idle for fear of wounding his friend but Gobryas bidding him strike though it were thorow his sides he did it at adventure and slew the Magician Both of them being slain they cut off their heads and carrying them out acquainted the Persians with what they had done Then fell they upon such Magicians as they could meet which the Persians taking as an example did the like so that if night had not intervened all that sort of men had perished and this day was observed annually as a great Festival in which none of the Magicians stirred abroad This was the end of the usurpation wherein seven Magi are said by some to have been partakers but if so Valer. Max. lib. 9. cap. 2. Ammian l. 23. those two brothers are to be accounted the chief one of them counterfeiting the right Heir The Conspirators consult about a setlement 4. This tumult being over in five dayes time the seven Conspirators fell into consultation about a setlement Herod l. 3. c. 80. Otanes spake for the taking away of Monarchy which he urged from the example of Cambyses and the Magician was apt to degenerate into Tyranny and would have had the Government remitted to the people in a Democratical way Megabyzus was for Oligarchie but Darius of all the three sorts praeferred Monarchy as that into which at length the other would passe through seditions and the ambition of such particular men as should be able to advance themselves above their neighbours The other four subscribed to his opinion as best which therefore being agreed on by the major part several capitulations were made in order to the election Otanes desired that both himself and family might be exempted from the regal jurisdiction Capitulations which was granted and all possible honour further decreed to him for his pains taken in the discovery It was agreed amongst the other six that it should be lawful for them at any time to come into the Palace except the King were with his wife and the King was prohibited to take a wife any where but out of their families As for the election it was resolved that all the next morning by Sun-rise riding into the Suburbs he whose Horse first neighed should obtain the Empire of Cambyses Darius obtaineth the Kingdom 5. Darius obtained it through the cunning of Oebares his Stable-Groom Herod l. 3. c. 85. who having knowledge from his Master of the businesse the night before the controversie was to be decided put his Horse to Mare in the place whither they were to ride Valer. Max. L. 7. c. 3. Ext. Exemp 2. The Horse the next morning remembring his mate neighed for which as coming by accident the other five adored Darius as King Having thus obtained the Kingdom though he had children already by a daughter of Gobryas yet the more to strengthen his title Justin lib. 1. Polyaenus Stratagem l. 7. he married the two daughters of Cyrus which remained Atossa the wife of her brother Cambyses and of the Magician and Artystona yet a Virgin he also took Parinys daughter to Smerdis the son of Cyrus and Phoedaina the daughter of Otanes This he did being also himself of regal extraction Sulp. Severus Hist Sacr. l. 2. both allied to antient and modern Kings He was issued from Achaemenes Cyrus and his Father Hystaspes being brother's sons the one to Cambyses and the other to Arsamnes SECT 1. as some have reported This translation of the Kingdom is said to have been first revealed to Cyrus at such time as having passed the river Araxes he was marching against the Massagetes For hee dreamed that he saw the eldest son of Hystaspes which was this Herod l. 1. for he had three younger sons Artabanus Atarnes and Artaphernes having wings on his sholders wherewith he overshadowed Asia and Europe At that time he was about twenty years old and Armour-bearer to Cyrus according to * Var. Hist lib. 12. c. 43. Aelian who sent him back into Persia and as some said caused him to be imprisoned After his death he was delivered out of Prison and made Governour of the Persian Magi accompanied Cambyses into Aegypt and when he had discovered the imposture of the Magi joyned with the other Princes against them and then either by the neighing of his Horse or by strong hand as some have thought obtained the Empire 6. Though thus Darius obtained the Soveraignty yet it seemeth to some Vide Usserium in Annal. Vet. Testam pag. 157. to have been as a perpetual Dictatorship who think it probable that the other six had also by turns the exercise of Tribunitial jurisdiction together with him First because Aeschylus who fought against the Forces of Darius at Marathon nameth two Kings viz. Maraphis and Artaphrenes betwixt the slaughter of the Magi and Empire of Darius who seem no other than Mardonais
Captains whether they should stand to the hazard of a battel Those that were for the Negative had carried it but that Miltiades who was all for fighting drew over Callimachus one of the Polemarchi to his party The major part of the votes then passing on his side each Captain assigned his day to him who had formerly been Prince of the Chersonesus and thence was expelled by the Persians committing the management of the fight to his discretion 26. Miltiades accepted of the charge yet thought good not to fight till his one day which was the tenth should be arrived Then set he the Army in order and being at a miles distance from the Enemy led very fast upon him which the Persians attributed to madnesse seeing the other so few in comparison of themselves and badly provided both of Horse and Arms. The fight continued long wherein in the middle battel the Persians put the other to flight but in both the wings the Graecians prevailed and turning themselves upon those that worsted their fellows Are overthrown at Marathon made great slaughter of them as far as the Sea side where they also seized upon seven of their ships Concerning the number of the slain Writers do not agree Herodotus writeth of 6400 of the Barbarians and 192 of the Graecians On the one side fell Hippias as Justin hath recorded out of Trogus Lib. 2. c. 9. and Callimachus on the other What year the battel was fought is not certainly known but in the second or third of the 72 Olympiad and four or five before the death of Darius 27. Datis and Artaphernes returning into Persia carried the Eretrians captive along with them to Susa where they presented them before Darius Herod l. 6. c. 119 c. though Ctesias wrote that Datis was slain in the battel of Marathon and that his body was denied to be restored Darius placed the Eretrians in Anderica in Cissia a Country so called at 210 furlongs distance from Susa the possession whereof their posterity held a long time together with their own language Notwithstanding the defeat at Marathon he left not off thoughts of conquering Greece making all possible provision for another invasion But in the fourth year after more work fell into his hands for though Diodorus telleth that the Aegyptians much honoured him as one of their Law-givers Idem lib. 7. c. 1 c. they now rebelled The year following he was provided for both Expeditions and was about to undertake them when the custom of the Country first required that he should name his Successor He had three children before he was King by the daughter of Gobryas whereof the eldest Artobazanes by others called Artemenes and Ariamenes challenged the Kingdom by virtue of his birth-right Darius declareth his Successor But it was judged due to Xerxes his eldest son by Mossa Cyrus his daughter who was founder of the Empire Vide Justin l. 2. c. 10. Plutarch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Apotheg in Artaxerxe and he accordingly was declared at this time although some make this civil and loving contest betwixt the two brothers to have happened after their Father's death and been judged by Artaphernes their Uncle But as Darius was about setting forwards for Greece he was prevented by death the first year after the rebellion of Aegypt ending Dieth after he had reigned 36 years compleat in the third year of the 73 Olympiad ending before the Aera of Christ 485. A. M. 3519. 28. Xerxes succeeded his Father in the third year of the third Olympiad Herodot lib. 7. ad initium being the fourth King of Persia the right to the Empire whereof he fetched from Cyrus his Grand-father by the Mother's side He was scarce setled in the Throne Xerxes when Mardonius his kinsman stirred him up with earnestnesse not to give over the War which he had begun with Greece promising to himself great command upon the conquest of Europe which he made Xerxes believe would be as readily performed as spoken He though ambitious enough was not at first of himself very forward but as it concerned him thought first of recovering Egypt for which all things were left in readinesse by his father and in the year next after his death turned his forces thither with present successe Recovereth Egypt For he reduced that Countrey under the yoak which he laid heavier upon it than formerly and committed the Government thereof to his brother Achaemenes who was after many years slain by Inarus the Libyan 29. Egypt being thus fortunately recovered he was therewith much elevated and now had resolved to follow on the War with Greece but to hear what his Captains would say he called them together to advise about it to whom with vanity enough he opened his mind and was seconded by an indiscreet flattering speech of Mardonius who seemed with words to be able to blast the present condition of Greece Consulteth about renewing the War with Greece His Uncle Artabanus a grave and long experienced man strongly urged the contrary shewing how vain humane confidence was how britle and instable the fortune of Princes and others which appeared sufficiently in his fathers expedition against the Scythians first and since that against the Athenians that the Greeks were not so weak a Nation he proved by the battel at Marathon that the thing which he attempted was most dangerous to be thought on again and again that without mature deliberation the attempt would be rash however the successe should happen that God many times pulls down the highest things and humbleth the haughty that trust in their own strength by making them to fall into sudden calamities and as for Mardonius he chastised his youthfull and ambitious heat with a sharp reprehension foretelling him what would be the reward of his rashnesse But this wise Counsel could not be heard from a grave man the ears of Xerxes being stopped by the suggestions of one more agreeable to his head-strong and youthfull humour so that he imputed to his Uncle basenesse of mind and cowardise inflicting this punishment upon him for it that staying at home he should not partake of so glorious an expedition To this enterprize he was also stirred up by the Aleuadae or Princes of Thessaly who grudged at the liberties of the Greeks by the son of Pisistratus also banished Athens who living in his Court abused his credulity by the help of a Wizard or Fortune-Teller 30. Yet not long after considering what Artabanus had said he changed his purpose and calling his Council together again after he had commended his Uncles opinion signified the same unto them at which all the wiser sort much rejoyced but the thing running much in his mind so that he was disturbed in his sleep he returned to his former resolution and resolved on the expedition In the preparation for it three years Herodotus saith four were taken up all Asia being concerned therein so far as to
resolving to try the event of a Land battel The Persians suspecting the Samians disarmed them and sent the Milesians to keep the passages leading up into the Mountain As the Armies were going to meet a sudden rumour was spreadabroad through that of the Graecians that Mardonius with his forces were cut off which elevated their spirits and made them to charge with greater alacrity which was also increased for that they were now to fight at the Temple of the same Goddesse as they heard their friends had done with Mardonius in Boeotia The battel at Mycale Then charged they the Persians in a double body the Athenians with the Corinthians and others on the plain by the Sea-shore the Lacedaemonians and others joyned with them through the mountainous and precipitous places who whilest they were getting up the Athenians fell on and calling on one another to endeavour to deprive the Lacedaemonians of the honour of the victory charged the Enemy so furiously that at length they beat them back and forced them into their Camp whither also they brake in with them 66. Hereupon ensuing a bloudy fight all the rest fled except the Persians who fighting with great resolution were yet cut off and defeated upon the coming in of the Lacedaemonians and the rest Two of the Sea Captains were slain two escaped and with the rest fell Tigranes the General of the foot and of the Greeks perished not a few The Samians though disarmed and other Ionians came in and helped their friends and the Milesians set to Guard the passages of Mycale fell down upon the Persians another way and made great slaughter of them So was Ionia rent from the Persian Empire again Ionia revolteth and joyned to the Graecians After this performed by Land the Conquerours burnt all the Persian ships in the Haven and being inriched with great spoil returned to Samus It was found out afterwards that this victory at Mycale was obtained on the self same day as the other at Plaetaea in Boeotia the later in the morning and the former at evening which caused the wonder how intelligence could be given to these that fought at Mycale of the successe of their Countrey-men so far of Diodorus ad Olymp. 75. an 2. Polyaenus str l. 1. Front lib. 1. cap. 11. Exemp 7. This hapned often in following times as will be seen although some have thought that no report was brought any way to the Army of the victory of Plataea but that it was so given out on purpose as a stratagem by Leutychides to animate his Souldiers who then being wholely ignorant of any such thing he invented that which afterwards proved accordingly These two battels and victories hapned on the third or fourth day of the moneth Boedromion in the second year after the invasion of Greece by Xerxes 67. The Graecians lying at Samus fell into dispute about translating the Ionians and Aeolians out of Asia into Greece for that they could not be alwayes in a readinesse to defend them and they could not subsist of themselves Herodotus ut priùs lib. 9. cap. 105. Diodorus ut priùs and the Spartans moved that those who had revolted to the Persian should be cast out and they placed in their rooms but the Athenians fearing to be deprived of the right of their Colony which yet the Ionians acknowledging themselves might own the rest of the associates for their patrons upon such a change dashed the project Then were the Samians Chians Lesbians and others who had revolted religiously and solemnly sworn to the observation of the league and the Graecians departed towards the Hellespont to break the Bridge there which when they found broken to their hands they consulted about returning home The Athenians were for going into the Cherronesus of Thrace to recover it out of the hands of the Persians and though the Peloponnesians returned proceeding in their resolution went and besieged Sestus an Aeolian Town situate in the Chersonesus over against Abydus Before this Town they continued till the Autumn was far spent and then pined out the inhabitants who forsook the Town but were overtaken and either slain or made prisoners amongst the later sort of which was Artagetes the Governour who because he had violated the sepulchre of the Chapel of Protesilaus a great Saint in that place saw first his son stoned before his face and then was hanged by command of Xanthippus the Athenian Admiral Then returned the Navy home to Athens The Median War endeth after two years ◠and nothing was done further this year which was the second of the 75 Olympiad and the 7th of the reign of Xerxes of the World 3526. and before Christ the 477. 68. Xerxes all this while lay at Sardis and thither those few that escaped from Mycale betook themselves In the way Masistes brother to the King fell foul upon Artayntes one of the Captains of the Fleet amongst other reproachfull words telling him that he had in this behaved himself more cowardly than a woman whereupon the other drew his Dagger and had stabbed him but that one Xenagoras an Halicarnassean interposed himself whom for this saving of his brother Xerxes rewarded with the Government of Cilicia Whilest he lay still at Sardis he fell in love with the wife of Masistes but she being too honest for his adulterous intentions he married her and his brothers daughter Artaynta to his son Darius hoping to enjoy her this way which Ceremony being over he returns home leaving part of his Forces to continue the War with the Graecians In his (a) Strabo lib. 14. flight he burned all the Temples of Asia except the Ephesian out of indignation at his late bad successe and amongst the rest the Oracle of Didymean Apollo amongst the Branchidans who because they betrayed the Treasures of their God to him durst not stay behind but followed him (b) Herodotus Some say he went to Susa others to Ecbatane a (c) Diodorus third that by Babylon into Persia That in his way back from Graece he (d) Ctesias Arrianus lib. 7. Herodotus ut priùs cap. 183. Strab. lib. 16. destroyed the Temple of Belus in that Citie we also read with all the other religious places of the Babylonians taking away a Statue off that Wall of twelve Cubits and all of beaten Gold and killing the Priest who offered to hinder the removal of it Xerxes his incontinence 69. Being returned to Susa he fell from the Mother to the Daughter too being in love with Artaynta his Daughter-in-law whom incestuously he used constantly She begged of him a Coat which with much art and industry Amestris his wife had made for him By her wearing of this the Queen knew how matters went and thence followed the destruction of the whole house of Masistes for on Xerxes his birth-day when he used not to deny her any request she asked Masistes wife to be given up into her power vvhich he doing she cut off
her breasts nose ears lips and tongue and in this case sent her home Masistes inraged at this barbarous usage conspired vvith his Children how to be revenged and resolved to fly into Bactria of vvhich he vvas Governour then to stir up that Province and the Sacae vvith vvhom he vvas very gracious into rebellion against his brother But Xerxes coming to the knowledge of the matter sent a party after him vvhich cut him off vvith his Children and all his retinue These things hapned about a year after his return with which endeth the history of Herodotus the Father of history as Cicero called him seeing he is the most antient of all Heathen Writers now extant 70. The same year being the third of the 75th Olympiad Diodorus ad Olymp. 75. an 3. Thucid. lib. 1. and the eighth of the reign of Xerxes a year after the finishing of the Median War so called by the Graecians the Lacedaemonians sent Pausanias famous for his Generalship at the battel of Plataea to set at liberty such Greek Cities as yet were under the Persian who accordingly with 50 Gallies set sail out of Peloponnesus and taking 30 more out from Athens commanded by Aristides first went to Cyprus where he set at liberty such Towns as were yet held by Persian Garrisons and thence to the Hellespont where he took Byzantium and therein many Noble prisoners of the Persians whom he delivered to one Gangylus an Eretrian to be kept as he pretended to be put to death but indeed to restore them to Xerxes For he sent this man secretly to the King and bargained for his daughter to be given him in marriage to betray Sparta and all into his hands He gladly received the message and wrote back again to him by Artabazus the son of Pharnaces whom he sent to the Sea-Coasts to hold intelligence with him and for that purpose gave him the Government of Dascylis recalling Magabates who was over that Province But Pausanias growing more insolent hereupon was suspected and afterwards at length discovered and punished for his treason as farther is to be discovered in it's proper place 71. In the third year of the 77th Olympiad and the sixteenth of Xerxes Diodorus ad Olymp. 77. an 3. Demotion beng Archon or chief Magistrate at Athens the Athenians made choise of Cimon the son of Miltiades for their General and with a considerable force sent him into the Maritime Coasts of Asia with order to relieve the Associates and set at liberty such as were still under the slavery of Persian Garrisons He bends his course towards Byzantium and took Eione and Scyrus inhabited by Pelasgians and Dolopians and divided the grounds thereof by lot then casting in his mind greater designes sailed back to the Piraeus and furnishing himself with more ships increased his Navie to the number of 200 to which he added of the associates 100 more and with all this power sailed towards Caria Here all the Maritime Greek Cities revolted to him and what did not he subdued by strong hand which having done he sailed to Lycia where he had the same successe and now requiring ships to be provided by such as had joyned themselves in society with the Athenians he thereby mightily increased his Navie 72. The Persians now levied both a Land and Sea-Army the former within themselves and the latter out of Phoenicia Cyprus and Cilicia Vide Plutarch in Cimone the General being Tithraustes the base son of Xerxes who by some other is said to have only had command of the Fleet and that Phaerendates was over the Land-forces though this place by another is given to Ariomandes the son of Gobryas Cimon having made discovery that the Persian Fleet rode nigh to Cyprus sailed thither and with 250 ships made head against 340 whereupon ensued a sharp fight both parties fighting with great courage and animosity till at length the Athenians overpowerd the other and spoiling many of their Vessels took about 100 with the men in them the rest escaping to Land at Cyprus the men saved themselves by flight but the ships fell into the hands of the Graecians Cimon not contented with this Victory sailed towards the Land-Army of the Persians then lying upon the River Eurymedon Idem ibid. Diodorus ut prius Polyaenus l. 1. Frontinus Stratag lib. ult cap. ult exempl ultim To deceive the Enemy he put his most valiant men aboard those Vessels lately taken in the fight adorned and clothed after the Persian fashion so that the Persians not doubting at all but that it was their own Fleet kindly welcomed these counterfeits as their friends Hereby Cimon received as such landed his men by night and fell upon the Enemies Camp whence ensued great fear and tumult his men presently killing all they meet and amongst the rest Pheredates Nephew to the King by his brother Of the common sort many were slain others sorely wounded and shortly all put to flight yet they knew not by whom not suspecting the Graecians to have any Land-Army and therefore concluding themselves surprized by the Pisidians upon whom they bordered 73. Suspecting therefore this storm to come from the continent they betook themselves to their ships and the Moon then not shining and the night being very dark the error was the more increased so that not discerning any thing they ran upon their own ruine and great slaughter was made of them on all sides All things being thus in confusion the Graecian General fearing the straggling of his Soldiers too far for booty according to former order that when he set out a Light they should all come back to that place gave out that sign by the ships upon sight of which they withdrew themselves thither Notwithstanding these two Victories which in some sence seemed to excel those of Salamina and Plaâ—aea being fought on the same day yet would he add one thing more as a supplement to them Plutarch ibid. Understanding that 80 Phoenician ships expected as Plutarch saith by the Navy at Eurymedon which was the cause why he set upon it so soon being unwilling they should joyn to be arrived at Hydrus he sailed hastily thither where as yet the news had not arrived but now the Phoenicians suspecting the truth and thereby discouraged he easily overcame took and sunk all their ships and therein the greatest part of themselves miscarried Hereupon ensued a certain agreement betwixt the King and the Graecians 74. The next thing considerable concerning Xerxes is his death Diodorus ad Olymp. 78. an 4. Justin lib. 3. cap. 1. Ctesiac placed in the fifth year after the former transactions by Diodorus There was one Artabanus an Hyrcanian by birth of great power about him as Captain of his Guard who consulted about making him away and transferring the Kingdom to himself and for that purpose inveagled Mithridates the Eunuch the King's Chamberlain by whom being let in by night with his seven sons they strangled him in his bed Hee reigned 21
blessing all such as willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem Then returnd he to the King from whom he yet obtained leave to come again into Judah where he seemeth to have lived untill the sixteenth year of Darius Nothus in which the first part of the seventy weeks endeth consisting of 49 years viz. seven weeks which are thought to be those of which the Angel spake that the street should be built again and the wall even in troublous times 17. After Artaxerxes had made peace with the Graecians he fell into civil and intestine broils with Megabyzus who had done him such service in Aegypt and elsewhere if credit be given to Ctesias from whom we have a relation of these transactions This Megabyzus after he had quieted Aegypt and committed it to the Government of Sartamas departed thence and went to the King Artaxerxes his civil War with Megabysus leading along with him Inarus and some Greekish prisoners after he had obtained a promise from him that no punishment should be inflicted on them though Amytis or rather Amestris the King's Mother had so layn upon him to deliver into her hands not onely them but Megabyzus himself her son in Law being inraged for the death of Achaemenes who in the former Expedition was slain by the Ionians For five years he endured her importunity without yielding but at length being wearied and overcome he gave up the Greeks and Inarus into her power His body she nailed overthwart to three crosses and beheaded 50 of the Greeks which were all she could take That Inarus was crucified Thucydides witnesseth though nothing of this time or manner and Herodotus reporteth Lib. 3. cap. 15. that his son Thannyras was restored by the Persians to the Principality of his Father 18. Megabyzus being sorely moved with the usage of his prisoners concealed his displeasure for a time but getting leave to depart to his Government in Syria whither he had privately sent some Greeks beforehand broke out into open Rebellion and got an Army together of 150000 men Against him then was sent Osiris with 200000 who joyning battel with him wounded him in the thigh but received two wounds from him one in his thigh and the other in his shoulder with the anguish whereof and losse of blood he fell from his Horse and was taken prisoner and though his men well behaved themselves yet were they overthrown and Megabyzus getting the Victory used him very courteously and sent him back to the King who desired it After this was sent more forces commanded by Mexistenes Nephew to Artaxerxes by his Brother Artarius the Governour of Babylon He also giving battel to Megabyzus was wounded by him both in shoulder and head though not mortally and being put to flight Megabyzus obtained another famous Victory 19. Things going thus Artarius dealt with him by Messengers then Artoxares the Eunuch Governour of Paphlagonia and Amestris also advised him yet to be reconciled to the King afterwards Artarius himself Amytis his wife and Artoxares now twenty years of age were sent to him to perswade him to go to him Being perswaded after his return the King signified to him by a message that he freely pardoned him all that was past but going on a time a hunting with him when a Lyon set upon the King as he raised himself up Megabyzus slew him whereat Artaxerxes was in a great rage that he had stricken him before he could touch him and commanded his head to be cut off But by the intercession of Amestris Amytis and others his life was spared yet was he banished to Cyrta a Town upon the Red Sea and Artoxares the Eunuch into Armenia for speaking freely to the King in his behalf Five years he then continued in exile at the end of which feigning himself to be a Pisagas which in the Persian tongue signifieth a Leper at whom no man might come he fled away and came to his wife Amytis at his own house by whom scarcely being known he was by her means and the help of Amestris reconciled once again to the King who made him eat at his own table as formerly and so continued in great favour till his death at 76 years of age for which the King was much troubled 20. Whilst the Graecians were busie with one another in the Peloponnesian War of which now several years had passed Thucyd. l. 4. Artaxerxes sent Artaphernes a Persian to the Lacedaemonians with a Letter written in Assyrian Characters in which amongst other things he desired to know plainly of them how they stood affected for that he was utterly ignorant of what they thought many Ambassadours coming and no one of them agreeing with another wherefore he desired that if they intended to declare themselves they would send some of their own back with Artaphernes What was effected hereby is not known but we find elsewhere Diodorus ad Olymp. 84. an 3. that the Lacedaemonians entred into a League with him in one main matter contrary to that formerly made with the Athenians For whereas it was provided first in the one that the Greekish Cities in Asia should be left to their own liberty in the other they were expresly left under his Dominion such influence had then the Civil Wars of Greece upon the matters of Asia perhaps because the Lacedaemonians were jealous of the Ionians Artaxerxes dieth as the Colony of their adversaries the Athenians who if not now entred into War with them were much suspected jealousies abounding betwixt them Not long after this Message Artaxerxes died Ad Olymp. 88. an 4. having reigned according to Diodorus fourty years compleat according to Sulpicius Severus 41. but after Ctesias 42. amongst which opinions 't is probable that he died in the beginning of the 42 year after the death of Xerxes in the second year of the 89 Olympiad A. M. 3582. 421 years before the birth of Christ 21. Artaxerxes had onely one legitimate son by his wife Damaspia Ctesias in Excerptis Histor Persic named Xerxes but 17 by Concubines amongst which were Sogdianus Ochus and Arsites Xerxes succeeded his father but was slain by Secundianus as he was drunk in the 45th day after his death Secundianus then became King but causing Bagorazus the Eunuch to be stoned for something done about his fathers body incurred the displeasure of the Army which because of this and his brothers death could never be taken off by all the gifts he bestowed on them Being jealous of his brother Ochus whom his father had made Governour of the Hyrcanians he sent for him but he refused to come and so did several times till he had got a considerable Army For Arberius General of the horse revolted to him then Arxanes the Viceroy of Egypt and Artoxares coming out of Armenia caused him to take the Cidaris or Citaris a Cap peculiar to the Kings and Priests of Persia Ochus Ochus thus taking the Royal Ensign and Title of King Idem changed
this was known at Athens they also sent Conon and others to him and with them joyned several other States as the Boeotians Corinthians and Argives Antalcidas sent from the Spartans to Artaxerxes who were weary of the power of the Spartans Antalcides declared how those that sent him were ready to imbrace a Peace upon such terms as the King pleased for that they would no longer contend with him about the Greek Cities in Asia thinking it sufficient that the rest which were elsewhere situated might be left to their own Laws and liberty he also laboured earnestly to render Conon suspected to the King alleging that at the King 's cost he onely promoted the affairs of his own Country seeking with his Forces to obtain as many Cities as he could for the Athenians to whom under-hand he went about to restore Ionia and Aeolia also This offer concerning the leaving of the Greek Cities to the King's disposal so nearly concerned his affairs that the other Ambassadors in no case admitting it for private respects returned home without any thing concluded of and though Teribazus durst not without commission joyn himself to the Lacedaemonians yet gave he privately monies to Antaclidas to enable them to build a Fleet wherewithall to constrain their adversaries to submit to an accommodation and laying hold of Conon committed him to custody till such time as going himself to the King he might know his pleasure concerning these things 71. Some have reported how Conon was carryed to the King Isocrat in Panegyr Aemil. Probus in Conone Diodorus ad Olymp. 97. ann 3. and by him put to death but others that he made an escape Whilst Teribazus was yet with the King he sent Struthas into Asia the lesse to take care of the Sea-Coasts who shewing himself very bitter against the Lacedaemonians for the evils which the Provinces had suffered of Agesilaus and favourable upon that account to the Athenians the Spartans sent over Thymbro to make War upon him He with 8000 men took Coressus the high hill some five miles distant from Ephesus whence he made excursions into the King's Dominions but Struthas lying not far from him with a great power of Horse besides Foot at such time as with a Party he was ranging about for booty fell upon him killed him amongst many others and putting the rest to flight took many the other securing themselves where they might best do it Xenoph. ut supra The year after the Lacedaemonians sending Ecdicus to the aid of the exiles of Rhodes with eight ships dispatched away with him one Diphridas with order to passe into Asia there to gather up the remnant of the Forces with which and as many more as he could raise he was to protect those Cities which had received Thymbro and to grapple with Struthas He acted accordingly and so ordered his affairs that he proved hard enough for Struthas and amongst other commendable actions took prisoner Tigranes his Son in Law as he was going with his wife to Sardis whom releasing for a great ransome he seasonably made use of the money for the payment of his Soldiers 72. Whilst these things passed betwixt Artaxerxes and the Common-wealth of Sparta he was also imployed about the affaires of Cyprus Diodorus ad an 2. Olymp. 97. Isocrates â—in Evagora which he strove to get into his hands There was in that Island one Evagoras of great birth being descended from those who first built Salamine the principal City therein who being lately expelled through a Sedition returned with a little force of Auxiliaries Artaxerxes looketh after Cyprus and expelling Abdemon the Tyrian who then had the power over the City and a great friend of the King of Persia made himself King of Salamine and within a short time growing very rich gathered forces and by the help of his son Protagoras subdued almost the whole Island But the Amathusians with the Solians and Citians stood out against him and by their Ambassadors sollicited Artaxerxes for aid accusing Evagoras for the death of Agyres who had been confederate with the King and offering him their help for the possessing himself of the whole Island He being jealous of the growth of Evagoras and considering how convenient this Island might be by reason of its situation for the promoting of his affairs at Sea by vvhich especially Asia could be defended resolved to assist them and dismissing the Ambassadors to their content gave order to the Cities upon the Sea-Coasts to build ships vvith all speed he himself travelling into the upper Provinces for the raising of a great Land Army 73. Till he had composed matters with the Graecians no considerable thing could he attempt upon Cyprus and though they favoured the cause of Evagoras in opposition to him yet their enmity one against another hindred that effect which their Union might have produced to the great impairment of his affairs The Athenians sent ten ships to the aid of Evagoras Xenoph. ut suprà but it hapning that Teleutias being sent by the Lacedaemonians at that time to succeed Ecdicus in the Fleet and to defend their interest in Asia Diodorus ad annum 2. Olymp 98. Plutarch in Artaxerxe met with them and intercepted them all whereby it hapned that those who were Enemies to Artaxerxes overthrew those who went to make War against him After this these two Commonwealths contending sore with each other at Sea to their mutual damage Antalcidas concludeth a peace with him at length Antalcidas was sent by the Lacedaemonians to the Government of the Fleet because they knew him to be in great grace with Teribazus He coming to Ephesus left Nicolochus his Lieutenant and according to his private instructions went with Teribazus to Artaxerxes about a peace towards whom he so behaved himself to please him casting off the Spartan gravity and not refusing to dance before him that the King who before could not endure the Spartans as counting them the most impudent of all men imbraced him with singular respect and courtesie 74. He concluded of a peace with him for the Lacedaemonian State Xenoph. Hellen lib. 5. Diodorus Plutarch ut priùs in case the other Graecians would not consent to such overtures as the King made and returned with Teribazus who giving notice that all who would might accept of the conditions which his master proposed they dispatched their several Deputies to him He shewing them the Kings Seals opened the Letters wherein was contained that Artaxernes the King accounted it meet that the Cities in Asia and the Islands Clazomenae since joyned to the Continent and Cyprus should be under his Dominion as for the other Greek Cities both great and small that they should be left to their own liberty except Lemnus Imbrus and Scyrus which having been subject to the Athenians time out of mind be thought it reasonable they should so continue Those that should not receive this peace he with the rest who would embrace
200 Gallies 10000 most valiant Souldiers and out of Egypt it self raised 80000 foot Agesilaus the King of Lacedaemon he also procured to come to him Xenoph. Plutarch Aemilius Probus in Agesilao promising him the command of all his forces Upon the report of his landing all sorts of presents were dispatched to him but the Courtiers finding no Train nor any thing of State about him onely an old man little of stature not at all trimmed but with coarse and old Clothes sitting on the shore upon the grasse they greatly despised him and were seized with wonder at his poornesse of spirit when they beheld how amongst the presents taking the Meal Calves and Geese to himself he gave the sweet Meats and Oyntments to be divided amongst the slaves Tachos King of Egypt strengthneth himself And Tachos himself gave him not the chief command according to his promise deriding him for the smalnesse of his stature and saying that the fable was fulfilled in him the Mountains are in Travel and a Mouse is brought forth to which with anger and scorn he answered that afterwards he should have cause to think him a Lyon Diod. Plutarch 95. With Tachos also was Chabrias the Athenian though not sent from the State as was Agesilaus but on his own account who advised him wanting Treasure to command his richest sort of subjects to furnish him with as much money as they could spare and he would repay them out of his yearly Tributes which course he following got great store of money and yet injured no man To him he committed his Fleet to Agesilaus the conduct of the 10000 mercenary Graecians to Nectanebus his son or rather the son of his brother 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or sister being called his Nephew reserving to himself the command over all and though Agesilaus advised him rather to manage the War by his Lieutenants Nectanebus King of Egypt and stay in Egypt he sayled into Phoenicia the Spartan following him though against his dignity and disposition Coming into Phoenicia he sent Nectanebus against the Cities in Syria to whom came a message from the Viceroy of Egypt left there by Tachos signifying that he had revolted and now invited him to seize upon the Kingdom to which he consenting drew presently to his party all the Officers by gifts and the Souldiers by large promises Tachos now being in fear of his own servants and Agesilaus whom he derided betook himself to Sidon and thence to Artaxerxes by whom he was courteously entertained though not declared General in the Egyptian War and so by the help of Agesilaus recovered his Kingdom as Diodorus writeth 96. Another King besides these two was made by the Egyptians of Mendesium of whom 10000 arose and for him made War upon Nectanebus Plutarch Xenoph Cornelius Nepos Diodorus ut suprà The case being thus Agesilaus took part with Nectanebus whom he thought more to favour the Graecians took the other prisoner and confirmed him in the Kingdom who importuning him to stay and winter with him he refused hasting homewards Agesilaus having served him in his return dieth for that he knew the Lacedaemonian State to be at this time ingaged in a War destitute of Treasure and yet to keep strangers in constant pay for want of their own men Nectanebus when he would not stay dismissed him with great gifts and honours giving him 220. or 230 Talents for the maintenance of the War at home with which taking ship he sayled homewards though in the midst of Winter making haste lest through his absence the State should do nothing the next Summer but being carried by Tempest into a desart place called the Haven of Menelaus lying betwixt Cyrene and Egypt he there fell sick and died His friends laying his Corps in Wax for want of Honey carried it to Lacedaemon where it was buried according to his worth and dignity 97. About the time of his death died also Artaxerxes the King of Persia Plutarch in Artaxerxe Justin lib. 10. after he had reigned 43 years He had 115 sons of which three onely were legitimate Darius Ariaspes and Ochus the rest being begotten of Concubines Artaxerxes dieth having before his death made Darius King who plotting against him of which he kept 360. with which yet he could not be contented without the addition of Atossa his own daughter his own mother to please him becoming a Bawd to his incestuous affections When he was grown old perceiving his sons to strive about the succession and especially Ochus who although the youngest hoped by the means of Atossa to procure the Kingdom of him fearing lest after his death he might do as his Uncle Cyrus had formerly done contrary to the custom of Persia which admitted not of two Kings at the same time he made Darius the eldest now 50 years old King whilest he lived lest his death should involve the Empire in civil broils It was the fashion for him that was made King to ask and receive something at the hands of him that made him according to which Darius asked Aspasia to wife which formerly having been Concubine to Cyrus Artaxerxes took and afterwards married He out of indulgence to him first granted his request for that she being a free woman and no slave might chuse whether she would have him and hoping she would refuse but she willingly accepting of the thing and he then repenting of what he had rashly promised consecrated her as a Nun to Diana that she might live for the remainder of her dayes a single life Darius hereby incensed through the provocation of Tiribazus who bore Artaxerxes malice for defrauding him of his daughter Amistris whom he promised to him but married her himself entred with 50 of his brethren into a conspiracy against the life of his father Is put to death and the plot being revealed by an Eunuch was put to death with his complices Darius being removed out of the way Ochus was more inflamed with a desire of reigning to which he was more incensed by Atossa his sister But he feared two of his brothers Ariaspes legitimate and the elder and one Arsames who though base born and the younger yet was much esteemed for his wisdom and especially beloved by his father Both of them he resolved to destroy Ochus his wicked practices for the Kingdom the former by his cunning and the later by down-right cruelty for he hired some who never ceased to tell Ariaspes as a great secret that his father was resolved to make him away by a cruel and shamefull death and so often inculcating it unto him as speedily to be done drove him to that fear and desperation that he poysoned himself Artaxerxes mourned for him but knowing the kind of his death and suspecting the cause yet through extream age was unable to search into the matter and find it out onely he imbraced Arsarmes more affectionatly than ever and not obscurely signified
that he onely could trust and rely upon him Ochus judging then that no delay was to be used procured Harpates the son of Ieribazus who fell in the treason of Darius to murder him Artaxerxes was already so spent with age that he seemed to want but the least furtherance to his death so that word being brought him of the death of Arsames he was not able to bear it but died heart-broken with sorrow after he had lived 94 years in the 43th of his reign in the third of the 104 Olympiad A. M. 3644. about 360 before the birth of Christ He was esteemed mild and loving towards his subjects which opinion was mightily confirmed by the cruelty and paricide of his successor SECT IV. From the death of Artaxerxes Mnemon and the beginning of Ochus to the death of Darius Codomannus containing the space of 32 years 1. OChus succeeded his father Diodorus after whom he was also named Artaxerxes and whose name the Persians put upon his Successors for a memorial of his mild and prosperous Government Some think him by the Persians to have been called Ochosueros Ochus succeedeth or Achosueros and that he is to be taken for that Achesuerus or Ahasuerus the husband of Esther mentioned in Scripture who by the seventy and Josephus after them is named Artaxerxes Some have thought Cambyses to have been the man Jacobus Cappellus alii but he reigned onely seven years whereas above twelve are given to Ahasuerus Neither could Darius the son of Hystaspes be he if the Jews with others rightly accounted the book of Esther to have been the last in order of all the Canonical Scripture of the Old Testament and for that Vashti his wife is thought to be Atossa the daughter of Cyrus it cannot be because he never put away Aâ—ossa on whom he begat Xerxes And although some plead hard for Xerxes because his wife is called by Herodotus Amestris which they take in the Persian tongue to be onely Ham-Esther yet 't is apparent out of the same Author that she was the daughter of Otanes a Persian Satrapa by Religion an Heathen and of a most cruel disposition Besides Ahasuerus in the seventh year of his reign was at Sushan but Xerxes in the seventh of his reign was absent in the War with Greece and though the Greeks corrupted forein names and might call Xerâ—es him whom the Persians named Actachsasta or Artachas-ta yet not one in his own language called Achoschverosch Esther's husband Neither is it probable that Longimanus could be the man who is both in sacred and prophane story called Artach-sasta and Artaxerxes but no where Achasuerus The same may be said of Nothus who both by Nehemiah and Greek writers is called Darius and of Artaxerxes Mnemon concerning whose wife Statira such things are written as can neither agree with Vashti nor Esther Now if that of Esther be the last Canonical book and Nehemiah lived to the time of Darius Nothus then is it probable that Esther lived in the reign of his son or Grand-son and cannot so conveniently be assigned for a wife to any as to Ochus 2. Ochus knowing of how great Authoâ—ity his fathers name was to his subjects and how contemptible he should be after his death was known Polyaenus Stratagem lib. 7. procured of the Eunuchs Chamberlains and Colonels to conceal it for ten moneths and in the mean time sending about the Royal Seal commanded in his fathers name to proclaim Ochus King When all owned and obeyed him as King he then confessed his fathers death and commanded a general mourning according to the custom of Persia and presently took away all Competition filled (a) Justin lib. 10. the Court with the bloud of his kindred and relations no regard being had either to Sex or Age. Amongst the rest he put to death his (b) Valerius Max. lib. 9. cap. 2. Ext. ex 7. Lib. 10. cap. â— sister Ocha being also his mother-in-law with cruel torments and his Uncle with his two sons and Nephews he caused to be set in an empty place and killed with Darts who seemeth well to have been father to Sisigambis mother to Darius the last Persian King whose 80 brethren together with their father Curtius reporteth to have been murdered by Ochus 3. From Ochus revolted Artabazus Diodorus ad Olymp. 106. ann 1. 4. against whom were sent some of the Persian Satrapaes with 70000 men and yet by the help of Chares the Athenian he overthrew them and rewarded Chares with a great summe of money Artabazus revolteth from him which he laid out in the paying of his Souldiers Ochus knowing of this expostulated seriously with the Athenians about it who hearing that he intended with 300 ships to assist their Enemies with whom they were now ingaged in the social War presently clap't up a peace with them Artabazus being forsaken of the Athenians betook himself to the Thebans who ordered Pammenes with 500 men to passe over into Asia to assist him by whose help Artabazus again overthrew the King's forces sent against him in two great and bloudy battels which got no small credit to Pammenes and his Boeotians Yet a few years after Idem ad Olymp. 107. ann 2. when the Thebans were ingaged in the Phocian War and reduced to extremity for want of money they sent to Artaxerxes Ochus and obtained of him 300 Talents which he did as it seemeth to put an obligation upon them to assist him in the War which he renewed against the Egyptians 4. Although Egypt had long before this revolted from the Persian Empire yet Ochus not at all affecting War kept himself quiet for having sent some Armies thither by the treachery or ignorance of their Captains they miscarried so that having several times badly sped though despised on that account by the Egyptians yet being a lover of his ease and quiet he submitted to the disgrace But now at this time about the eleventh year of his reign the Phoenicians and Cyprians taking heart and rebelling also he resolved to chastise them all with Arms and that in his own person and making great provision of all things for the War raised 300000 foot 30000 horse He invadeth Phoenicia and 300 Gallies besides Vessels of burthen The first Tempest of the War fell upon Phoenicia which revolted upon this occasion A famous Citie there was therein named Tripolis consisting according to it's name SECT 4. of three Cities distant a furlong from each other and inhabited by Tyrians Sidonians and Arcadians in which the assembly General of the Phoenicians met and resolved of their most important affairs Herein the Persian Satrapaes and Ambassadors behaving themselves very uncivilly and abusing the Sidonians they thereupon resolved to rebel and perswading the other Phoenicians to side with them for the obtaining of their liberty sent to Nectanebus King of Aegypt to desire him to receive them into confederacy against Ochus Then to begin their hostility they
been of late advanced by the abilities of Philip the present King who though he might have pretended a cause where none was yet was there some occasion of offence given him though but counted a necessary allay to his rising fortune so terrible to the Persian Empire Vide Arrianum lib. 1. pag. 41. For when with great preparations he had besieged Periathus a Citie of Thrace Ochus gave order to his Lieutenants to assist the besieged which was so powerfully done as his design miscarried Yet he having brought all Greece to his beck and established his interest sufficiently in Europe resolved upon Asia and assembling the estates at Corinth procured himself to be declared General of all Greece for the Persian War for which he made mighty preparations imposing a certain number of Souldiers upon every Citie The next Spring he sent over as before him into Asia three Captains Parmenio Amyntas and Attalus under pretence of freeing the Greek Cities there which hapned the same year that Arses died and he lived himself not long after being stabbed by one Pausanias as he was solemnizing the nuptials of his daughter Cleopatra with Alexander King of Epirus Hereupon Darius who before studied how to turn the War into Macedonia thought himself secure despising the youth of Alexander his son and Successor who exceeded not the age of 20 years 20. But Alexander being a young man of a great and restlesse spirit and of wisdom valour far above his age overcame all difficulties both in Greece and Asia which his Enemies had raised getting himself to be chosen in a little time General of the one as his father had been and in the other suppressing betimes the sedition of the Army of Attalus by taking of him out of the way and most vehemently burnt with a desire of the Conquest of the Persian Empire from an endeavour after which he might by no means be diverted Having either by fair or foul means setled his matters in Europe Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 3. Justin lib. 11. Arrianus lib. 1. he passed over into Asia two years after his fathers death and landed at Troas with a Fleet of sixty long ships He first cast a spear out upon the shore and leaped out in a frisking manner as taking possession of the Continent Then presently he made a visit to the Tombs of Achilles and Ajax to whom he made a parentation and mustered the Army he had brought over with him Concerning the number of Forces those that were there present themselves have not agreed in their relation but according to the greatest probability there were of foot 13000 Macedonians Alexander of Macedonia invadeth Asia of the Associates 7000. and 5000 Mercenaries besides of Odrysae Triballi and Illyrians 5000. and 1000 Archers with such as fought with Darts Of horse there were 1800 Macedonians 1800 Thessalonians and of other Graecians 600. besides a Guard of 900 Thracians and Paeonians Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 2. 21. Darius after he had heard how Alexander was declared General of Greece and was much spoken of for his valour shook off his former security and buckled himself to preparation for resistance He got together a considerable Navy and raised great Forces for command of which he made choice of most expert Captains and amongst the rest of Memnon the Rhodian a man very excellent in Military matters whom he sent into Phrygia with a band of 5000 Mercenaries to reduce Cyzicus to his obedience He passed over the Hill Ida and on a sudden set upon the Citie and had well-nigh taken it but the Defendants making strong resistance he plundred the Territories adjacent and then retreated with much booty In the mean while Parmenio one of the three Captains sent into Asia by Philip and who stood close to the interest of Alexander took by storm Strynium a Town of Phrygia and sold the inhabitants From thence he went to Pitanes to attempt the same upon it but Memnon coming upon him struck such a terrour into his men that he was forced to raise his siege After this Callas with a band of Macedonians and Mercenaries ingaged with the Persians in a battel at Troas but being overmatched in numbers he was worsted and betook himself to Rhaeteum These things fell out before the passage of Alexander into Asia 22. After (a) Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 3. Alexander was landed the Persian Captains met to consult about carrying on the War whom Memnon advised by no means to hazard a battel with him but to lay waste the Countrey before him thereby to hinder his march any farther for want of necessaries and then to passe all their Forces over into Macedonia and so to transfer the seat of the War into Europe This wholesom Counsel was rejected as below the Persian courage and a resolution taken to ingage so that gathering their forces together they marched into Phrygia towards the Hellespont and pitched their Tents upon the River Granicus which runneth through the plains of Adrastea intending it as a defence to them (b) Valer. Maximus l. 7. cap. 3. Exter Exemp 4. Pausan Eliac lib. 2. Alexander in his way thither passed by Lampsacus the inhabitants of which either having already revolted to the Persian or else suspected of such an intent he resolved utterly to destroy As he was thus minded Anaximenes an Historian of that place well known formerly to his father and also to him presented himself to him to whom he swore in so many words that he would not grant what he was about to ask which the other readily apprehending desired of him that he would destroy Lampsacus so that with his sharpnesse of wit beâ—ng circumvented he was constrained to spare it against his will 23. Alexander having with great trouble and danger passed the River Granicus then (a) Diodorus ibid. ingaged with the Persians in a great and bloody battel wherein much valour was shewn on both sides The battel of Granicus Spithrobates a Persian Satrapa of Ionia and Son in Law to Darius a man of a great courage with a strong body of Horse fell upon the Macedonians whom no one being able to sustain Alexander himself grapled with him a fierce combat ensued he wounding the King who yet at length slew him But Rosaces his brother coming in upon Alexander gave him such a blow on the head as broke his helmet and lightly wounded him and a second had killed him outright but that Clitus Sirnamed Niger a Macedonian putting spurs to his Horse in good time cut off the hand of the Barbarian A great conflict then ensued betwixt the principal Persians and Macedonians and many of the former lost their lives upon the place amongst which of most special note were Atyxes and Pharnaâ—es brother to the wife of Darius and Mithrobarzanes Captain of the Cappadocians These being slain those that opposed Alexander began to flye and afterwards all the rest of the 100000 foot which the Persians brought
in the losse whereof he would be most troubled and make that away so that he should never more enjoy it He accordingly took ship and cast into the Sea his signet which was an Emrald set in a gold ring but it so hapned that a Fisher taking a very large fish presented it to him as onely worthy of it and in the belly of it his Servants when they cut it up found the signet Amasis hearing this took such assurance that an unfortunate end must follow such prodigious successe that lest hee should bee troubled with the miscariage of a friend and allie hee renounced his friendship 5. When Cambyses was raising his forces for his Expedition into Aegypt Polycrates sent to him underhand to desire him to send for some supplies who doing so he picked out such as he thought were most prone to rebellion and with them manned out two Triremes desiring of him that he would not send them back Yet they after the War withdrew themselves from Cambyses and vvent to Lacedaemon to desire aid of that State against the Tyrant vvhich vvas granted them either for that the Lacedaemonians vvere engaged to the Samians as these pretended because they had received supplies from them in the Messenian War or as the Spartans alleged not out of any kindnesse but malice to the Samians because they had in the Age foregoing intercepted certain presents sent by them to Croesus and to them from Amasis The Corinthians vvere also dravvn in having a particular quarrel of their ovvn the occasion vvas also given at the same time the Samians having taken from the Corinthians certain Boyes vvhich they vvere carrying from Periander their Tyrant to Alyattes King of Sardis to be made Eunuchs 6. The Lacedaemonians coming with a great Fleet to Samus besieged the City but endeavouring the storming of it were repulsed with some losse and having in vain spent forty dayes in the Siege so valiantly was it defended by Polycrates they then returned home into Peloponnesus A story went that Polycrates stamped some Lead and covering it over with Gold with it purchased the departure of the Lacedaemonians but this was the first Expedition which the Dores made against Asia Afterwards at such time as Cambyses fell sick that fell upon Polycrates which Amasis had forewarned him of At this time one Oraetes a Persian was Governour of Sardis Ionia Lydia and the Sea-coasts in the place of Haâ—pagus who either for that he was upbraided that he got not Samus so near to his Province into the King's hand or for that Polycrates slighted and gave no answer to a messenger which he sent to him both which are reported sought earnestly to work his destruction Knowing he had an ambition to become Master of Ionia and the Islands he sent to him to tell him that he heard how excellent things he cast in his head but that he wanted money to accomplish them wherefore he having now heard for certain that Cambyses determined to kill him offered to him that if he would receive him he should have half of the King's money which he had in his possession whereby he might get the Soveraignty of all Greece And if he doubted of his faithfulnesse he desired him to send one of his most trusty servants to whom he would give satisfaction 7. Polycrates with great joy received the message being greedy after money and to make the thing sure sent Maeandrius his Secretary over to Oraetes who knowing him a cunning and circumspect man filled several chests with stones and covering them at the top with gold thereby deceived him Polycrates was yet disswaded by all his friends from going over himself for that the Oracles were against it and his Daughter dreamed that she saw him up aloft in the air where he was washed by Jupiter and annointed by the Sun but he was angry with her for her importunity and notwithstanding all disswasions went over to Oraetes taking with him amongst others Democedes the Son of Calliphon of Crotone in Italy the most famous Physician then in his Country He went over into Magnesia as far as the River Maeander and then Oraetes laying hold of him nailed him to a crosse Of those that accompanied him Endeth miserably the Samians he dismissed telling them that they must account it for a great favour so to be used by him but all the Strangers and Slaves he took to himself and reduced them into the State of servitude This end had Polycrates with whom none of the Syracusian Tyrants or any other of Greece for magnificence were to be compared Maeandrius Him succeeded one Maeandrius his Vicegerent or Procurator of whom Herodotus telleth many stories and who by the help of Otanes the Persian Satrapa being removed by the approbation of Darius the Son of Hystapes Syloson the Brother of Polycrates succeeded Syloson Samus paying very dearly for it what by the War and the ensuing severity of Syloson When Syloson died Aeaces his Son succeeded him Aeaces by the favour of the Persians but was not long after thrust from his Tyranny when Aristagoras the Milesian drew all Ionia into rebellion against the Persians which hapned about the eighteenth year of Darius 8. In the second year of Darius and the first of the 65th Olympiad the inhabitants of Platea in Boeotia Eminius de rebus florentis Graeciae who never well accorded with their Neighbours the Thebans being now irritated with their continual injuries that for the future they might free themselves from such grievances sent and offered themselves to the Lacedaemonians who then were of greatest Authority in Greece as Allies and Dependents But they perceiving themselves to be at too great a distance from them to give any succours when need required advised them to have recourse to the Athenians as nearer to them and of sufficient ability to relieve them A League betwixt the Plataeans and Athenians They accordingly did so and contracted a straight league of Alliance with Athens which became a great eye-fore to the Thebans and all their party a long time after 9. In the third year of the 66 Olympiad and the 8th of the reign of Darius fell out great stirs at Athens which never ceased till they produced a change in the Government Pisistratus the famous Tyrant at his death left three sons Hippias Hipparchus Thessalus and the principality as it should seem from * De Politia Athen. Aelian Var. Hist lib. 8. cap. 2. Heraclides to them all though Hippias as the eldest had Supream Jurisdiction He had hitherto for the space of thirty years enjoyed his fathers Kingdom being loving and affectionate towards his brethren and moderate towards his subjects Hipparchus was accounted a wise man and lover of learning being something given to be amorous and Thessalus bold and head-strong Thucydides lib. 6. It hapned that Hipparchus fell in love with one Harmodius a young man of the Citie and sorely sollicited him to unlawfull dalliance who
therewith acquainted one Aristogiton a man of a middle rank amongst the Citizens Stirs at Athens and who most passionately loved him He fearing he should be deprived of this his dear one consulted with himself how he might destroy both Hipparchus and the Tyranny Hipparchus still going on to sollicite Harmodius but in vain at length resolved to be revenged on him and executed it on his sister which being on a certain solemnity to carry up the basket that was to be dedicated to Minerva he put her by as unworthy of the office though some of late have thought that he ravished her 10. Harmodius taking this in very evil part and Aristogiton much worse prepared all things necessary for their conspiracy but expected the great feast called Panathenaea on which day onely the Citizens might be in Armour without suspition for discharging the solemnity They provided not many men before hand for the more close carrying of the businesse and because they hoped all the rest would without any hesitation be ready to come in to them When the day came they and their party being ready with their Poniards espied a man talking with Hippias Whereupon they thought they were discovered and therefore resolved to do that wherein especially they were concerned Hipparchus slain by Harmodius and Aristogiton if they could and so rushing in violently upon Hipparchus they slew him in the place Aristogiton defended himself for some time from the Guard but the multitude flocking in he was taken after he had received many wounds and his friend Harmodius slain outright Hippias having notice of what had passed came cunningly upon the Citizens that were Armed for the solemnity and by his Guard picking out such as had Daggers about them or whom he suspected thereby prevented at this time all further trouble The behaviour of the Pisistratidae in the Goverment of Athens 11. Hitherto he and his brethren had not been distrustfull of their own safety and therefore had used no great Guards about them not rendring their power very burthensom to the people but acting according to the rules of vertue and prudence They exacted onely the 20th part of the publick revenue exceedingly beautified the Citie waged War and left the Citizens to their former Laws onely some one of them was alwayes Magistrate and other men held of them yearly Offices Pisistratus the son of Hippias and Nephew to the founder of this Kingdom as it appeareth from Thucydides having sometimes had the power in his hands But Hippias after this fearing himself exercised his power very severely against the Athenians putting many of them to death and to establish himself by forein alliance he gave his daughter in marriage to Hippocâ—us the son of Aeantides the Tyrant of Lampsacus knowing them to be in great grace with Darius King of Persia To find out the complices of these two young men he tortured amongst others a woman named Leaena the Paramour of Aristogiton but she was so constant as to endure all and biting off her tongue spit it in the face of the Tormentors lest therewith she should discover any one in memory of which the Athenians afterwards Consecrated in the Castle a Lionesse without a tongue as also Erected Statues to the memory of Harmodius and Aristogiton as the liberators of their Countrey These Statues were taken away by Xerxes into Asia and long after sent back by Alexander or Antiochus or Seleucus as is severally delivered by Historians They also Decreed that their names should never be given to any slaves 12. Though these two did not actually procure the freedom of Athens but perished in the attempt yet it was attributed to them because that in the 4th year after some imitating their example expelled Hippias effectually prored it At this time the Alcmaeonidae or those of the family of Alcmaeon Herodotus lib. 5. Capp 62. c. who was great Grand-son to Nestor and being cast out of Messenia by the Heraclidae came and lived at Athens being driven into exile by the Pisistratidae or Pisistratus his sons having sometimes endeavoured in vain the recovery of their Countreys liberty still lay in wait for a more convenient opportunity to accomplish it Being full of money they hired the Amphyctiones to let them build a new Temple at Delphos which was very magnificent and corrupted the Pythia or the woman that received and delivered the Oracles standing in a Tripos or three footed stool as often as any of Sparta came thither still to propose to them to set Athens at liberty This being constantly done the Lacedaemonians accounted it a piece of their religion to do it and sent Anchimolius a man of prime Rank amongst them with an Army to expell the Pisistratidae though their friends and such as had deserved no otherwise than well of them They being aware of this had contracted friendship and alliance with the Thessalians and now procured from them a supply of 1000 horse which by a common decree they sent under the Command of Cixeas their King which falling in upon the Camp of the Spartans slew amongst many others Anchimolius the General and beat the other to their ships in which they returned home 13. Afterwards the Lacedaemonians sent another Army by Land under the Conduct of Cleomenes the son of Anaxandridas Herodotus ut priùs cap. 64. c. who invading the Athenian Territories was encountred by the Thessalian horse which he put to flight and having killed above fourty of them the rest shifted away and betook themselves as they could into Thessaly Cleomenes then coming up to the Citie besieged the Tyrants being shut up within the Pelasgick-wall but being unprovided for a siege and they furnished sufficiently with provisions after a few dayes he was about to depart homeward had not one thing falln out As the Children of the Pisistratidae were privatly to be conveyed out of the Countrey The Pisistratidae banished they were intercepted which overturned the affairs of their Parents and forced them to Covenant with the Athenians for their Ransom within five dayes to depart out of Attica which accordingly was done Hippias going straight to Sigaens thence to Lampsacus from which place he went to Darius and in the 20th year after returned with his Army Thucydides ut suprà and died as some say in the battel at Marathon Sigeus was a Town situate upon the Hellespont which Pisistratus took by force out of the hands of the Mitylenaeans and made Hegesistratus his base son by a woman of Argos Tyrant there Hippias was offered from Amyntas the King of Macedonia either Anthemus or Iolcos a Citie in Macedonia but he refused both and betook himself to Darius whose Army he afterwards conducted into Attica 14. The state of Athens great before Herodotus cap. 66. grew greater after this grand mutation in which two men contended for the chief Authority Clisthenes one of the Alcmaeonidae the Nephew by his Mother of Clysthenes the
Tyrant of Sicyon and Isagoras the son of Tisander Clysthenes being too weak for the other's faction Clysthenes changeth the names of the Tribes that he might engratiate himself with the people whereas they were before divided but into four Tribes encreased them unto ten and whereas formerly they were named from the four sons of Ion viz. Teleon Aegicor Argadaeus and Hopletes now he changed these for other Heroes which were 1. Hippothoon the son of Neptune 2. Antiochus of Hercules 3. Ajax of Telamon 4. Leon the Athenian Pausan iâ— Atticis who according to the Oracle devoted his Daughters for the publick safety 5. Eâ—echtheus who slew Immaradus the Son of Eumolpus 6. Aegaeus 7. Oeneus the base Son of Pandion 8. Acamas the Son of Theseus 9. Cecrops and 10 Pandion 15. Isagoras envying Clysthenes that respect which hereby he obtained procured Cleomenes the King of Sparâ—a with whom he had contracted friendship during the War with Hippias to come once more against Athens He sent a Messenger first Civil Wars betwixt Isagoras and Clysthenes and presently procured him to be banished and yet came thither with an Army and besides many of the family of Alcmaeon formerly cast out with Clysthenes now also expelled 700 families proper for War under pretence of their being contaminated with them in the businesse of the death of Cylon Then endeavoured he to dissolve the Senate and commit their power to those of Isagoras his faction but both Senate and people resisting Isagoras and he with their men seized on the Castle wherein they were besieged two dayes On the third the Lacedaemonians with Isagoras had leave to depart but the rest were cast into prison and put to death Then was Clysthenes with the 700 families recalled who restored the Democratical Government to the Citie Clysthenes restoreth Solon's Laws as it was founded by the Laws of Solon 16. To Clysthenes is also ascribed the introducing of the Ostracism into the Athenian State Aelian Var. Hist lib. 13. cap. 24. Diodorus lib. 11. Plutarch in vita Aristid Periclis being generally granted to have been brought in a little after the banishment of the Pisistratidae For considering the calamities which had hapned in their time the Athenians for the time to come would have all of equal power and authority By the Ostracism therefore they forced absence from the Citie for ten years upon the most powerfull amongst them for Glory The Ostracism Nobility or Eloquence lest they should grow too great without any ignominy or disgrace they being neither deprived of Goods Lands or any thing save their presence at home for that time The form of it was this Each of the Citizens wrote the name of that man in an Oyster shell whence it had the name of Ostracism who seemed to him to be the most powerfull for the overturning of the Democracy and then brought the shell in as a suffrage into the place designed and so he that was found to have most written with his name was for ten years ordered to leave the Citie But two conditions were required that this judgement should stand in force That no fewer then 6000 should be at the meeting and the giving of suffrages and that those that gave them should be no younger than sixty years old The first that was banished by this Law was as Aelian tells us Clysthenes the Author of it though according to another Hipparchus Harpocration in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Charmus Kinsman to Pisistâ—atus In after time Aristides because of that great Title Just given to him and Themistocles for his Military glory 17. But Cleomenes the Lacedaemonian King perceiving himself damnified both by word and deed from the Athenians Herodotus lib 5. cap. 4. c. raised forces throughout Peloponnesus intending though dissembling the matter to be revenged upon them and set up Isagoras as Tyrant over them He invaded one part and procured the Boeotians on one side and the inhabitants of Chalcis on the other Cleomenes to no purpose invadeth the Athenians to fall in upon other places The Athenians thus distressed on all sides yet first went against the Peloponnesians lying in Eleusine and when the Armies were about to joyn the Corinthians first bethinking themselves of the injustice of their cause withdrew themselves and so did Demaratus the son of Ariston King of Sparta and the Collegue of Cleomenes having never dissented from him formerly Then the rest of the associates seeing that the Kings agreed not betwixt themselves and the Corinthians were gone drew off also in like manner The Athenians then to be revenged fell upon the Boeotians of whom killing many they took prisoners 700 and then passing over into Euboea the same day chastized the Inhabitants of Chalcis in like manner Thus four times the Dores out of Peloponnesus came into Attica twice in a hostile manner and twice to the help of the Athenians First when they brought a Colony into Megare which was in the time of Codrus the second and third times to expel the Pisistratidae and now the fourth when Cleomenes with the Peloponnesians invaded Eleusine The Island Aegina 18. The Thebans and the rest of the Boeotians seeing themselves too weak for the Athenians desired help of the Inhabitants of Aegina an Island situated in that part of the Sea which severed Attica from Argolis being five miles distant from the former some eight in circuit and the Country of Aeacus whence the Aeacidae having a City of it's own name The Aeginetans bearing an old grudge to those of Athens and puffed up with a conceit of tweir wealth easily imbraced their society and when the Athenians were busie with the other passed over in their long ships into Attica and wasted the Coasts thereof The Lacedaemonians at this time understanding how they had been deluded by the Alcmeonidae their corrupting the women that gave out the Oracles and thereby their losse both of their old friends and all thanks also as to the Athenians hearing further by the Oracles which Cleomenes had brought out of the Citadel of Athens that that State should much distresse them and especially seeing how weak it was under Tyrants but now how it increased in strength after the recovery of it's liberty called back Hippias resolving to restore him He was ready at their call but then it hapned that Sosicles the Corinthian Ambassador and others of their confederates utterly disallowed of this practice and therefore seeing there was no hope of recovering his former condition he returned into Asia and there laboured with all his might to possesse Artaphernes the Satrapa of Lydia against the Athenians that they might be conquered by Darius his Brother They sent to Artaphernes to desire him not to give credence to their exiles but as when two or three years before when they sent to enter into society with the Persians he told them they must give Earth and Water as symbols of subjection which
the Ambassadors doing were much blamed at their return so now he told them if they would be safe they must receive Hippias They refused the Condition and chose rather to be professed Enemies to the Persian and thence presently after joyned with Aristagoras who withdrew the Ionians from their obedience A. M. 3501. V.C. 250. Olymp. 69. an 1. Darii 18. which provoked Darius afterwards to invade them procured the Expedition of Xerxes and the quarrel of that Empire with Greece But these things concerning Athens and Hippias hapned in the first year of the 69th Olympiad the 18th of the reign of Darius A. M. 3501. 19. After the Ionian War was over Herodotus Lib. 6. c. 48 c. and the Graecians in Asia were forced once more to undergo the yoke Darius in the 27th year of his reign and the third after his victory sent into Greece to demand Earth and Water as tokens of subjection The Athenians and Lacedaemonians threw the Messengers into a well and bad them thence fetch Earth and Water to carry to their Master The Aeginetans by giving Earth and Water to Darius incense the Graecians against them but the Inhabitants of Aegina and other Islanders for fear of the Persians promised obedience The Athenians presently took offence thereat as judging that the Aeginetans did it out of a grudge to them that they might fight under the conduct of the Persians against Athens and therefore they sent to Sparta to complain of them as Traitors to Greece Cleomenes was sent from that State and came to Aegina with an intention to apprehend the principal authors of the revolt but one Crius there openly opposed him threatning him in case he laid violent hands on any for that he knew he did it without any publick decree of the Lacedaemonians who else would have sent the other King with him Stirs at Sparta betwixt Cleomenes and Demaratus the Kings This he said at the instance of Demaratus the other King of Sparta who disagreeing with Cleomenes ever since the invasion of Attica now also grievously accused him in his absence Hereupon Cleomenes returned home cast out Demaratus upon pretence of his illegitimation from his Office and put Leutychides his kinsman in his place 20. The Father of Demaratus was Ariston of the posterity of Procles a man as worthy as any of his Ancestors Cap. 61 c. who having no children by two wives for which cause he divorced them to satisfie the desires of the people which greatly desired some issue male from him married a third which already was the wife of his friend Agetus covenanting with him for her she being the most beautiful woman next after Helena which by the Laws of Lycurgus he might do The birth of Demaratus Being married it hapned just after seven moneths when he was according to the custome sitting amongst the Ephori his houshold servant came and signified to him that he had a Son born with the suddainnesse of which thing being disturbed he rashly swore that it was not his coming so much within the Time The Ephori then neglected it and he afterwards repenting of his rashnesse brought up the Child as his own and because he was so desired by the publick wishes of the People gave him the name of Demaratus After his death Demaratus succeeded a man of great worth and who obtained a crown in the Olympick Games which never hapned before to the Kings of Sparta But that speech of his Father was now objected against him by his Colleague and Emulator Cleomenes the Son of Anaxandridas who accused now also for their retreating formerly out of Attica which occasioned all the difference betwixt them and all this was aggravated by Leutychides who sought for his place and had a private quarrel with him about a wife of which he had hindred him by taking her to himself 21. Great contention hence arising the Spartans resolved to send to Delphos and enquire of the Oracle whether Demaratus was the Son of Ariston which being done Cleomenes procured a friend he had at Delphos to corrupt Pyâ—hia Demaratus deposed and Leutychides put in his place so that being drawn by bribery she gave the answer against Demaratus Hereby Cleomenes procured him to be removed from the Kingdom and Leutychides his kinsman to succeed him yet though thus handled he ceased not to love his Country and continuing at home disdained not to bear inferiour Offices till further affronted by Leutychides who to insult over and deride him at such a time as overseeing the exercises of the Boyes he sent and demanded of him how he liked of that Office after the Kingdom He answered that he had tried both but the other not and that that question should be the original either of great mischief or happinesse to the Lacedaemonians and then getting him home with his head covered he sacrifized to Jupiter and sending for his Mother conjured her to tell him the truth concerning his Father Being assured from her of his Legitimation he went out of the City under pretence of going to Delphos but took the way to Elis and thence to the Island Zacynihus and so to Darius King of Persia the Zacynthians having refused to give him up to his Country-men who pursued him He was received with great honour by the Persians Pausan in Laconicis who bestowed Lands upon him to maintain him in a Princely equipage and there his posterity is reported to have endured a long season 22. Not long after Cleomenes received his just reward his own hands being his executioners for his treachery against Demaratus being come to light and fearing to be called to an account for it he first fled into Thessalie and thence returning into Arcadia stirred up the Inhabitants against the Spartans and attempted to swear them to be true to him whithersoever he should lead them The Lacedaemonians hearing of this and fearing what he might do to them Cleomenes his ill end recalled and restored him to his former dignity but when he was come home having not had before this time a very setled head he now fell into a Phrensie as he met any one in the City pushing their faces with his Scepter His friends then bound him with wooden fetters in which condition partly by intreaties and partly by threats he got a Sword of his Keeper wherewith beginning at the calf of his leg he cut up his flesh upwards to the thighs and when he ripped up his belly died leaving no issue behind him but a pattern of Justice to all Greece which being amused at his end most attributed it to the corruption of Pythia and that injustice done to Demaratus the Athenians to his invasion of Eleusine and his destroying the Temple of their gods but the Argives concluded this judgement to have fallen upon him because he had basely killed such of their Country-men as escaped from a battel fought with him after he had got them out of the
had carried it in the Councel for a battel Yet did he not fight till his own day came and then ingaging overthrew the Enemy in that memorable battel 27. His father was Cimon Herod lib. 6. who in the Tyranny of Pisistratus departed from Athens and thrice obtained the Garland in the Olympick Games yet being reconciled to Pisistratus afterwards returned but after his death was slain by his faction His eldest son who was called after his Grand-father Stesagoras His Pedigree and Actions was brought up with their half Uncle Miltiades in the Chersonesus over which he was Prince His other son was this Miltiades so called after this his Uncle which dying without Children Stesagoras succeeded him but not long after was killed by one that counterfeited himself a fugitive and died also without issue Then did the Pisistratidae send Miltiades to succeed his brother in the Principality of the Chersonesus and there he ruled when Darius undertook the expedition into Scythia and he it was that gave the Ionians counsel to break the bridge and leave him there wandring with his Army Being setled he married Hegesipyla the daughter of Olorus King of Thrace but the Scythians provoked by Darius and making an excursion as far as the Chersonesus he daring not to withstand them fled and after their retreat was restored by the Thracians After some years Darius being angry with him sent a Fleet of Phoenicians to subdue the Chersoneus whereupon he fled with five Gallies from Cardia and came to Athens but as he fled the Phoenicians intercepted one of them and therein his son Metiochus who being presented to Darius received from him house lands and a Persian wife Being returned home he was accused for possessing the Tyranny of the Chersonesus but was acquitted and * Pausan lib. 8. having perswaded the Athenians to throw Darius his Messengers into the pit was afterwards declared by the people one of their Captains and thence had occasion to obtain this famous victory at Marathon 28. Miltiades flourishing in great glory and grace with the people Herod lib. 6. cap. 132. c. obtained of them 70 Gallies well manned not making known his intention but professing that he would much thereby benefit the State He sayled to the Island Paros one of the Cyclades in the Aegean-Sea and famous for the best Marble the inhabitants of which having assisted the Persians at Marathon His fruitlesse expedition to Paros he besieged demanding 100 Talents of them They would not hear of parting with money but made provision for resistance whereupon he harrazed their Territories and more closely besieged them and attempted the Citie for twenty dayes but leaping off from a Wall he hurt his Thigh and was forced to return home There when he was arrived he was accused by Xanthippus the son of Ariphron and father to Pericles his Emulator of Treason as having voluntarily miscarried in the Enterprise about Parus He could not be present himself to answer his Thigh now corrupting which held him in his bed but Stesagorus or Tisagoras his brother according to Cor. Nepos or rather other of his friends did it for him bidding the people remember the battel at Marathon and the taking of Lemnus which he having expelled the Pelasgiaus had subdued under the Athenian power The people spared his life but fined him fifty Talents which sum this expedition had cost them One tells us it was not out of any regard to his Crime so much Corn. Nepos in vita Miltiadis as having lately been under the Tyranny of Pisistratus they feared now the power of their own Citizens and him especially who having been much practised in Magistracy and power and enclined naturally to a love of it could scarce as they thought bear the condition of a private life so that though being called a Tyrant he obtained that power not by his own seeking but was ever found to be just moderate and humble yet having a great name for Military matters and thereby great interest they chose rather to condemn him though innocent than continually be in fear though they might have thought on the Ostracism He dieth in prison 29. After this Miltiades died in prison of the corruption of his Thigh Valer. Max. lib. 5. cap. 3. ext exempl ult Corn. Nepos in vita Cimonis Plutarch in Cimone as most have delivered his fine being yet upon the score upon which account the Athenians would not suffer his body to be buried till such time as his son Cimon offered himself to bonds in the room thereof As his father before him so he was unable to pay the fine and by the Laws of Athens could not be released untill he had done it He had then to wife his sister by the father's side as we are to take it named Elpinice * Vide Janum Rutgersium Var. Lect. lib. 1. cap. 9. Boecleri notas ad Cora. Nepotem it being lawfull for the Athenians to marry such One Callias there was in the Citie a rich man though of a vulgar cast who had gained much by the Mines he being in love with her offered Cimon if he would part with her to him to discharge the fine Cimon sleighted the offer but she avowed that she would not suffer any of Miltiades his Children to die in prison and that to prevent such a thing His son Cimon she would marry Callias if he would perform his offer Hereby Cimon was perswaded married her to him and the fine being discharged was set at liberty which he presently improved for his own advancement These things fell out not long after the battel at Marathon Xerxes invadeth Greece 30. Three years the Graecians had rest as from without so within themselves till the coming of Xerxes onely the War betwixt the Athenians and Aeginetans still depended untill common danger drew them to a composure As the Athenians had given most occasion to the invasion of Greece Vide Plutarchum in vita Aristidis so they bore the greatest burthen thereof and by the means of Themistocles one of their Citizens procured the overthrow and flight of Xerxes in that by his Stratagems the Peloponnesians were brought to fight and not suffered to depart to their several homes which would have brought certain destruction to them all Assistant to Themistocles was another of his Countrey-men named Aristides who though banished by the Ostracism through his procurement for that as they disagreed in temper Themistocles and Aristides so in their way of policy and Goverment Themistocles being quick bold crafty and easily changeable according to the juncture of affairs but Aristides constant and grave onely intent upon Justice and who neither in jest nor earnest would give way to lying scurrility or deceit yet now with others was recalled by his means for the safety of the Countrey and voluntarily laid aside all private quarrels which came into competition with the publick safety The sirname of Just
without any thing at all performed The year after he undertook another expedition the Athenians and all the other Confederates except the Corinthians and Boeotians following him wherein he sorely afflicted all the Countrey sparing the Citie Elis it self and though he retreated yet the Garrison he left behind him continuing these depredations all the next Summer and the Winter following the next Summer the Eleans were constrained to receive such conditions as their Enemies would give them The Wall about Patrae was demolished Cyllene relinquished five Towns delivered into the hands of the Spartans and three to the Arcadians the management of the Affairs of the Temple belonging to Jupiter Olympius being onely left remaining to them 8. Not long after these things Agis died Idem ibid. Corn. Nepos Plutarch in Agesilao Lysandro Xenoph. in Orat. de laudibus Agesil having falln sick in his return from Delphos He had born to him by his wife Timaea a son called Leutychides but conceived at that time when Alcibiades sojourned at Sparta by whom there were great presumptions that he was begotten He had not been with his wife of ten moneths before the Child was born Timaea her self was wont when she would play with it to call it Alcibiades more commonly than Leutychides as was acknowledged by her maids and neither did Alcibiades himself forbear to acknowledge that he had to do with her saying it was not out of any carnal affection but out of a desire that those who should proceed from him might reign at Lacedaemon upon these grounds Agis owned not Leutychides for his son but told the Ephori he was none of his divorcing also his Mother A contention betwixt Leutychides and Agesilaus for the Spartan Kingdom but when he lay sick having no Children and moved by his prayers and tears he owned him for his son before many witnesses After his death a great contention insued about the succession betwixt Leutychides and Agesilaus brother to Agis a man lame of one foot but of a most noble and valiant disposition Agesilaus was bred after the ordinary strict way as not having expected the Kingdom being a younger brother and yet was in great favour vvith the people and pressing the illegitimation of his adversary had their ear but one thing they much stuck at vvhich vvas an old Prophecie much urged by Diophites their Prophet that it should go very hard with Sparta when it should have a lame King Yet Lysander vvho had taken a great affection to him Agâ—silaus carrieth it by the means of Lysander answered that by a lame King vvas not meant lame of a foot vvhich could be no hinderance to virtue but one of spurions extraction and herewith and by his private interest procured the sentence to passe for Agesilaus 9. Agesilaus had not been a year in his Office before that being to sacrifize for his Countrey according to the custom the entrails of the beast three times did not permit it which being viewed by the Prophet he foretold that a grievous conspiracy was hatched against him and all Magistrates both in Town and Countrey Five dayes after this a notable conspiracy indeed was disclosed to the Ephori by one of the Complices the head of which was Cinaedon They presently referring it to the Senate it was thought fit that he should be sent out of the Citie under pretence of some employment and that some should go after him to make him reveal his fellows which accordingly was done and an ignominious death was executed upon them After the execution Herodus of Syracuse came with news out of Phoenicia that a Fleet of 300 Gallies was prepared by Tissaphernes and the King but upon what design was not known The Lacedaemonians moved at this called the Deputies of their Confederates to Sparta to consult about it Now Lysander had a great mind to return into Asia desirous to relieve those his friends who being by him placed in the Government of the Cities ten in a place were for their violence and great misdemeanours either killed or driven into banishment He therefore perswaded Agesilaus to undertake so noble and pious an expedition and wrote to his friends in Asia to desire of the State that he might be sent Being perswaded he offered his service on condition they would grant him thirty Assistants He is sent into Asia by the same means by whose directions and advice he might manage the War with 2000 choice men newly to be raised and 6000 of the Confederates These were all decreed to him by the dealing of Lysander who procured himself to be sent as chief of the thirty to which place he might well pretend for the great glory of his atchievements and his friendship to Agesilaus whom as he judged he had more obliged by procuring this employment than by the former courtesie of preferring him to the Kingdom 10. Having his Army and Provisions in a readinesse he marched to Aulis that thence after the example of Agamemnon he might passe over into Asia but going about to sacrifize a Doe to the Goddesse with which he thought she would be better pleased than she was with Agamemnon for his daughter he was hindred by the Boeotians from doing that which was contrary to their custom and was constrained in a great chase to passe over without the Ceremony the Omission of which he accounted as a bad presage When he came to Ephesus it appeared that he onely bore the name and Lysander had all the credit and authority all men making application to him and observing him as a man of whom they had had former experience to exceed all men in earnestnesse to gratisfie his friends and destroy his Enemies This much moved Agesilaus Is Eclypsed by Lysander though a man of a most mild spirit who was famous for bearing with any thing and troubled also his own Collegues so that the King resolving to cut off his authority rejected all the sutes he made for any and plainly shewed that his design was to crosse him in all he attempted Lysander hereupon told his friends how the case stood that they must make no more addresses to himself and being sensible of the disgrace expostulated with him about it who let him understand that he could not endure to be overtopped by him He then desired some imployment of him wherein he might both save his own credit and do him service wherein he promised to be faithfull He then sent him to the Hellespont where findding Spithridates the Persian to be offended by Pharnabazus he brought him over to him with a great Treasure and 200 Horse although hereafter it was found that he took very hainously the diminishing of his reputation 11. Agesilaus in Asia prospered in the War to admiration gaining great glory for his wisdom valour and courtesie both at home and abroad insomuch that the Spartans in confidence of his abilities and integrity committed the Fleet also to his command judging it most convenient for
still proceed to incommodate their affaires Accordingly five Ambassadors were dispatched away Philip lulleth the Athenians asleep whereof one was Aeschines but coming into Macedonia they were there forced to stay till Philip had setled all things in Thrace according to his own pleasure and passed through the Pylae or Straights into Phocis The Athenians hearing of his coming notwithstanding the place were in great fear and caused all their goods to be brought into the City The Thessalians and Boeotians earnestly now desired of him that he would undertake the conduct of all Greece against the Phocians and on the other side the Ambassadors of the Phocians Lacedaemonians and Athenians earnestly dehorted him from the War He hearing both sides beeing accustomed to double dealing promised them he would do as all had desired and so making them secure hereby seized upon the Straights of Thermâ—pylae 25. The Phocians having sent to Lacedaemon for aid procured 1000 Footmen of heavy Armour which were commanded by Archidamus Diodorus ad Olymp. 108. an 3. Philip in conjunction with the Thessalians with a strong Army went down into Locris where finding Phalaecus restored to his Generalship he hasted to decide the controversie by action but the other lying at Nice and perceiving himself too weak to fight sent to treat with him and they agreed that he should have freedom to depart with his men whither he pleased Faith being given and received he departed with his Mercenaries to the number of 8000 into Peloponnesus He endeth the Phocian War and the Phocians being thus deserted were forced to yield So the War was ended by Philip without a stroak in the tenth year after the beginning thereof in the third year of the 108 Olympiad according to Diodorus when Archias was Archon but as * In Phocicis Pausanias writeth in the first of this Olympiad and in the government of Theophilus 26. Philip calling a Council of the Boeotians and Thessalians Diodorus ibid. it was resolved to remit the matter of the Phocians wholly to the judgment and sentence of the Amphyctiones Pausan ut prius They decreed that Philip as a reward for his good service should be enrolled in the number of themselvâ— and have the double voice which the Phocians formerly had That the Phocians should be debarred from the Temple That they should neither have Horse nor Arms till such time as they had repayed the money which they had stolen from Apollo All their Exiles and as many as were guilty of Sacrilege in their own persons should be accounted piacular and it might be lawful to take them out of any place The Phocians how punished by the Amphyctiones All their Cities were to be levelled with the ground and they reduced into Villages not exceeding the number of Fifty little Families apiece and distant a furlong one from another They were to pay to the Temple a yearly tribute of Sixty talents till the money stolen was made up But from this punishment Pausanias telleth us the Abaeans were excepted who alone had not contaminated themselves The Council then took order for restoring of the Oracle and for the establishment of peace in Greece and Philip having confirmed their Decrees imbracing them all with singular kindnesse returned into his own Kingdom flourishing with great glory both upon the account of Piety and Martial matters This Expedition made not a little for the enlargment of his Empire and the improvement of his design already laid to procure himsef to be chosen Captain General of Greece and to make War upon the Persians 27. Two years after and in the 17 of his reign he invaded the Illyrians his old Enemies with a potent Army took therein many Towns Diodorus ad Olymp. 109. an 1. wasted the Country and with rich booty returned into Macedonia Then went he into Thessalie where casting out the Tyrants out of the Cities he much won upon the People having a design hereby to make use of their favour as a decoy to bring in the affections of the rest And it failed not for their neighbours led by their example very readily entred into League with him The year after he prosecuted this design to a further advantage for Kersobleptes the King of the Thracians much distressing the Greek Cities in Thrace Idem ad an 2. he exhorted them to joyn together and with a strong force going against him overthrew the Thracians in several battels and forced them to pay the tenths of their Lands to the Kingdom of Macedonia Philip overthroweth the Thracians He built Forts in such places as were convenient for the bridling of their power whereby the Cities being delivered now from their fear most gladly imbraced his alliance and society The year after this Arymbas King of the Molossians died Idem ad an 3. who left a Son named Aeacides the Father of Pyrrhus but Philip deprived him of the Kingdom and gave it to Alexander the brother of his wife Olympias * Justin l 7. 8. Another saith that he deprived Arymbas yet alive and expelling him the Kingdom setled Alexander therein 28. The next Expedition Philip undertook Diodorus ad an 4. was against Perinthus a strong City situate upon the shore of the Propontis the Inhabitants whereof in favour of the Athenians crossed his designs With his utmost might he fell upon it continuing the storm without intermission by fresh men sent in the place of the dead or wounded Besiegeth Perinthus he built Turrets higher than theirs and with battering rams and mines brake down a part of the wall But the defendants being relieved from Byzantium manfully resisted and built a stronger wall in the room of that which was thrown down By this means the Siege being drawn on in length and great talk being in Asia of the power of the Macedonian Ochus the Persian King being now jealous of his power thought it wisdom to ballance him and for that purpse gave order to his Satrapaes upon the Sea Coasts to assist the Perinthians They uniting their Forces together gave them their utmost assistance which with the natural strength of the place inabled them to stand it out For it was seated upon the cliff of a Peninsula about a furlong in length the houses were thick and high rising one rank above another according to the ascent of the hill so that the whole Town represented the form of a Theatre Hereby though the wall was batterd down yet stopping the ends of the streets their defence was little diminished Marcheth thence to Byzantium which Philip perceiving and how all things necessary for the War were abundantly supplied from Byzantium he left a strong party under expert Captains to carry on the Siege and with the rest of the Army hasted against that City the inhabitants whereof having sent their men and arms to the Perinthians were thereby much straightned 29. By this time the grudges betwixt Philip and the Athenians were
same with the Common of all Greece he might be unwilling to force them to the utmost But he placed a Garrison of his own in Thebes and Justin writeth how he sold for slaves all the prisoners of that Citie and the bodies of such as had been slain to their friends for burial that of the chiefest of the Citizens some he put to death and confiscated the goods of the rest being sufficiently sensible of their ingratitude After the fight when the Athenians fortified their Citie as expecting a siege (d) Plutarch in Demosthene Demosthenes at his own charge re-edified part of the Wall for which service Ctesiphon thought he was to be honoured with a Garland at the publick meeting of Greece but Aeschines contended it was against the Law and so his Oration against Ctesiphon concerning the Crown or Garland was written this year Charonides or Charondas being Archon the third of the 110th Olympiad and the first of the reign of Arses the Persian King 32. (a) Diodorus ad ann 4. Philip by his successe having utterly broken the courage of the principal Cities of Greece now gave out that he would undertake a War against the Persian for the general commodity all the estates and thereby and with his great courtesie gained much upon some sorts of people At length he called them together at Corinth and largely discoursing of the War shewed the certain hope of successe and earnestly exhorted them to undertake it Obtaineth to be named General at Sea for all Greece against the Persian to which all either out of love or fear assented He was chosen Captain General for the expedition allowance of men and money were appointed to the several Cities the (b) Justin lib. 9. Lacedaemonians alone scorning both him and the conditions of his peace accounting that slavery and not peace which was imposed by the Conquerour The Auxiliaries of Greece amounted to 200000 foot and 15000 horse over and above the forces of Macedonia and the barbarous Nations thereto adjoyning Whilest he thus prospered in his affairs abroad (c) Plutarch in Alexandre great differences arose in his own house by his putting away Olympias upon pretence of incontinency and marrying Cleopatra the Niece of Attalus Olympias a woman of an high spirit and melancholick nature took it exceedingly to heart Differences in his house by a new marriage incensed all she could her son Alexander who at the Wedding hearing Attalus in his Cups to exhort the Macedonians to pray for a lawfull Heir of the Kingdom from Philip and Cleopatra calling him naughty fellow asked him if he counted him a Bastard and therewith threw a Cup at him Philip hereupon with his drawn Sword made at Alexander but to the good of both being light headed with Wine and mad with anger stumbled and fell After this Alexander carried his mother into Epirus and went himself into Illyricum whence his father shortly recalled him by the procurement of Demaratus the Corinthian Not long after Pexodarus the Governour of Caria sent to offer his eldest daughter in marriage to Aridaeus the base son of Philip whence great talk being raised that Philip did it on purpose to devolve the Crown upon Aridaeus Alexander sent one Thessalus a player to Pexodarus to perswade him to neglect a Bastard and a Fool and transfer his affinity upon himself which was very well liked by Pexodarus Philip smelling out the matter checked Alexander grievously as degenerate and unworthy of the hope of a Kingdom being ambitious to become son-in-law to a Carian who was no better than a slave to a barbarian King 33. The next Spring having enquired of the Oracle concerning the successe of the Persian War which gave him answer as ambiguous Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 1. Pausan in Arcadicis Justin and to the same purpose as formerly to Craesus he sent three Captains over into Asia under pretence of setting the Greek Cities at liberty Attalus Parmenio and Amyntas He himself whilest the forces were gathering together made a magnificent sacrifize to the gods and celebrated the marriage of his daughter Cleopatra with her Uncle Alexander of Epirus to which he invited all that would and gave large entertainment being willing to show to the Graecians how thankfully he took their making him General of all Greece Feasting and Musick there was in abundance and the Feast being done for that day but all the solemnity to be renewed on the next whilest it was yet night all the people ran together into the Theatre Thither were carried twelve Images of his gods in solemn procession and his own next after in a Divine habit as arrogating to himself a place in the Council of the gods Then followed he himself apparelled in a white Roab in the midst of the two Alexanders his son and son-in-law As he thus proceeded in the ruff of his pride He is stabbed the people sending up loud acclamations to the skies and Ecchoing his felicity one Pausanias met him in the straightest place of his passage and stabbed him into the side the wound being so mortal that he fell down dead This Pausanias having been invited to a Feast by Attalus had been carnally abused by him after he was drunk and then prostituted to the filthy lust of base fellows A.M. 3668. Ol. 110. ann 4. V.C. 417. Arsis 2. Phllippi 24. for which having complained to the King partly because of their affinity and because Philip intended to use him in the War he could have no satisfaction and for this cause took this revenge upon his unjust judge yet Alexander objected to Darius that his father was made away by his procurement 34. The murderer having mounted on hors-back had got away whilest the tumult was about the body but that his shooe catching hold on a Vine he was thereby pulled down and then slain by Perdiccas and others This end had Philip after he had reigned 24 years and lived 46. to which Olympias is reported by some to have contributed by incouraging Pausanias to commit the fact and neither knew they how to clear Alexander of the matter She put a Golden Crown upon Pausanias his head as he hung on the Crosse and a few dayes after burnt his body upon the Reliques of her husband and built him a Monument in the same place and caused a yearly parentation to be made to him After this having killed Cleopatra's young son in her bosom she then hanged her or as one saith fried them both to death in a brazen Vessel and consecrated the sword wherewith Philip was slain to Apollo under the name of Myrtalis by which she was called when young The foundation of a great Empire was laid by Philip and a great pattern left unto his son which to make was far more hard than what with greater glory was atchieved by Alexander His great atchievements The recovery of Macedon when there were two Competitors that had such assistants was a work of
forced to fly for his life and went into Crete There being courteously entertained by Minos he wrought many rare pieces of Architecture but at length so displeased the King in some thing which concerned Pasiphae his wife that he also fled thence into Sicily where he was entertained by Cocalus King of the Sicani then reigning at Inycus called also Camicus Some thought that by the means of Pasiphae he escaped by boat his Son Icarus accompanying him in another and that having invented sails whereas before oars onely were in use Icarus not managing his with skill enough his Vessel sunk and thereupon arose the Fable that they escaped with wings made of feathers waxed together and of the young man's soaring so high till the Sun melting the wax he thereupon fell headlong into that part of the Sea which afterwards bare his name Others thought Icarus was drowned as he took water But Minos getting notice whither Daedalus was fled pursued him with an Army and required Cocalus to give him up Cocalus returned him a satisfactory answer and invited him unto his house where he stifled him in a bath or else his daughters for the love they bore to Daedalus when they came to wash him which was the custom for women and maids to do unto guests according to Athenaeus instead of warm water poured on him scalding pitch He gave up his body to his men pretending he had slipped by chance into hot water and perswaded them to stay and plant in the Island where they built Minoa and Engyum now Gange the two first Greek Cities founded in Sicily as some note The Cretans afterwards in revenge for their King's death came and besieged Camicus five years to no purpose and were shipwrackt in their return upon the Coast of Italy where then resolving to stay and hide their disgrace they built Hyria betwixt Tarentum and Brundusium and from them descended the Iapyges and Messapii This passage concerning Minos the younger happened in the dayes of Hercules the Graecian an Age before the Trojan War 7. After Cocalus the several Cities because they wanted rightful and successive Kings as it seemeth and lived under loose Democracy became the prey of Tyranni whereof no Country was ever more fertil than this Island saith Justin Of these Ut supra Anaxilaus his Justice vied with the Cruelty of the rest and was not unrewarded For at his death leaving his children young whom he committed to the trust of Micythus his faithful slave his Subjects so prized his memory as they chose rather to obey him and suffer the Majesty of a Kingdom to be managed by a slave than desert his sons But if by these Tyranni be to be meant such as after the setlement of the Greek Colonies made themselves Masters of the Cities as we have no other ground than to believe the name of Anaxilaus sufficiently declaring it's original then Cocalus living an Age before the Trojan War and the first Greek Colony mentioned by Thucydides being planted in the * A. M. 2723. 11 Olympiad this after Cocalus is with great liberty used by Trogus or Justin several hundreds of years viz. five or six intervening betwixt Cocalus and those Tyrants For the Cities were many years after their founding governed by the People according to the custom of Greece till Phalaris usurped in the State of Agrigentum which Suidas writeth to have happened in the 52 Olympiad and Eusebius in the 54. This difference betwixt them may well be reconciled if with Cappellus we believe that Phalaris coming to Agrigentum there was kindly entertained for eight years A. M. 3441. Olymp. 54. an 1. V. C. 190. Evilmerodachi 2. at the end whereof took occasion from a guest and perhaps a Judge of Controversies to make himself Tyrant and the People slaves 8. Phalaris was born at Astypalea a City in Crete his Fathers name was Laodamus Phalaris the Tyrant who died whilst this his son was an infant He married Erythia and on her begat Paurolas a little before whose btrth being banished and deprived of the greated part of his estate he continued long in a desolate condition not knowing what to do till at length a Sedition being raised in the State of Agrigentum he was sent for by the weaker faction and in conclusion got all the power into his hands He kept the Tyranny by the same arts he first obtained it viz. fraud and cruelty for which cause he was grievously hated by many and his life laid at by those of whom he had well deserved Erythia continued all her life with her son Paurolas at Astypalea where though she was much importuned by many Suters yet she remained stedfast in fidelity to her husband The Citizens of Astypalea when they saw Phalaris had so advanced himself either for that now their hatred was allaied or out of fear of revenge sent to him to intimate that they had revoked what had been formerly done against him as unjust He despised not this late repentance but sent them his hearty thanks and rewarded them Having obtained a victory over the Leontines his son Paurolas sent him a Crown of Gold which he returned back unto his wife Erythia She was at length poysoned by Python one of her Suters inraged at a repulse which thing Phalaris took most impatiently 9. It hapned that one Perillus an Athenian and an excellent Statuary came to Agrigentum where shewing his rare skill he was kindly entertained by Phalaris He taking notice of Phalaris his cruelty framed a brazen Bull which being heated and a man put in his belly would by the roaring of him that was thus tormented Perillus and his brazen Bull. imitate the voice of a natural one Presenting him with this exquisite piece as incomparable for the torturing of men he admired his skill but detesting his wickednesse caused him first to make a tryal of it and excused himself to the Athenians who took it ill as having done nothing but what was just and meet If Perillus had onely made experiments Phalaris had satisfied all reasonable men but threatning his Enemies with this Engine and making good his word upom them as often as he could have occasion he thereby incurred and slighted the hatred of mankind At the same time flourished one Stesichorus a Poet of Himera who died eight years before Phalaris He wrote verses against the Tyrant and raised an Army animating the Inhabitants of Himera against him with whom joyned Conon a most leud and naughty man and divers others all which together with the Poet at length fell into his hands Conon was presently condemned to the Bull. He doubted at first what to do with Stesichorus but at length beholding his worth he not onely dismissed him unpunished but with large gifts and ever after mightily reverenced him both alive and dead insomuch as he desired the Himerians to build him a Temple and Altars offering for that purpose men money and all necessaries and most lovingly comforted
wherein were slain more than 10000 of his men and 5000 taken he himself with the rest retired to an hill where fighting manfully he was slain and his men sent to Dionysius to desire Peace 38. Dionysius answered that the onely way to obtain their desire was to quit Sicilie and pay the charges of the War To this he seemed to assent but alledged they had no power to deliver up the Cities and therefore desired a truce for some time to advise about it During the truce Mago's son being advanced into his Father's place trained the Soldiers and exercised then continually so as he brought them into a good condition for fighting and then at the end of the Truce led them down and gave battel in stead of receiving Peace Now were the Sicilians so puffed up by their late Victory as the other took advantage of their carelesnesse and so playd the men And receiveth an overthrow from them that though Dionysius in his wing and Leptines his brother in the other fought most valiantly and the former prevailed yet the later being slain his party was presently put to flight in which great execution was done the Carthaginians giving no quarter so as 14000 Sicilians are said to have been slain The Conquerours departed to Panormus and thence sent to Dionysius offering to have the quarrel taken up which he gladly imbraced Both sides were to retain what they already had onely the Carthaginians took to themselves the City and Territories of Selinus with so much ground belonging to Agrigentum as reached to the River Helycus and required of Dionysius 1000 Talents Long after this he rested from War but still grudging the Carthaginians any footing in Sicilie Diodor. ad Olymp. 103. an 1. This moved him at length with great preparations both by Sea and Land to invade their Territories wherein he took some Towns wasted the Country and besieged Lilybaum but perceiving it very strong presently again rose up from before it Then hearing that the Arcenal at Carthage was fired he carelesly behaved himself and sent 130 Gallies to seize on the Haven of the Erycinians commanding all the rest to return to Syracuse but the Enemy unexpectedly with 200 Ships well manned fell upon them in the Haven and took most of them then winter coming on they made Truce and each departed to their own places He dieth Not long after Dionysius died of a Surfet he got by feasting for joy he was pronounced Victor in Poetry at Athens after he had reigned 38 years in the first of the 103 Olympiad A. M. 3637. 366 before the ordinary Aera of Christ It had been told him by an Oracle that he should die when he overcame his betters which he had applied to the Carthaginians His wives issue 39. Dionysius married two wives in one day Doris born at Locri Vide Aelian var. Hist lib. 13. c. 10. and Aristomache daughter to Hipparinus of Syracuse and sister to Dion By the former he had a son called also Dionysius by the later no children for a long time for which cause he put to death the mother of Doris upon suspicion of her having practised something upon Aristomache to cause her barrennesse but afterwards begot of her two sons and as many daughters Plutarch Corn. Nepos in Dione When he lay sick Dion inquired of the Physicians concerning his condition whether he was in any danger that if so he might move him about the sharing of his Kingdom for that he thought his sisters children might justly expect their part therein The Physicians told this to young Dionysius who found himself so concernd in it that to prevent his Father's discoursing with Dion Dionysius his son succeedeth him he compelled them to give him that which laid him so fast asleep as he never could awake and so he solely succeeded him His disposition 40. Dionysius the younger at first gâ—ve such hopes of a pliable disposition that Dion prevailed with Plato to return to Syracuse Plutarch Nepos ibid. thinking that by his instruction he might be made a good and temperate Prince But Dion's emulators fearing he might be changed from his former course which though bad in it self was more convenient for them recalled Philisthus one who was banished by the late Dionysius and being a learned man A. M. 3637. Ol. 103. an 1. V. C. 386. Artax Mnem 37. wrote the history of his life that they might have one to oppose to Plato He according to what was injoyned and his private interest upheld him in his extravagances as many other flattering Philosophers did especially Aristippus of Cyrene the Scholar of Socrates who had so great a command of his own temper that he could apply himself Omnis Aristippum decuit color status res Horat. Vide Diog. Laertium in vita suitably to all times and persons Plato when he came found Dion in great troubles being for his nobility and courage both envied and feared by Dionysius who four moneths after seeing the People much addicted to him banished him to Corinth pretending he sent him thither for the good of them both that one might be out of fear of the other Because he saw that this displeased all men he sent him all his movables Aelian var. hist l. 12. c. 47. but kept his wife and his son marrying her afterwards by constraint to Polycrates one of his Guard This much startled Dion's friends and Plato amongst the rest by whom Dionysius fearing that something might underhand be wrought against him gave them good words and laboured to keep Plato who earnestly desired now that War was begun in Sicilie to be dismissed especially seeing his mind far remote from the love of Philosophy By his importunity he got leave to depart upon condition that when Peace was made Dion should be recalled and he return with him 41. When the time came Dionysius earnestly desired the return of Plato but would have Dion discontinue a year longer who earnestly besought Plato to return to Syracuse for that it was reported that the Prince now was wonderfully taken with Philosophy He stifly refused to do it objecting his age with the breach of Covenants but being again urged on all sides a ship was sent for him and large letters were written wherein the Tyrant promised to deal with Dion as his friends should judge reasonable many of the best sort also in Sicilie and his acquaintance were sent to accompany him over Wherefore Plato once more undertook the journy with intention to reconcile Dion to Dionysius and reduce the Tyrant to a more strict and commendable life But not long after his arrival Dionysius stopped Dion's Revenues which Plato taking ill once prevailed to have the stoppage removed for otherwise he would be gone but when the ships were departed and Plato's passage thereby prevented he again sequestred the Estate After this he fell plainly out with Plato for holding that faith was to be
to so constant a work When they were at a stand the whole family of the Fabii by the procurement of the Consul voluntarily offered to take both the charge and trouble upon it self onely which was gratefully accepted The family of the Fabii ingage against the Veientes The Fabii then under conduct of Marcus the last year's Consul fortified a Castle near the River Cremera and not far from Veii Their whole number was at first 4000 whereof their Clients and friends made up the greater part and of such as bore the name of the Family there were 306 afterwards another Company followed being led by Caeso Fabius the Consul Out of this Castle which they named Cremera from the River they made excursions and much endamaged the Enemy This caused the Veientes again to implore the aid of all Hetruria which making preparations news came that the Aequi and Volsci also had agreed upon an invasion The Senate hereupon ordered their Armies to be provided whereof L. Aemilius the next year's Consul led one against the Hetrusci with whom joyned Caeso Fabius as Proconsul C. Servilius the other Consul marched with another part against the Volsci and Ser. Furius with the third against the Aequi having also the power of Proconsul Furius no lesse happily than sodainly finished his work Servilius rashly managing his affaires lost many men and not daring to adventure all in a battel drew out the War in length But Aemilius giving battel to the Veientes and their Associates overthrew them and then storming their Camp forced them to beg Peace 68. Having purchased a Truce by the grant of provisions for two moneths to the Consul's Army and six moneths pay they had leave to send to the Senate The Fathers upon reading of Aemilius his letters who advised them by all means to finish the War resolved to make Peace and left the conditions thereof to him He having a respect rather to equity than the profit of the Conquerours made a League with them neither taking from them any grounds nor any more money nor receiving any Hostages to secure their obedience which procured him much evil will and deprived him of the due honour of a Triumph They ordered him to assist his Colleague against the Volsci but he complaining grievously of them to the People and suggesting to the multitude that they were angry because the War was finished out of a desire to have the Peoples thoughts diverted from the Agrarian Law disbanded his Army as also that of Furius and hereby afforded much matter for contention betwixt the Nobility and Commons The year following being the first of the 76 Olympiad wherein Scamander of Mitylene was Victor in the course and Phaedon Archon at Athens the new Consuls C. Horatius and T. Menenius found some obstruction in the Levies the Commons still complaining that the Agrarian Law was not executed But necessity cut off the dispute eleven several Cities of Hetruria having declared against the Veientes for making Peace without publick consent and forced them to break it The pretence was for that the Fabii were not drawn off from Cremera who sending intelligence to the Senate of this intended breach it ordered Menenius to march into Hetruria as Horatius against the Volsci While Menenius loitered in his Expedition Cremera was taken and the Fabii all cut off Some wrote that it was by an Ambush as they were returning to Rome to sacrifize for the whole family according to their custome But others delivered more probably that being accustomed to make depredations they were drawn into snares by the Hetruscans who caused herds of Cattel to be driven thither where they had bestowed a sufficient quantity of men and being overpowered were all at length destroyed All the adventurers are cut off though with the great losse of the assaliants except such as they had left to keep the Cattel These were so far from being discouraged at what had befallen their fellows that they also stood it out to the last man enduring all extremity and fighting when half dead with weapons wrested from the hands of their Enemies 69. A tradition remained to posterity that 306 of this family being cut off none remained except one Boy who for his youth could not serve in the Expedition Dionysius sheweth the vanity hereof by these reasons 1. All except one could not be unmaried or without children for an ancient Law commanded all at a legitimate age to mary and provide for Posterity which being diligently observed till their age the Fabii alone would not contemn but Whether only one Boy remained of the family 2. Grant this it is not to be granted A. M. 3528. Ol. 15. an 4. V. C. 277. Xerxis 9. that none of those had a brother of young years 3. If their Fathers had been so utterly deprived of their Sons yet certainly all would not have been so old and dry as to despair of any more issue and consequently make no provision for it by mariage 4. And if they had no fathers living yet would it be a prodigious thing to suppose that none of them left any son as yet an Infant a Wife with Child or a young brother This is true that of the three brothers Caeso Marcus and Quintus in the family of whom the Consulship had continued for seven years Marcus onely left a young son besides whom none of this name afterwards being famous thence the report might rise that none else was preserved Concerning the time of this defeat Authors something differ (a) Lib. 1. c. 16. Macrobius maketh the day to have been the 17th of the Calends of Sextilis (b) In Camillo Problem Plutarch after the Summer solstice and about the full Moon in the middle of the moneth Quintuis (c) Lib. 6. Livy and (d) Lib. 18. Tacitus on the fifteenth of the Calends of Sextilis which suiteth with that of Plutarch and (e) Fast 2. Ovid on the Ides of February 70. The Veientes having recovered the Castle went confidently against the Roman Legions which lay incamped not far of and as was thought might have relieved the Fabii but that Menenius the Consul out of envy would not make use of the opportunity They took the advantage of his unskilfulnesse and seized on an Hill near unto him where placing a Guard they made sallies upon the Camp and so straightned it that they brought him to fight upon very unequal terms and put his Army to the worst The Romans forsook their Camp and fled in so tumultuous a manner that had the Veientes not been too greedy of plunder they might utterly have destroyed them The day following they invaded the Roman Territories and came as far as the Hill Janiculus The Veientes peirce within two miles of the Citie two miles from the Citie whereon they seized and thence made excursions to the great disgrace of the Romans Horatius the other Consul returning from the Volsci overthrew them twice and gave the
after he was held with a sharp Feaver and was removed near the great place for swimming where he discoursed with his Officers about supplying Vacant places in the Army with the fittest persons On the 24th his disease increasing he sacrificed being borne out to the place and commanded the principal of his Officers to stay in the Court and the rest to watch before the Gates Being removed into the inner Palace on the 25th day he rested a little but the Feaver abated not and when the Captains came to see him he spake not a word So he passed over the 26th day whereupon the Macedonians thinking him to be dead came with great noise to the Door and compelled his friends to let them in so in their Coats every man of them passed by his bed's side The same day Pithon and Seleucus were sent to the Temple of Serapis to ask if he should be removed thither and received answer that he should continue where he was On the 28th day towards the evening he expired Though he (a) Val. Max. lib. 5. cap. 1. Exter Exemp 1. fainted by the violence of his disease yet leaning on his Elbow he reached out his hand to all Soldiers that would touch it in their passage and which seemeth incredible (b) Curtius lib. 10. cap. 7. continued in the same posture he had set himself till the whole Army had saluted him 40. The Soldiers being all gone he asked his friends about him whether they thought they should have such another King When all kept silence he said that as he was ignorant hereof so he knew could Prophesie Justin lib. 12. Corn. Nepos in Eumene Curtius ut suprà and almost see with his eyes how much blood Macedonia would shed in this controversie with what slaughters and bloudshed it would make him a Parentation when he was dead At length he commanded his body to be buried in the Temple of Hammon and when his friends asked him to whom he would leave his Kingdom he answered to the most Valiant Yet having taken his Ring from his finger he gave it to Perdiccas whereby all conjectured that he commended his Kingdom to him till his Children should grow up Again Perdiccas demanding of him when he would have Divine honours given to him Of which he dieth the eleventh day he replied then when they his followers were happy which were his last words and a little after he departed He * Justin Curtius Diodorus lived 32 years and eight moneths reigned twelve and also eight moneths He died six years and ten moneths after the murther of Darius in the first year of the 114 Olympiad A. M. 3681. 322 years before the Aera of Christ Sâ—sâ—gambis the Mother of Darius having with some patience born the losse both of her Son's life and Empire when she heard of Alexander's death refused to live any longer So refraining from all sustenance she died the fifth day after CHAP. II. Of such things as hapned after the death of Alexander amongst his Captains till their Cantonizing of his Empire into their particular Kingdoms and their taking the Stile and Title of Kings upon them containing the space of 17 years Alexanders Issue and Linage 1. ALexander though he had taken several Wives yet left but one Son already born of Barsine the Daughter of Artabazus a Persian and another in the belly of Roxane the Daughter of Oxyaries His Son called Hercules was despised upon his Mothers account by the Captains who much scorned the Conquered Nations He had a sister named Cleopatra Widow to the King of Epirus and their Uncle who was slain in Italy and a base brother called Aridaeus begotten on Philinna a vvoman of Larissa who married Eurydice the daughter of Amyntas whom being the right Heir and his Nephew Philip kept from the Kingdom of Macedonia after he had exercised the Office of his Protector and on him bestowed a daughter of his own in marriage This Amyntas bore patiently the want of the Kingdom all Philip's time but in the beginning of Alexander's reign with the losse of his life attempted something His title through the prowesse of the two late Kings was utterly forgotten Cleopatra as a woman perhaps was not thought of Aridaeus neither by birth personage or qualities was fitly endowed yet upon him the election fell for want of a better because the Captains were at a losse what course to take 2. For Ptolomy the son of Lagus as he was called but reputed the son of Philip who as it 's said having used the company of Arsinoe his Mother put her off in marriage to Lagus Contention amongst his Captains about the succession when great with Child rejecting the title of the half Persian brood though as Alexander's Children they should have been considered was for the Captains their taking the rule upon them and deciding all things by Vote of the major part But as he might think this course most likely to serve his own ambition so Aristonus perhaps on the same grounds betook himself to the words of Alexander which he interpreted as meant of Perdiccas because saying that he left his Kingdom to the worthiest at the point of death he delivered to him his Ring He was seconded by many who either bore good will to Perdiccas or out of fear that he would carry it would not venture to oppose him But he would needs make a shew of modesty thinking thereby the more to indear himself whereat Meleaeger an envious man and one who bore to him a particular grudge took advantage to inveigh against him and disturbed all Councils by perswading the Soldiers that whosesoever was the Empire they had the best title to the Treasure During the uproar Aridaeus was mentioned and his name laid hold on by some peaceable spirits who labouring betwixt the parties wrought a composure for the time wherein yet Perdiccas had the better of his adversary Aridaeus declared King It was agreed according to the desire of the Infantry that Aridaeus the base son of Philip should be King and for as much as he was stupid and dull rather through the practising of Olympias upon him as some thought than any Original indisposition Perdiccas was made his Protector and Commander of his Forces who hereby in effect was King for a time though that title with the name of Philip for a greater grace was conferred upon the other 3. Then did the Officers distribute the Provinces of the Empire amongst themselves Macedonia and Greece were left to Antipater Thrace with the neighbouring Countreys was assigned to Lysimachus Egypt with all that which of Cyrâ—ne The Provinces distributed amongst the Captains Africk and Arabia had belonged to Alexander was set over to Ptolomy the son of Lagus Syria and Phoenicia were committed to Laomedon Armenia to Neoptolemus Mesopotania to Arcesilaus In Asia the lesse Cappadocia and Paphlagonia with the Countreys thereto adjoyning which Alexander had passed by in his Conquests were assigned
to Eumenes A. M. 3682. Ol. 114 ann 2. V. C. 431. Ante Christum 321. Ptolom 1. Pamphylia Lycia Lycaonia and the greater Phrygia to Antigonus the lesset Phrygia as far as the Hellespont to Leonatus Cilicia to Philotas together with Isauria and Caria to Cassander Menander was confirmed in the Government of Lydia given him by Alexander The Isle of Cyprus remained in the power of certain Governours to which he had granted it and all that part of his Empire from Babylon Eastward continued in the state wherein he left it Diodorus l. 20. ad Ol. 118. ann 4. Ammianus Mar. l. 23. Thus was his Dominions disposed of otherwise than he intended for one telleth us that he made a Will which he delivered to the Rhodians and another affirmeth that thereby all was given to one onely Successor After this his Funerals were thought of his body having lyen seven dayes neglected Yet no corruption had seized on it and it looked as fresh in the face as though it had been living Justin which as it 's said made the Aegyptians and Chaldaeans afraid to touch it Curtius l. 10. Diodorus ad Olymp. 114. ann 2. 3. but having prayed that mortals might lawfully do it they embalmed and after that adorned it with royal Ensigns The care of the burial was committed to one Aridaeus not the King though some have so mistaken another of the Captains who spent two years in making preparation for it which made Olympias tax the late ambition of her son and bewail his misfortune together in the same speech as * Var. Hist lib. 13. c. 30. Elian observeth For the burial of Alexander was to be ushered in by the Funerals of many of his followers Ptolomy getteth possession of Egypt 4. Ptolomy got possession of Egypt vvithout any trouble and setled himself therein partly by his fair carriage towards the Inhabitants and partly by the power of an Army vvhich he raised by the virtue of 8000 Talents Hearing that Perdiccas had an intention to deprive him of his Government he contracted affinity vvith Antipater and making away Cleoments his Lieutenant because he vvas much addicted to the Protector fortified the Countrey Antipater vvas now imployed in the Lamian War against the Athenians and Aetolians The Lamian War in Greece vvho refused to receive their Exiles as vvas hinted before and so distressed him in battel that he was forced to fly to Lamia a Citie of Pthiotis Here Leosthenes the Athenian General besieged him but vvhen he perceived him forsaken by the Aetolians he issued out and slew him in the charge being an excellent Soldier and one vvho had deserved vvell of Greece Leonatus Governour of the lesser Phrygia allured by promise of his daughter came over to help Antipater but marching through Thessaly was driven into a Fen by the Graecians and there slain At his mishap Antipater vvho coming thither the day after united his Forces vvith his own is said to have rejoyced because he had determined to make himself Master of Macedonia At this time Perdiccas taking the King along vvith him went against Ariarathes of Cappadocia Perdiccas subdueth Cappadocia vvhom getting into his hands he Crucified and subduing those Countreys vvhich Alexander had passed by gave them to Eumenes according to agreement A. M. 3683. Ol. 114. ann 2. V. C. 431. Ptolom 2. Craterus not long after passed over into Macedonia to the assistance of Antipater vvith 10000 Macedonians and 150 Persians vvhich Force united to the Army of Antipater overpowered the joynt strength of the Graecians 5. After this begun the Civil Wars betwixt the Captains themselves For Civil Wars amongst the Captains Perdiccas breathing after the Soveraignty and knowing how able the other were to withstand him grudged Ptolomy exceedingly the possession of Egypt and through the perswasion of Eumenes procured much enmity Diod. in that having married Nicaea the daughter of Antipater by his advice he resolved to put her away and take Cleopatra to wife the daughter of Philip Arrianus and sister to Alexander This being made known to Antigonus Justin l. 13. he certified Antipater of it and being calumniated by Perdiccas who intended to make him away he fled unto him with Demetrius his son Perdiccas consulting with his Officers what in this case was to be done resolved first to set upon Egypt lest Ptolomy during his absence in Greece should seize upon Asia And to keep Asia against Antipater and Craterus Perdiccas goeth against Ptolomy he left Eumenes with large power over the Provinces joyning with him Alcetas his own brother and Neoptolemus Perdiccas taking along with him Aridaeus the King and young Alexander now born of Roxane who was eight moneths gone with child of him when his Father died for a more specious pretence marched against Ptolomy Antipater and Craterus hearing how things went clapped up a Peace presently with the Aetolians A. M. 3684. Ol. 114. an 4. V. C. 433. Ptolom 3. and leaving Polysperchon to govern Macedonia and Greece passed over the Hellespont and dispatched away messengers to Ptolomy to enter into a league and society with him 6. Alcetas with those Macedonians he commanded flatly refused to fight against them and Neoptolemus envying Eumenes the chief command plainly revolted Eumenes left by him in Asia getteth the better After this some were sent to feel Eumenes but he answered that he would rather die than betray his trust whereupon Antipater and Craterus divided their Forces Antipater marched towards Aegypt to joyn with Ptolomy and Craterus staied to oppose Eumenes with whom fighting in Cappadocia his Horse stumbled and he was run through with a Lance and after the fight died of the wound Neoptolemus also grapling with Eumenes was slain by him By this time Perdiccas with the two Kings came to Pelusium in Aegypt where though Ptolomy purged himself of the crimes objected against him yet he would pursue his enterprize though contrary to the inclination of his Soldiers his end being hereby to be brought about Divers of his friends presently forsook him yet he set upon a Castel near the Nile and not being able to gain it marched away and came over against Memphis where the River parting into two streams maketh an Island very convenient for the lodging of his Army Endeavouring to bring his men into it he lost 200 in the Ford for that those who first waded over so removed the sand at the bottom that the River was too deep for such as followed Yet did he command those who had got safe over to return of whom part were drowned some caried down the stream to the Enemie and others being tossed to and fro in the River were devoured by Crocodils Idem Pausan in Atticis By this imprudent act the minds of his followers were so turned against him Perdiccas slain that 100 of his chief Officers revolting he was slain by certain Horse-men after he had continued in
purpose and afterwards resolved to go 3 dayes journey off into Gabiene for that the Armies were both much straightned for necessaries Eumenes hearing this sent some who as Fugitives should acquaint him how as that night he intended to fall in upon his Camp which he believing stayed expecting him and then did Eumenes make haste to get into Gabiene before him Antigonus seeing himself deluded marched after with great expedition and leaving behind the rest of his Army with a party got before him He presented then himself to his view upon the Mountains which Eumenes seeing and thinking he had all his Forces with him made an Alt and so they mutually deceived each other Here in the Countrey of the Paraetaceni they joyned battel wherein Eumenes had the better though the other got the advantage of ground but then his Soldiers beginning to be refractory would needs depart to their baggage The victory controverted and not stay to bury their dead Whereupon Antigonus doing this first the victory came to be controverted 16. Antigonus finding himself to have had the worst of it Diodorus ut suprà Plutarch in Eumene Cornel. Nepos went his way to Gamarga in Media where was plenty of Provisions and then Eumenes finding his Army in no good case to pursue him departed to Gabiene Here he divided his Forces into their Winter quarters not according to his own desire but the pleasure of the Soldiers for the old ones which had followed Alexander in his Conquests were grown so high as they would rather give Laws to their Captains than receive them Antigonus hearing this thought to surprize them on a sudden and for that they should know nothing of it resolved to take a by-way which yet was declared to Eumenes who not being able to call his Soldiers together so soon as was requisite betook himself to his seldom failing policy He caused fires to be made on the Mountains where the Enemy was to passe which they beholding thought he had there with him his whole Army and so took the common way after they were come into the midst of their journey Antigonus stayed one day to recruit his Army and Eumenes gathered in the mean time his Forces together which admired his prudence so much as they ordered him to be the Chief which made him come into the danger of life divers of the great ones conspiring against him which made him say he was amongst a company of wild beasts and caused him to make his Will and tear his Letters lest any of them that had wrote unto him should be troubled after his death This as it was faithfully done to his friends so was it also in good time as it after fell out 17. For shortly after Antigonus and he came to a Pitch-battel which decided the controversie though not for the Conquerour Eumenes lead into the field 36700 foot 6050 horse and 114 Elephants Antigonus brought 2â—000 foot 9000 horse and 65 Elephants The Argyraspides or silver shields got the victory for they put all Antigonus his foot to flight and killed 5000 of them so that though Peucestes withdrew himself out of the fight with his own horse and 1500 more yet Eumenes with the losse of 700 on his side got the day But neither valour nor wisdom could befriend him for the place where they fought being exceeding dusty so as ones sight was taken away at a little distance Eumenes getteth the better Antigonus sends a party of his horse to plunder his Enemies baggage so that the Macedonians though Conquerors after the battel fell into a deep melancholy for the losse of their Wives and Children taken away and Teutamus first without the knowledge of any one sent to Antigonus who Covenanted with him to restore him all on condition Eumenes were delivered to him and they would all passe into his Camp whereupon the Macedonians But is betrayed by his men the 1000 which Peucestes commanded and most of the other Captains revoked and Eumenes having his hands tied behind him was delivered up his Army shamefully following him to the Tents of Antigonus leading it self in Triumph after him Antigonus for shame would not see Eumenes his old fellow Soldier in that condition but assigned him to Keepers at first requiring he should be strictly looked to but afterwards remitting that rigour till almost all perswaded him to make an end of him This he was loath to do and took 7 dayes to consult in but then fearing some Sedition might arise in the Army he commanded his dayly allowance of meat should be withdrawn saying he would never lay hands upon him Two or three dayes he languished in this condition and then the Army being to march And killed one was sent in and killed him without the knowledge of Antigonus so fell this brave man excelled in Military glory but by few Captains in the eighth year after the death of Alexander 18. Cassander having obtained of Antigonus 35 ships and 6000 men Diodorus l. 18. sayled with them to Athens which together with the Haven he had got into his power by means of Nicanor whom he had sent before-hand for that purpose Against him came Polysperchon intending to besiege him but his Provisions failing he left his son with a party in Attica and with the greatest part of the Army marched into Peloponnesus against the Inhabitants of Megalopolis who onely amongst the Cities had refused to take away their Oligarchy and had joyned with Cassander Here he had the worst of it and that brought him so into contempt as most of the Greek Cities revolted from him to Cassander and the Athenians seeing they could not shake off his Garrison agreed with him that he should retain the Fort Munychia till the War was finished with the Kings but that the Citie should be governed by one whom he appointed which was Demetrius Phalereus the Philosopher Theophrastus his Scholar who Governed ten years with moderation and was honored with 360 Statues Laertius in vita Phocionis Then Cassander making an expedition into Macedonia found there many friends The year after Polysperchon by the help of Aeacida King of the Molossians reduced Olympias with Alexander the son of Rhoxane her Grand-Child into Macedonia whereupon Eurydice the Wife of Aridaeus the King fortified herself and sent to Cassander for aid but the Macedonians fearing the Majesty of Olympias fell away from her Olympias destroyeth Aridaeus and his Wife and she with her husband being both committed to prison he was first made away and then Olympias sent her a Sword an Halter and Poyson to chuse which of them she pleased so she praying the gods that she might have at length such gifts sent unto her hanged her self with her Garter This hapned after Aridaeus had enjoyed the title of King six years and four moneths 19. Olympias killed Nicanor the brother of Cassander Diodorus l. 19. and destroyed the Sepulchre of his other brother Iollas and then chusing
to passe over with it into Asia and with the rest marched for Thessaly there to oppose Demetrius and the Greeks Stirs preceding the great battel There meeting and incamping with vast Armies neither of them would begin the battel expecting how things went in Asia till Demetrius was recalled thither by his father Lysimachus being landed there the Inhabitants of Lampsachus submitted to him whom he restored to their liberty stormed Sigeus and placed a Garrison there then he taketh in Phrygia upon the Hellespont and divers other places by the means of Docimus an Officer of Antigonus whom he had drawn over to him Prepelaus also whom he sent with a party to subdue the Cities of Aeolis and Ionia took other Towns Antigonus was at this time celebrating publick Games at Antigonia when hearing this news he presently broke them off and with all speed marched against Lysmachus Whom he reached and besieged him in his Camp for some time till he taking the opportunity of a dark and rainy night fled away Then hearing that Seleucus was drawing down his Forces from the upper Provinces he sent for Demetrius to come over with all expedition Seleucus had lately made peace with Sandrocottus or Androcottus who being a man of no quality had sollicited the Indians to revolt after the death of Alexander and to kill his Officers and thence took an occasion to subdue them under himself Bactria being subdued Seleucus had waged War with him but now for a Composure gave to him some Countrey lying upon the River Indus which Alexander had taken from the Arians and received 500 Elephants again of him in exchange Ptolomy with a compleat Army had come into Caelesyria where he reduced divers Cities but as he was besieging Sidon came a false report that Antigonus had overthrown Seleucus and Lysimachus and now was coming thitherward wherefore he made a Truce with the Sidonians for five moneths and returned but not long after came up again to that fatal ingagement with Antigonus 4. Plutarch in vita Demetrii Appianus in Syriacis The Forces of these several Princes were drawn down to be in readinesse against the Spring Antigonus had an Army of 70000 foot 10000 horse and 75 Elephants the contrary party had made up amongst them 64000 foot 1500 horse 400 Elephants and 120 Chariots Antigonus bragged that he would scatter the meeting of these Kings together as one might do the flocking of birds gathering Corn with the throwing of a stone but when they approached he was more melancholick than usual and was seen to discourse with his son in private in his Tent which he never used to do commended him also to the Army as his Successor This battel was fought at Ipsus a Town in Phrygia in which Demetrius leading the best party of horse ingaged with Antiochus the son and afterwards Successor of Seleucus whom he routed and put to flight but being too hot in the pursute undid all for retiring back he could not again joyn himself with the foot by reason that the Elephants were gotten between them Seleucus seeing this made as if he would have falln upon the Infantry thus destitute of the horse wherein his expectation failed him not for they fearing it part revolted to him and the rest were broken Antigonus slain in it and put to flight Antigonus standing his ground expected continually Demetrius to come to relieve him but in that expectation ended his life by a multitude of Darts thrown against him being now something above 80 years old Demetrius his son with 5000 foot and 4000 horse fled to Ephesus but there fearing his Soldiers might be some way false to him A. M. 3704. Ol. 119. ann 4. V. C. 453. Seleuci 12. Ptolom 23. he sayled to Salamine in Cyprus which he then held This fell out in the 3704 year of the World the fourth of the 119 Olympiad 23 years after the death of Alexander and six after their taking the Title of Kings upon them 5. The Conquerours parted his Dominions amongst them as we are told Iidem but it seems to have been chiefly Seleucus and Ptolomy who did not well agree about their prey and upon this account left a contention to their Successors Seleucus fell presently upon building Cities the first of which he called after himself Seleucia and the later to which he transferred the Inhabitants of Antigonia to the number of three thousand five hundred as we said before he called Antiochia either after his father or son's name for both are affirmed and this afterwards proved the Metrapolis of Syria Ptolomy after the death of Antigonus got Syria again with Cyprus Vide Usserium in prima parte Annal. pag. 461. and afterwards Cyrene also into his power and married his daughter Arsinoes unto Lysimachus as few years after his other to Agathocles the son Seleucus seeing that thus these two strengthned themselves in affinity The Alliances of the Kings thought not amisse to joyn also with Demetrius though gone down the wind and accordingly sent to him for his daughter Stratonice He receiving this unexpected Message sayled with her into Syria Passing by Cilicia which then Cassander held Plistarchus his brother cried out that he would invade his Territories and went strait to Seleucus to expostulate with him his being reconciled to the common Enemy But Demetrius landing went to Quinda where finding yet 200 Talents left in the Treasury he took them away and so went and met with Seleucus at Orossus who taking his wife away with him to Antioch Demetrius seized upon Cilicia and sent his wife Phila to Cassander her brother to purge him of those things laid to his charge by Plistarchus Notwithstanding Cassander he held Cilicia Plutarch ibid but Seleucus his son-in-law required that for a sum of money he would give it up into his hands which he refused and then he with some anger demanded Tyre and Sidon of him not being content though he held all from the Syrian Sea as far as India that his father-in-law should rest quiet with it A. M. 3707. Ol. 120. ann 3. V.C. 456. Seleuci 15. Ptolom 26. being sufficiently tossed with adverse fortune but he as stoutly denied this also saying that though he were a thousand times more overcome yet would he never purchase the affinity of Seleucus Cassander dieth and fortified the Cities with Garrisons The next year Cassander King of Macedonia died of a Dropsie which was so loathsom as Lice withall broke out of him after he had ruled that Countrey 19 years 26 after the death of Alexander A. M. 3707. 6. He left three sons by Thessalonice the daughter of Philip Idem ibid. in vita Pyrrhi Just lib. 16. and sister to Alexander Philip Antipater and Alexander The first succeeded his father but died presently of a Consumption Antipater coming after him killed his mother for that after her husbands death she seemed to favour his younger brother Alexander more than him in the
division of the Kingdom though she besought him by her breasts that gave him suck to spare her life After her death he endeavoured to expel his brother out of Macedonia who therefore craved aid of Demetrius and Pyrrhus King of Epâ—rus who being expelled out of his Kingdom Stirs betwixt his sons about the Kingdom had married Ptolomy's Wives Daughter and by him was restored Demetrius being now employed otherwayes the other came and received some Countreys in way of incouragement and reward for his service which he fortified with his own Garrisons Antipater now had his recourse to Lysimachus his father-in-law who being also hindred with other affairs and fearing Demetrius his coming advised him to make an agreement with his brother and for that he knew Pyrrhus would in any thing seek to gratifie Ptolomy that he might take him off he feigned a Letter to him from him wherein he adviseth him for 300 Talents received from Antipater to forsake his Enterprize Pyrrhus as soon as he opened the Letter easily discerned it to be counterfeit for that it was not directed after the usual manner as from the father to the son but as from the one King to the other 7. Lysimachus his perswasion seems to have wrought so with the Elder together with the presence of Pyrrhus as they came near to an agreement but the coming of Demetrius spoiled all For Plutarch in Demetrio A. M. 3711. Ol. 121. ann 3. V. C. 460. Seleuci 18. Ptol. 30. he having lost Cyprus lately to Ptolomy which forced him to quit Lacedaemon after he had taken Athens and now had almost taken it also came into Macedonia to amend his fortunes Procureth the destruction of them all Alexander being troubled at his coming seeing he knew the peace was partly made went out to meet and received him with great honour but told him he now had no need of his help but he either having or pretending to have a suspicion of him procured him to be slain telling the Macedonians a fair tale afterwards who seeing the one of Cassanders sons thus dead and hating the other for his impiety towards his mother received him as King Some have delivered that Alexander used Demetrius his help Pausanias in Boeoticis first in killing his brother Antipater and so revenged the death of his Mother upon him Others say that Lysimachus after Alexanders death Justin ut suprà for that he was imployed in a War with Dromichetis King of the Getes delivered also up to Demetrius that part which belonged to Antipater his son-in-law and afterwards slew him also when he complained to him that by his means he had lost his Kingdom and imprisoned Eurydice his wife his ovvn daughter for partaking vvith him in the complaint But thus one vvay or other Antipater vvas revvarded for his mother's death and so in a short time fell the posterity of Cassander by the just Judgment of God as Heathen Writers observe 8. For some time Demetrius enjoyed Macedonia during which he still aspired after his former height and power Plutarch ibid. for now having this Kingdom and Thessalâ—e in his hands as also Athens and Megara and the greater part of Peloponnesus he subdued the Boeotians Then hearing Lysimachus to be taken prisoner by the King of the Getes who shortly after yet set him at liberty he resolved to return for Thrace Demetrius getting Macedonia aspireth still after his former height but the Boeotians revolting caused him to retreat though on his march thither coming back he found that his son Antigonus had overthrown the revolters in sight but Thebes still remained untaken and whilst he was going about that Pyrrhus of Epirus being now alienated from him since the death of Deidamia his sister which Demetrius had maried invaded Thessaly from his own Frontiers and pierced as far as the Straights of Thermopylae Demetrius hearing this left his son in the Siege and hasted against him but he staied not his coming but retired and then Demetrius fortifying Thessalie returned to Thebes where the Inhabitants so stoutly defended themselves that he lost many men and himself was wounded in the neck yet according to his skil and fortune in taking of Cities whence he had the Sirname of Poliorcetes he stormed the place and though he pretended at first severely to punish the Inhabitants yet he satisfied himself with the death of ten or thirteen and banishing a few pardoned the rest 9. Finding that his Macedonians were quiet when abroad but seditious at home he fell upon the Aetolians to divert them Plutarch Wasting their borders there he left Pantauchus with some Forces and with the rest marched against Pyrrhus who hearing it came out to meet him but they missed of each other and went several wayes Demetrius into Epirus which he harrased Pyrrhus light upon Pantauchus who challenging him to fight gave him a wound but he received two for it himself and thereupon falling he had been slain but that his friends presently rescued him after which his Army was put to flight and 5000 of them taken After this Demetrius fell sick at Pella and then Pyrrhus again invaded his Territories a great way no body resisting him nay he had such an opportunity as scarce could he have desired a better for seizing upon the whole Kingdom many revolting to him and Demetrius his Captains making but slow endeavours to hinder his progresse But he having his mind set more upon booty than any thing else stayed not their coming but fled away losing many of his men in the retreat For all this Demetrius seeing him have a restlesse spirit thought it not amisse to reconcile him unto him but especially at this time for now he resolved to make for his Father's Kingdom with all the might he possibly could and therefore lest he should leave an Enemy at his back concluded a Peace and entred into a league with him 10. Greater preparations he made than ever had been since Alexander his time For he got together little lesse than 100000 Foot and 12000 Horse a Navie also of 500 sail But labouring to get some ships whereof were of extraordinary bignesse Seleucus Ptolomy and Lysimachus being startled hereat combined together for resistance and joyntly sent to Pyrrhus to move him to break the league which Demetrius had made with him as they alleged not to rest in peace but to make War upon whom he pleased He believing as much agreed with them for that he hoped Demetrius might as easily lose Macedonia as he had got it and then Ptolemy sailing into Greece sollicited there the Cities from their obedience Lysimachus from Thrace A. M. 3717. Ol. 123. v. 1. V.C. 466. Seleuci 25. Ptolom Lagi 30. and Pyrrhus from his borders made inroads into Macedonia Demetrius first began to march against Lysimachus but afterwards hearing that Pyrrhus had gotten Berrhaea into his hands returned and went against him thither where when he was come divers from the Town
came into his Camp and so extolled the valour and kindnesse of Pyrrhus as the Macedonians first in little Companies and after all the Army revolted to him so as Demetrius was much deceived who fearing they might do so to Lysimachus little suspected this towards the other being a stranger Pyrrhus thus obtaining all the Army without a stroak Loseth all was saluted King of Macedonia by the Soldiers but Lysimachus coming shortly after alleged the endeavour of suppressing the Enemy to have been common to them both and demanded the parting of the Kingdom to whom he assented for that he did not trust the Macedonians and so the Countries and Cities were divided amongst them 11. Demetrius thus outed of his Kingdom fled to Cassandria Idem and thence into Greece where after a little time he got some Forces together and being angry with Athens for that revolting from him the Inhabitants had sent for Pyrrhus And flying up and down he besieged it but upon the entreaty of Crates the Philosopher whom being a man of great authority they had sent to him he gathered together his ships and sailed away into Asia with 11000 men His design was to take â—f he could Caria and Lydia from Lysimachus and he took divers Towns and seized upon Sardis but Agathocles Lysimachus his son coming down with an Army against him he marched for Phrygia with intention to passe into Armenia and Media and so attempt to make himself Master of some of the upper Provinces of Asia which at the worst would afford retreating places enough and other helps to a beaten party In his way hee was superiour to Agathocles who pursued him but being brought into great distresse for want of provisions there fell withall such a Plague upon his Army that he lost 8000 men and so was forced to retreat and came to Tarsus This place being under Seleucus he was very loath to hurt for fear of giving him offence but being forced by want he wrote to him whereby he excused himself and sadly lamented his condition Seleucus pitying him at first commanded his Governours to use him and his Army with great respect but Procles one of his most familiar friends filled his head with such suspitions that he led down an Army towards Cilicia against him whereat hee wondering retired to the most convenient place of the mountain Taurus where he sent to him to give him leave to seize upon some Country of the Barbarians where he might put an end to his flight and wandrings and spend the residue of his dayes 12. Seleucus making a bad interpretation of the message Idem onely would give way that giving up for Hostages the chiefest of his friends he might quarter for two moneths in Catoania a Country bordering upon Cappadocia and secured the passage out into Syria Here he was kept up as a wild beast what by Seleucus on one side and Agathocles on the other so that he was constrained to betake himself to force and wasting the Territories alwaies had the better of Seleucus in their encounters and got possession of the Straights which led into Syria This so encouraged him that he thought now of giving battel to Seleucus but falling into a sicknesse thereby his affaires were ruined his Soldiers falling away from him to the Enemy or running away yet he recovered after forty dayes and away he marched and getting over the hill Amanus wasted the bordering Territories Then Seleucus coming near him he joyned and fought him and overthrew one of his wings but then all his Army revolted and he with a very few fled into the Woods whence endeavouring to passe to the Sea through the mountains At length is forced to yield himself to Seleucus his discovering there the Enemies fiers prevented that attempt and then one saying he must even yield himself he drew his Sword and would therewith have ended his life but being hindred by his friends he sent to Seleucus by their advice and yielded Seleucus caused him to be royally received at first but the great confluence thereupon to him lessened that respect he else would have allowed him so as sending Pausanias with 1000 men he caused him to be caried straight vvithout as much as seeing him into a Peninsula of Syria Here he vvanted nothing desirable not onely for necessity but pleasure only his liberty vvhich yet to comfort him there vvas hope given of after that Antiochus should come vvith his vvife Stratonice vvhom his Father Seleucus upon his passionately falling in love vvith her had yielded to him Antigonus his son much interceded for him so did divers Princes and States onely Lysimachus offered 2000 Talents to have him killed vvhich Seleucus abhorred At first he exercised himself much vvith hunting and such toiles but by little and little grevv sluggish And dieth after three years in restraint and as if he had never been Demetrius Poliorcetes gave up himself to drinking and dice vvhereby he grevv fat and contracted a disease of vvhich he died 54 years old after he had continued three of them in restraint 13. Idem Lysimachus and Pyrrhus after his expulsion out of Macedonia presently fell out for the former seeing Demetrius thus made sure and captivated by Seleucus grew secure of his condition despised Pyrrhus and upbraiding the Macedonians for suffering him being an alien whose Ancestors alwaies had served them now to reign over them drew many from him Pausan in Atticis Justin lib. 17. Appian in Syriasis and afterwards overthrew him and Antigonus son of Demetrius in a great battel and so quite dispossessed him of Macedonia After this he killed his eldest son Agathocles at the instigation of his wife Arsinoe who was sollicitous for her own children if they should fall into their brother's hands after their Father's death Lysandra the widdow of Agathocles and sister to Arsinoe accompanied with Alexander another son of Lysimachus fled to Seleucus whom they desired to make War against him and after this he putting divers of his chief Subjects to death for bewailing the young man many of his Captains and Governours followed all earnestly desiring that Prince to make War upon him Seleucus was easily perswaded to it now having the whole strength of Asia and Syria united into one Kingdom after the fall of Demetrius Lysimachus having expelled Pyrrhus out of Macedonia is slain in battel against Seleucus which the other being aware of thought it best first to begin with him and so passed over the Hellespont A. M. 3722. Ol. 124. an 2. V. C. 471. Seleuci 30. Ptolom Philadelphi 2. These two being now only alive of the 36 Captains and fellow-soldiers of Alexander joyned in a great and bloody battel in Phrygia where Lysimachus though fighting most valiantly was overthrown and slain having formerly lost fifteen children divers wayes and now compleating the ruine of his Family after he had lived 80 years and held Macedonia four A. M. 3722 the second of the 124
slew him and not long after was forc'd to return home for Alexander King of Epirus to revenge his fathers death had invaded Macedonia Coming thither his Army revolted from him so that once more he lost his Kingdom and was compelled again to shift for himself But his son Demetrius in his absence gathering some forces together so ordered the matter against Alexander Demetrius his son again recovereth it that he not onely recovered his fathers Kingdom but spoiled him also for a time of his own After this nothing of great concernment occurs of Antigonus who died after his first possession of Macedonia 36 years having ruled in some Greek Cities ten years before when he had lived above 80. A.M. 3762. in the 2d of the 134 Olympiad 7. Demetrius his son succeeded him Polybius ad principium l. 2. He hired Agron King of the Illyrians to relieve the Mydionians whom the Aetolians had besieged which he performed though the besiegers were before ready to fall out about their prisoners And succeedeth him whether the old or new Praetor should have the honour to dispose of them and their goods When it was agreed that both in common should do it the Illyrians falling upon them and killing many forced them to break up their Siege after which Agron possessed with incredible joy A. M. 3762. Ol. 134. an 2. V. C. 511. Seleuci Callinici 4. Ptolom Euergetae 4. gave himself up to surfetting and drunkennesse and thereby falling into a Pleuresie ended his dayes and was succeeded by his wife Teuta She being elevated also with the former Victory and not thinking of any thing from without gave leave to her Subjects to invade all persons in what place soever by Sea whereupon they took Phoenice the wealthy City of Epirus and injuring those of Italy drew upon themselves the displeasure of the People of Rome which the rashnesse of their Queen heightned to a War as will be seen hereafter But by this act Demetrius so set the hearts of the Aetolians against him that whereas before they took part with his Kingdom against the Achaeans now they joyned in league with them against him 8. He holding yet the Piraeus or Haven of Athens Plutarch in Arato Aratus the Praetor of the Achaeans pretending a desire to set the Athenians at liberty from that bondage which thence lay upon them endeavoured to take it out of his hands but was overthrown by Bithyes his General whereupon a rumour arose that he was slain or taken Diogenes the Governour of the Piraeus hearing this sent word to Corinth to command all the Achaeans there to depart the Town and the Athenians to please him and his party very solemnly rejoyced wearing Garlands But Aratus himself then was at Corinth and hindring Diogenes his design there marched down to be revenged on the Athenians and he came as far as the Acadaemy but then being overcome by entreaty Justin l. 28. did them no harm Some years after this the Aetolians endeavoured to take away part of Acarnanina from Epirus which then Olympias sister and wife of Alexander now dead governing in right of her sons Pyrrhus and Ptolomy betook her self to Demetrius and gave him her daughter Othiae in mariage He had before this the sister of Antiochus King of Syria to wife Antiochus Hierax as it seemeth who endeavouring to dispossesse his brother Seleucus of his Kingdom is called King by Justine who thereupon fled to her brother and stirred him up to make War upon her husband The Acarnanians fled to the Romans for help against the Aetolians who were then commanded to abstain from their incursions but despising the Ambassage harrased the borders both of Acarnania and Epirus and Olympias having delivered up the Kingdom to her son they all shortly after died Porphyr in Graecis Euseb Demetrius also whom we read * to have also enjoyed Cyrene and all Lybia but know not how he got it survived not long after dying when he had reigned ten years and 50 after the death of Alexander the great 9. He left behind him a son called Philip who being very young and the Princes of Macedonia fearing an Anarchy Plutarch in vita Aemilii Pausan in Achaicis 5. they constituted Antigonus the brother or uncle of the deceased for both are affirmed his Tutor giving his mother to him in mariage At first he held the Office by the title of Captain General but afterwards being found moderate and civil he was saluted King being Sirnamed Doson Antigonus Doson for that he promised more than he did perform After the death of Demetrius the Greek Cities begun to lift up their heads Vide Polybium lib. 2. and the several Tyrants which through the incouragement of him and his Predecessors had got many places for fear renounced their power and joyned themselves with the Achaeans who being much reverenced of a long time by all their neighbour Cities of Peloponnesus for their Justice and Prudence had united themselves together in the 124 Olympiad A. M. 3772. Ol. 136. an 4. V. C. 521. Sel. Callinici 14. Ptolom Euergetae 14. and drawn some others into a body against the Macedonians Their affaires were mightily strengthened by Aratus the Sicyonian who drayning his own City though but young joyned it unto them and afterward by his great wisdom and industrie secured and bettered their condition The Athenians being incouraged at Demetrius his death now thought again of recovering their liberty and he having done what he might before to help them though in vain and they again imploring his assistance though sick he made himself be caried thither and whereas Diogenes held for the Macedonians Piraeus Sunium Munychia and the Island Salamis he perswaded him for a reward of 150 Talents to deliver them all up War betwixt the Aetolians Achaeans twenty of which Talents he presented of his own money Whilst he thus laboured for the Publick good especially of the community of the Achaeans the Aetolians envying their condition raised a dangerous War against them in which Antigonus Doson came to be ingaged 10. Idem ibid. Plutarch in vita Arati Cleomenis The Aetolians though they had been helped by the Achaeans against the house of Macedonia of late being vexed about the businesse of Mydionia yet now seeing their union and the flourishing condition of their body envying and also fearing it resolved to disunite if possible and withdraw the Cities one from another At this time Cleomenes reigned at Lacedaemon who resolving to better the constitution of his Country by reducing it to it 's antient form Wherein Cleomenes King of Sparta cometh to be ingaged and how and taking away the Ephori those impudent and rascally Tyrants sought for an opportunity of War as most fit to bring about his purpose Ever since the Victories of Lysander luxury and other vices had crept into Sparta together with the use of riches And the equality of possessions in Land
Senate for all this would not grant him Peace his faults being so aggravated against him that the War was denounced P. Licinius Crassus the Cousul being sent against him he had the better of it in an ingagement but yet his heart failed him so contrary to his former humour as that then he sent and desired Peace offering to perform all his Father was tied to but had answer by the stout Romans that on no other terms could it be granted except he absolutely referre himself and Kingdom to the courtesie of the Senate and cast all into their hands After this he sent to Genthius King of the Illyrians to draw him to his party having taken divers Towns from him and might have done himself good thereby had he not been besotted for that Prince was inclinable enough to him onely he said he wanted money which though he had enough by him yet neglected he to send He laboured also to draw into his aid Cotys King of Thrace and subdued again the Dardanians but Quem vult Jupiter perdere dementat priùs Q. Marcius Philippus coming against him His consternation of mind A. M. 3836 Ol. 152. an 4 V. C. 585. Ant. Epipharis 8. Ptol. Philom 12. by reason of the difficulty of the wayes and want of provisions might easily have been utterly defeated but he cried out he was conquered without fighting ran away left the Straights open for his Enemy sent to Thessalonica to burn his ships to Pella to cast his treasures into the Sea and then being angry with the messengers the one for that he had not obeyed him the other for that he had he put them both to death and recovering most of his treasure by those that dived out of the water onely satisfied himself for this madnesse by recovering Dius which had been taken by the Enemy 55. L. Paulus Aemilius the Consul was at length sent against him Livius ibid. who found some difficulty at first to come at him having incamped himself near the Sea under the mountain Olympus Plutarch in Aemilio but Scipio Nasica getting over a Rock led the way and then Perseus retired and pitched his tents near to Pydna The Consul was warie of ingaging with him who now had an Army of 39000 Foot and 4000 Horse his own men being tired but the night before the fight the Moon being eclypsed so terrified the Macedonians that they accounted it to presage the ruine of their Kingdom He is overthrown which made the Romans to whom it was foretold on purpose more eagerly to begin the fight Cato son to M. Cato and son in Law to the Consul behaved himself so stoutly as this encouraged the rest and thereby he was the means to gain the victory Of the Macedonians were slain 20000 and 6000 taken of the Conquerours but 100 lost their lives Perseus fled to Amphipolis and finding there no relief sayled to Samothrace where hoping to be secure in that sanctuary Cn. Octavius the Admiral being sent after him promised by the voice of a Crier safety and freedom to all that would come in whereby he was forsaken of almost all his followers Ion of Thessalonica gave up hfs young children into the hands of the Romans He thought now of escaping to Crete but being left thus gave up himself and eldest son to Octavius when he had reigned 11 years and after being lead in Triumph by the Consul was cast into prison at Alba where for seven dayes he lay in a most sad condition till through the importunity of Aemilius it was changed into a better Yieldeth himself and dieth in custody after two years Two years he thus continued and then through desire of life and liberty encouraging himself in new and vain hopes ended his dayes some say through the barbarousnesse of his Keepers who would not suffer him to take any rest but others by course of nature in free custody having his funeral discharged at the publick cost Thus ended this Macedonian Kingdom being changed into a free State through the seeming bounty of the Conquerours A. M. 3837. the first of the 153 Olympiad 156 years after the death of Alexander the Great CHAP. V. The Asian and Syrian Kingdom From the death of Seleucus to the reducing of Syria into the form of a Roman Province by Pompey containing the space of 220 years 1. FOur or five years after the death of Cassander Plutarch in Demetrio Valerius Maximus lib. 5. cap. 7. Appianus in Syriacis it hapned that Antiochus the eldest son of Seleucus fell in love with Stratonice daughter to Demetrius which woman we said before that Seleucus married after her father was overthrown and beaten out of Asia and for that he was ashamed to reveal his affection pined away and resolved to starve himself had not his disease been discovered by Erasistratus the Physician by the changing of his countenance when she came in or out Antiochus the son of Seleucus falling in love with his Father's wife hath her granted to him and by other tokens Seleucus who was ready to redeem his sons life with his own bloud presently gave him her to wife though he had a Child by her and that the businesse might seem to proceed of himself calling his Army together he declared it to be his pleasure to make them two King and Queen of all the upper Countreys having married them together and that he thought his son who had hitherto been obedient to him in all other things would also herein be ruled by him but if his wife should distaste so unusual a thing he desired his friends to shew and perswade her that whatsoever the King should think fit and the affairs of State required that she ought to account of as just and fitting After this he took Demetrius her father and imprisoned him in the Chersonesus of Syria where he died after three years as was before said and within a year after his death fought his last and the last of Alexander's Companions battel with Lysimachus in which he being Conquerour and his Enemy slain A. M. 3712. Ol. 121. ann 4. V. C. 461. Seleuci 20. Ptol. Lagi 31. left Asia wholy to his son having a desire to go into Macedonia where he had never been since he came over with Alexander and end his dayes in his Native Countrey But as he was journeying towards Lysimachia he was traiterously slain by Ptolomy Ceraunus whom he had lovingly entertained A. M. 3722. 23 years after he had taken the title of King being aged 73. and 42 after the death of Alexander From his Conquests he was called Nicanor and Nicator and is reported to have had the print of an Anchor on his Thigh Vide Jâ—stin lib. 25. and his posterity also after him as a note of their Original 2. Antiochus succeeded his father Appian in Syriacis Memnon excorpt cap. 16. c. and was sirnamed Soter from repelling the Gauls which in his time at the invitation of
years they shall joyn themselves together for the Kings daughter of the South shall come to the King of the North to make an agreement But as it followeth she shall not retain the power of the Arm neither shall he stand nor his Arm c. For Philadelphus dying shortly after Appian in Syriacis Antiochus took again his former wife Laodice who being sensible of the injury and fearing her husbands inconstancy poysoned him after he had reigned 15 years 6. Laodice his wife kept his death close Idem ibid. Justin lib. 27. till such time as she had secured the Kingdom to Seleucus her eldest son sirnamed for his victories though of none but one we read Callinicus Seleucus sirnamed Callinicus and Pogon and from his beard Pogon The next thing she went about was to make away Berenice who understanding that some were sent to kill her shut up her self in Daphne a Town near Antioch and when she was besieged news flying about the Cities of Asia they commiserated her condition and out of respect of her Fathers and Grandfathers Dignity sent men to her relief But above all A. M. 3759. Ol. 133. ann 3. V.C. 508. Ptol. Euerget 1. her brother Ptolomy Euergetes being affrighted at her danger hastened out of his Kingdom with his whole power Yet ere any relief could come she was taken by treachery promise of safety being made to her and quickly slain at which base and unworthy act the Cities conceiving great indignation Ptolomy Euergetes revengeth the death of his sister Berenice provided a great Fleet and to revenge her death gave up themselves to Ptolomy who invading Syria slew Laodice seized upon Caelesyria with Seleucia got into his hands Syria Cilicia and the upper Provinces beyond Euphrates and almost all Asia even as far as Bactria Without doubt he had Conquered all Seleucus his Kingdom had he not been forced by a Domestick Sedition to return after whose departure Seleucus having prepared a great Fleet for the reducing of those Cities which revolted from him lost it in a great Tempest at the which they were so far from rejoycing that pitying him for this shipwrack they voluntarily returned to obedience 7. Rejoycing that he fared so well by his shipwrack he now made War upon Ptolomy but being overthrown fled to Antioch in great fear Idem ibid. being as destitute as before though he found not such relief For writing to his younger brother Antiochus He invadeth Ptolomy and thence is cast into great straights he craved his help offering him all Asia within the Mountain Taurus for a reward who though he was but yet fourteen years old being greedy of reigning imbraced this occasion and then behaved not himself as an helper or brother but like a robber intending to get the whole Kingdom He shewed incredible boldnesse in invading and snatching whence he had the Sirname of Hierax or Goshauck Ptolomy hearing of his aiding his brother lest he should have two to deal with at once made Peace with Seleucus for ten years and then Antiochus hiring the Gauls with them made War upon his brother in the other's stead in which he had the better of it Antiochus Hierax his brother rebeleth and they supposing Seleucus to be slain in the battel that cutting off all the Royal race they might be Lords of Asia turned their force against him that hired them so that Antiochus was glad to purchase his freedom with Gold and enter into society with his Mercenaries The two brothers being thus at odds and every one gaping after Asia Eumenes of Bithinia puts in amongst the rest and overthrowing the Gauls and after them Antiochus got a great part of it into his possession Idem lib. 41. Now also Arsaces hearing of the distresse of Seleucus perfected the revolt of the Parthians for invading that Country with a band of robbers he slew the Governour Andragorus and invaded the Principality and not long after seizing on the Kingdom of the Hyrcanians Arsaces perfecting his revolt establisheth his Parthian Kingdom so strengthened himself thereby that after some years he overthrew Seleucus and established his Kingdom Hence the Parthians accounting ever after the day of this Victory as the day of their liberty constantly observed it and Arsaces being no lesse memorable to them than Cyrus to the Persians Alexander to the Macedonians or Romulus to the Romans out of honour to him they called all their Kings by his name This beginning of Arsaces fell out in the first of the 135 Olympiad of the City 510 the second of Seleucus and the third of Ptolomy Euergetes A. M. 3761. 8. Idem lib. 27. Now understanding that Eumenes had got the greatest part of Asia into his power and both the brothers had even lost their Principalicies yet could they not agree but instead of opposing the forein and common Enemies sought the destruction of each other by renewing the War In the next battel Antiochus was overthrown and flying many dayes and not knowing how to bestow himself The two brothers renew the War and at length being wearied he went to Artamenes King of Cappadocia his Father in Law by whom at first being received very civilly he afterwards understood there was a plot laid against him and fled thence Whereupon not knowing where to be secure he betook himself to Ptolomy judging he might rather trust to him than his brother being as well he might be mindful of what he would have done to him or had deserved of him Ptolomy commanded him to be narrowly looked to but by the help of a certain whore with whom he had been too familiar he deceived his Keepers and got away Yet as he was flying he was slain by thieves Seleucus also almost at the same time being outed of his Kingdom and thrown by an horse ended his life Dye after he had reigned about twenty years A. M. 3779 the third of the 138 Olympiad 98 years after the death of Alexander 9. He left two sons Seleucus and Antiochus Seleucus Ceraunus of which the former succeeded according to his birthright in the seventh year of Antigonus Doson King of Macedonia and was Sirnamed Ceraunus Eumenes King of Pergamus who had got so much of Asia into his power now being dead of Drunkennesse Attalus his younger brother's son succeeded him and had got all on this side Taurus into his power which being understood by Seleucus Ceraunus he thought it concernd him to look about him Polybius lib. 4. Appian in Syriacis and with Achaeus whose Father Andromachus was brother to Laodice his wife passed over Taurus with an Army against him but then was poysoned in Phrygia by the treachery of Apaturius a Galatian and Nicanor after he had reigned scarce three years Achaeus to revenge his death presently slew the conspirators and then ordering the Army with great wisdom and courage recovered all on this side the Mountain Taurus which had been lost A. M.
is betraied by the instrument into the hands of justice and held him by the clothes till he was taken Being brought into Antiochus his Tent who sat late at night with a few attendants to see the issue of the project the King was amazed and could not forbear weeping to see him so eminent a man lye bound before him upon the ground in so sad a condition but a Council of War being called after several wayes of punishment proposed at last it was agreed that he should have his outward members and limbs cut off after that his head A. M. 3791. Ol. 141. an 3. V.C. 540. Ant. Mag. 10. Ptol. Philom 9. and that being sowed into an Asses bladder his body should be nailed to a crosse which was executed accordingly This end had he who was son to Andromachus the brother of Laodice wife to Saleucus who had maried Laodice daughter to Mithridates and had held all Asia on this side Taurus having recovered it by his own industry and valour a man he was exceeding wise and of great experience yet left as Polybius observeth for us a double warning to posterity not to trust any rashly and not to be puffed up with prosperity or be secure of any thing incident to mankind to which we may add another viz. that none presume to rebel against their Soveraigns for punishment will overtake them His death being known within as they all first agreed in making lamentations for him so shortly after they fell at odds being divided into two factions of which the one stuck to his wife and the other to Ariobazus the Governour so that having suspition of each other both parties yielded themselves and the place to Antiochus 24. A year or two after Polyb. lib. 10. excerpt Appian in Syriacis Antiochus undertook an Expedition into the East to reduce Media and Parthia which had revolted and he passing through both thereupon caused Arsaces to withdraw himself into Hyrcania which he considering and judging that he would not have forsaken this Couctry if he had been able to have defended it resolved to follow him so that with great difficulty he passed over the hills and entred also into that Region where we find that he took some Towns Antiochus maketh an Expedition into the East but what further he did against Arsaces or upon what terms he returned if Polybius his history had been kept entire we might have known After this he quieted the upper Asia and coming into Bactria for a good while endeavoured to drive out thence Euthydemus the King thereof whom he defeated Polybius excerpt lib. 11. and behaved himself most stoutly whence he got great credit for his valour At length Euthydemus complaining that he was injurious in opposing him thus who had not revolted from him but cut off the posterity of those that had beseeching him also not to envy him the name of King especially considering that by this dissention neither of their affaires could be secure for that a number of the Scythian Nomades hovered at the borders and were like to overrun the Country Antiochus who being tired with the tediousnesse of the War had sought occasion to make a Peace not unwillingly now heard the overtures of it especially after that Euthydemus sent his son Demetrius to him with whom he was so taken for his person and parts as thinking him worthy of a Kingdom he first promised him one of his daughters and then yielded that his Father should take the title of King Then the conditions of the league being written down and sworn to and taking with him all the Elephants that Euthydemus had he marched over Caucasus and renewed the confederacy with Sophagasenus the Indian King then taking with him more Elephants of which he had now 150 and leaving Androsthenes of Cyzicus to bring the treasure promised him he came to Arachosia and so through Drangiana into Carmania The fruits of it where he was forced to Winter having received this fruit by this Expedition that besides the Countries recovered and the maritime Cities and Dynasties on this side Taurus added to his Dominions he struck such an awe into his Subjects as kept them more in order and he was thought to be esteemed as well by the People of Europe as those of Asia worthy to govern 25. Not long after this A. M. 3803. Ol. 144. an 3. V.C. 552. Ant. Mag. 22. Ptol. Epiph. 2. Ptolomy Philopater dying and leaving a young son behind him but four years old Philip of Macedonia and he as we before hinted made a wicked League for the outing him of his Kingdom and dividing it amongst them wherefore he striking again at Coelesyria and Phoenicia got Judaea into his power which * Antiquit. l. 12. c. 3. Livius l. 33. as Josephus telleth us was tossed betwixt these two Crowns as a ship with the waves For Scopas the Aetolian recovered it again out of his hands for young Epiphanes and yet again not long after lost it with Coelesyriâ— being overthrown by Antiochus near the fountains or heads of Jordan at the City Panaeas with whom the Jews then presently joyned He joyneth with Philip against Ptolomy getteth Judaea and presently loseth it again Falling upon Attalus his Territories the Romans procure him to desist but the Inhabitants of Gaza standing still out for Ptolomy their City was taken and razed In the mean time whilst Scopas was recovering the Cities of Syria Antiochus himself was busie in invading the Kingdom of Attalus who then being employed with the Romans in the Macedonian War against Philip had left it naked of defence both by Land and Sea but upon his complaint to the Roman Senate they sent to Antiochus to tell him that seeing Attalus was employed by them against Philip the common Enemy he would do a thing very acceptable unto them to abstain form his Territories adding withall A. M. 3807. Ol. 145. ann 3. V. C. 556. Ant. M. 26. Ptol. Epiphanis 6. that it was convenient for all the Kings which were the friends and allies of the People of Rome to be at peace amongst themselves with the authority of which message he was so moved as he drew out his Army again from the borders But this respect to the Romans continued not many years he entering upon such courses as gave them offence and proceeding therein at length to an open War 26. For having reduced all Coelesyria into his power Idem ibid. and wintered at Antioch the next Spring sending before his two sons Ardyes and Mithridates with the Army and command to stay for him at Sardis he himself followed with the Fleet to attempt the several maritime Towns of Cilicia and Caria which were under Ptolomy Yet he ministreth occasion for a War with them and also to help Philip both at Sea and Land who now was busie in the War with the Romans Divers places by fair and foul means together he took in yet Coracesium stood out
truth with their bloud amongst whom are very notable the Mother and her seven Sons from the eldest of them called Maccabaeans The rage of this persecution coming to Modin 1 Maccab. 2. a Town situate near to Diospolis found some opposition for there Mattathias a Priest eminent in degree especially for his five sons not onely refused to sacrifize but killed a Jew at the Altar that was so doing and after that the Kings Officer who was sent to compel the people Then exhorting all that were zealous for their Law to follow him he fled with his sons into the Mountain Mattathias maketh opposition 46. Many went out after him and lived with their Wives Children and Cattel in Dens and Caves which coming to the knowledge of Philip the Governour of Jerusalem the Garrison Soldiers were presently drawn out to pursue them so that falling on them on the Sabbath and they not at all resisting for the observance thereof they cast in fire and burnt them to the number of 1000 persons Mattathias and they that were with him hearing this resolved for the time to come to repulse the Enemy on the Sabbath and then the Asidaeans a sort of religious men joyning with him with such as dayly fled out of the Countrey he made up a little Army and therewith prosecuted the wicked ones and drove them to fly to the Nations about pulled down the Altars and Circumcised such Children as they found in the Coasts of Israel then after he had been Captain of this wandring Company the space of a year he died leaving his son Simon for a Counsellour and Judas sirnamed Maccabaeus for a Captain to them 1 Maccab. 3. This Mattathias was the son of John and Grand-son to Simeon sirnamed Asmonaeus * Ad A. M. 8332. Jacobus Cappellus thinketh that this Simeon was Simon the second son of Onias the second and Grand-son to Simon the first sirnamed Just But Schinserus thinketh this Simeon to have been the son of Hasmonaeus From the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 words of Josephus it should seem that Mattathias was the Great-grand-son of Asmonaeus so called or Hasmon from whom his posterity were named Hasmonaeans * Psal 68.32 David useth the word Hasmanim to expresse Ambassadors Princes or Great-men It is also observed that the Jews in Italy call the Cardinals Hasmannim or Hasmonaeans 47. Judas being assisted by his brethren and his fathers followers fell upon the Enemy And Judas his son after him burnt divers of their Towns and seized upon the Commodious places coming usually upon them in the night so as he forced many of them to quit the Land Apollonius the Governour of Samaria coming against him he overthrew and slew him and getting his sword ever after used it in the Wars and after him he overthrew also Seron who governed Caele-Syria Antiochus in this mean while lying about Antioch made there Magnificent Games and Shows imploying the money he had got in Egypt Polyb. Legat. 101. 109. and out of the Temples he had rifled to that end and purpose and entertaining his Guests in a vile and servile kind of observance This being ended an Ambassador from Rome arrived at his Court sent on purpose to spy out his designs Whom he received with such courtesie as over doing in that point he easily concealed the grudge he had conceived for his stop at Alexandria and the bent of his mind which was sufficiently alienated from the Romans But hearing of the successe of Maccabaeus Which inraging Antiochus and the losse of his Forces he was exceedlingly inraged mustered all his Army to which he gave a years pay and commanded they should be ready at all occasions 48. He purposed to march against Maccabaeus 1 Maccab. 3. but seeing his Treasury exhausted by the pay of the Army for that the Jews now being revolted he thereby lost his 300 Talents of annual Tribute and much also which he was wont to receive from other places Who intending to go against him yet changeth his mind and giveth order to Lysias to destroy the Jews which being unwilling to quit their own religions as well the other were in combustions and fearing he should not have to satisfie for his gifts wherein he took a pride to exceed all his ancecestors he resolved to make a progresse into Persia and the upper Countreys to gather the Tributes thereof and fill his Coffers But before his departure making Lysias his Kinsman Governour of the Regions betwixt Euphrates and Egypt to whose care he also committed his young son he gave to him half his forces and this in charge to blot out the Nation of the Jews utterly and to give their Countrey to strangers to inhabit 2 Maccab. 8. Philip the Governour of Jerusalem seeing to what an height Maccabaeus was grown wrote to Ptolomy the son of Dorymenes the Governour of Coelesyria and Cilicia who presently dispatched Nicanor one of his chiefest friends and the son of Patroclus with 20000 men He sendeth several Captains into Judaea joyning Gorgias to him a man of great experience and not long after he himself was sent by Lysias with more aid so that all three together made an Army of 40000 foot and 7000 horse Antiochus at this time was behind hand in his Tribute to the Romans 2000 Talents therefore Nicanor resolved to raise this money out of Jewish slaves and sent about for Chapmen for them promising 90 persons for a Talent so that 1000 Merchants came together with ready money into his Camp more forces also from Syria and the Countrey of the Philistins came in to him 49. 1 Maccab. 4. Judas having kept a fast at Morpah because the Heathen now held Jerusalem and the Temple was defiled for his good successe against so great an Army having himself but 6. or 7000 men gave all the fearfull those that had built houses married Wives or planted Vineyards leave to depart according to the Law of Moses then marched down to Emmaus where the Enemy was incamped That night Gorgias thinking to oppresse the Jews at unawares came to their Tents with a party of 5000 foot and 1000 horse but Judas having notice thereof turned it to his own advantage resolving to go and fall upon Nicanor in the absence of the other whom he knew to be the more experienced Captain Gorgias finding the Camp empty thought the owners had fled for fear of him into the Mountains and sought for them there but they being got to Nicanor ingaged with him in the morning and routed his whole Army laying above 9000 dead upon the place so that he and his men perceiving presently what was done by the smoke of their Camp now set on fire But they are defeated fled amain and the Jews coming to plunder the field found great Treasure of which part being set aside for the infirm Widows and Orphans the rest the Soldiers divided amongst them After this Judas overthrew Timotheus
Forces sent Bachides and Alcimus again into Judaea with the greater part of his forces who coming to Jerusalem to seek for Judas marched thence with 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse against him who had but 3000 men in all With these few he setting upon Bachides all of them forsook him but 800 with which yet he so charged him as fighting from morning till night he put to flight the right wing in which he stood but they of the left perceiving this followed him behind as he gave the charge and compassing him in slew him all his men then shifting forthemselves This hapned A. M. 3844. Maccabaeus is slain of the Greeks or Seleucidae the 152. in the second of Demetrius Soter and after he led the People from his Fathers death six years 62. A great famine then raging 1 Maccab. 9. almost all the Country submitted to Bachides that they might the more commodiously get bread and he made such wicked persons Governours as bringing to him the friends of Judas he mocked them and revenged himself upon them But such of them as remained and could do it assembled themselves together and chose Jonathan Sirnamed Apphus their Captain in the room of Judas his brother which Bachides hearing sought to kill him but he understanding thereof fled into the Desert Thecoa having sent his brother John Sirnamed Gaddis with a party to the Nabathaean Arabs Jonathan his brother chosen Captain in his room to desire they might leave their baggage amongst them He going down with it was met in the way by the children of Iambri from Medaba who killing him and those with him seized upon the prey but no great joy had they of their booty for Jonathan and his brother Simon hearing that they were about to make a great mariage and bring the bride from Medaba with great pomp being the Daughter of one of the noblest Princes of Canaan they went A. M. 3845. Ol. 155. an 1. V. C. 594. Seleucid 153. Demetr Sot 3. Ptolom Philomet 21. and hiding themselves under the covert of the Mountain when the Bridgroom and his friends came forth with Timbrels and instruments of Musick rose up out of the ambush slew many of them and took the spoil so having revenged the death of their brother they returned again unto Jordan When Bachides heard this he marched down and came thither with a great Army upon the Sabbath Day and Jonathan being beset behind and before with the Enemy and on each side with the River and Marishes encouraged yet his men to fight and lifting up his hand struck at Bachides But he declined the blow then seeing himself too weak for the Enemy he leaped into the River after he had slain 1000 of them and swom over with his men to the further side Bachides would not adventure to follow but returning to Jerusalem built up the strong Forts throughout the Land and placed therein strong Garrisons that thence making excursions he might endammage the Jews He fortified the Cities Bethsura and Gazara with the Castle at Jerusalem where he placed Soldiers with provisions and taking the sons of the chief of the Country for Hostages he secured them in the later 63. 1 Maccab. 8. The Ambassadors sent by Maccabaeus to the Romans were well received and entered into a League and society with the Romans which being written in Tables of brasse contained an ingagement mutually to succour and relieve each other Demetrius is forbidden by the Romans to hurt the Jews The Senate also wrote to Demetrius charging him no more to hurt or indammage the Jews being their confederates under pain of being prosecuted with War both at Land and Sea Not long after Alcimus the High-priest commanded the wall in the Temple which severed the Court of the People from that of the Gentiles to be pulled down which had been built by Zorobabel and the Prophets 1 Maâ—cab 9. whose monuments he began to pull down and destroy but at the same time he was so smitten that he could not open his mouth Alcimus his ill end being taken with a Palsie so as he could not speak nor give order concerning his house and died with great torment When Bachides saw that he was dead he returned unto the King Two years then did the Land continue quiet but at the end thereof certain wicked persons sent for Bachides to return telling him he might easily apprehend Jonathan and all his Company in one night at which message he arose with great haste and sent letters privily to his adherents to take them but they having notice of it took fifty of these men which had been the greatest sticklers and slew them Then Jonathan departing into the Wildernesse built up the walls of Bethbusin and fortified it which Bachides having notice of went down thither and closely besieged it but such was his entertainment from the besieged who getting out killed his men and burnt his engines that having lain before the place a long time to no purpose and seeing his journy to be frustrate he eased his stomach against those that had been the cause of his Expedition and putting to death many of them resolved to retreat into his own Country Jonathan having notice of this sent to him to treat of Peace and exchange the prisoners Bachides sweareth never more to molest the Jews which he gladly accepted of and made an oath never more to disturb him Returning then home he never brake it so that the Warre being removed Jonathan dwelt at Machmas or Michmash in the Tribe of Benjamin began to govern the People and destroy the ungodly out of Israel 64. Aritrathes the fifth of that name King of Cappadocia Excerpt Diori Siculi Polyb. maried as we said before Antiochis the daughter of Antiochus the Great She having no children by him at the first introduced two suppositions boyes Ariarathes and Orophernes he knowing nothing hereof but a little after growing fruitful she brought forth two daughters and a son called Mithridates and then acquainting her husband with what she had formerly done procured the two Counterfeits to be sent the one to Rome and the other into Ionia lest they should disturb the true one in his succession who being named Ariarathes and brought up in the fashions and customs of the Greeks obtained the Kingdom after his Fathers death Orophernes afterwards resolving to venture for it came to Demetrius complaining he was injuriously deprived of the Kingdom by his younger brother Orophernes one of suppositions brood getteth Cappadocia by the help of Demetrius and craved his assistance for the recovery of it He being offended at Ariarathes for the refusing the mariage of his sister the widdow of Perseus bargained with Orophernes for 1000 Talents and expelled Ariarathes from Cappadocia though he was helped by Eumenes King of Pergamus Orophernes having thus invaded the Kingdom behaved himself not like one who intended to secure it to himself in the love of his People but
who made slaughter of all his friends and amongst the rest slew Laodice the Daughter of Epiphanes Which being heard by Demetrius the eldest Son of Demetrius Soter he hired Soldiers in Crete and came into Cilicia at which the other being affrighted hasted to Antioch to secure his estate before his coming where he made Hierax and Diodotus or Tryphon governours With Demetrius joyned Apollonius the Governour of Coelesyria who being ordered to fight against the Jews who still stood true to Alexander with great pride provoked Jonathan to fight with him Demetrius the son of Demetrius Soter maketh for the Kingdom and he accordingly marched from Jerusalem against him with 10000 men In his way he took Joppe which Apollonius understanding marched to Ashdod and left an Ambush in the way to intrap him but he getting clear of the Ambush put all his forces to flight A. M. 3857. Ol. 158. an 1. V. C. 606. Seleucid 165. Ptolom Philomet 33. whereof many men fled into the Temple of the idol Dagon which he set on fire and what by this means and by the sword perished about 8000 men This coming to the ears of Alexander he honoured Jonathan more than ever he sent him a button of Gold wont to be given to the Kings kinsmen and gave him Accaron a City of the Phililstins with it's Territories as an inheritance 68. Ptolomy Philometor with great forces both by Land and Sea 1 Maccab. 11. came out of Aegypt under pretence of aiding his son in Law but indeed with an intention to seize upon Syria Joseph Justin ut supra and accordingly all the Cities being commanded to receive him honourably he placed therein Garrisons of his own He got into his hands all the maritime Cities as far as Seleucia upon Orontes and then being clear out of conceit with Alexander for that he demanding Ammonius who had plotted his destruction he would not deliver him up he sent and made an agreement with Demetrius promising him to take away his daughter from Balas and give her to him together with the recovery of his fathers Kingdom Ptolomy assisteth him in recovering his Fathers Kingdom The Antiochians slew Ammonius and let Ptolomie into their City who there put two Diadems upon his head but presently brought them to receive Demetrius promising them that this should make amends for the injury formerly offered his Father and then the Soldiers revolted also Alexander being now in Cilicia consulted with the Oracle of Apollo Sardonicus from which he had answer Diod. Sicul. apud Photium A. M. 3858. Seleucidarum 166. that he should look to himself in that place which had brought forth a double formed spectacle which seemed to point out the City Abas in Arabia where a certain woman named Herais being maried to one Samias turned to a man and where he was slain not long after For invading Syria with fire and sword Alexander slain Ptolomy with Demetrius his new son in Law met and overthrew him at the River Oenopara and then he flying to Abas his head was cut off by Zabd the Prince of the place and sent to Ptolomy who though he received it with much joy yet having in the fight received a great hurt in the head And Ptolomy dieth of his wounds upon the searching of the wound he died also the third day after Such end had the strange fortune of this counterfeit Alexander after he had reigned about five years 69. Demetrius then according to his right obtained his Father's Kingdom Appian in Syriacis 1 Maccab. 11. Excerpt Diod. Siculi and for that he had subdued this counterfeitor of his family had the next after Seleucus the founder of the race the Syrname of Nicanor or Nicator About this time Jonathan besieged the Castle at Jerusalem and did all he could with his Engines to reduce it but this being by some illwillers made known to Demetrius he wrote to him in anger to raise the siege and appear before him at Ptolemais which he obeyed so far as to go to him and partly by his presents and otherwayes so appeased him as rejecting his accusers he confirmed to him the Priesthood and upon promise of 300 Talents granted him immunity from tribute with the Principality of three other places After this seeing his Realm to be quiet on every side Demetrius disbanded all his old Soldiers retaining onely some Cretians and other Islanders which so inraged them being wont by the former Kings to be kept in pay as an incouragement to them for future service that they thenceforth became his Enemies and shewed it upon occasion which he also himself presented them being wholly ruled by one Lasthenes who had helped him in the recovery of the Kingdom By this man's advice thinking himself secure enough of his estate he cruelly raged against such as had been against him and plunged himself into bad courses which together with the alienation of the minds of the Soldiers one Diodotus an Apamean and one of Alexander Balas his Captains The Son of Balas set up against Demetrius by Diodotus or Tryphon considering went to Elmalchueles the Arabian with whom Antiochus the young son of that Alexander by Cleopatra was brought up and acquainting him how things stood at length obtained to have the boy delivered to him to be restored to his Father's Kingdom Demetrius seeing his soldiers alienated from him desired of Jonathan a supplie with great promises of respect and succour He sent him 3000 men A. M. 3860. Ol. 158. an 4. V. C. 609. Seleucid 168. Ptol. Physconis 2. 1 Maccab. 11. Joseph l. 13. c. 9. which stood him in good stead for he going about to disarm the Antiochians they flatly refused it and rising came many thousands to the Court to make an end of him but these Jews so repelled them as slaying a great number they set the City on fire whereupon the inhabitants were glad to submit 70. Diodotus or Tryphon took Antiochus the young son of Balas brought him out of Arabia into Syria and there crowned him giving him the sirname of Theus Hereupon all the disbanded Soldiers came over to him so that Tryphon made open War against Demetrius Appian ut supra and overthrowing him in battel forced him to flie to Seleucia Then sent Antiochus to Ionathan messengers with presents and great promises to draw him to his party which he easily did because Demetrius had falsified his word and proved very ingrateful towards him who now therefore gathering his men together reduced the Country beyond Iordan as far as Damascus and overthrew a party which there met him killing to the number of 3000 men 1 Maccab. 12 13. after which he sent an Ambassage to the Romans to renew the alliance made with them by Judas Tryphon having brought his design thus far on as to break the power of Demetrius and having to that end desired the friendship of Jonathan yet now desired his ruine above all things
as standing in his way for the accomplishment of his intended treason Tryphon intending to set up for himself He resolved to seize upon the Kingdom himself but fearing Ionathan might stand fast to the interest of his young King and oppose him came down to Bethsan to see if he could apprehend him Thither came Ionathan down with 40000 men to meet him who entertained him with exceeding great respect and advised him to dismisse all his Army and with a few go along with him to Ptolemais which he promised to put into his hands He consenting to this sent all his men back but 1000 which taking along with him upon their entrance into the Town they were all cut off he himself being kept prisoner Then Tryphon invaded Iudaea with a great Army which to oppose Simon the brother of Ionathan was chosen General in his stead by the People so that he seeing the Iews prepared for resistance feigned as if Ionathan was onely detained for 100 Talents of Silver which he was in arrear which if they were sent together with his two sons for Hostages he promised he should be released Simon though he distrusted him Circumventventeth and killeth Jonathan yet lest it should be said that he neglected any thing for his brothers safety sent his nephews with the money which having received he nevertheless slew Ionathan and then returned into Syria 71. He presently after made away young Antiochus 1 Maccab. 13. Strabo lib. 16. Livius lib. 55. for giving out he was troubled with the stone under pretence of cutting him for it he caused the Physicians to kill him Then killeth Antiochus his new made King Seeketh friends in vain Then after he had gotten the Kingdom he laboured to confirm himself therein by the approbation of his most powerful Neighbours sending to Rome an Ambassador not empty-handed but the Senate taking the present a Golden image of Victory of great value instead of his name ingraved that of his young King whom he had murdered For all this he proceeded with great resolution coyned money with his own effigies and name having taken that of Tryphon upon him Simon being disobliged and accounting his acts to be but as Robberies A. M. 3863. Ol. 159. ann 3. V.C. 612. Seleucid 171. Ptol. Physconis 5. Simonis 2. sent a Crown of Gold to make his peace again with Demetrius who considering the respect the Romans had shewed his Nation promised to bury all things in Oblivion and confirmed the immunities formerly granted so that the yoke of the Gentiles now being removed the people began to date their instruments according to the years of their High-Priests The year after he had the Castle of Jerusalem surrendred to him the Defendants being almost all consumed with famine which he cleansing and fortifying anew together with the Hill of the Temple dwelt then in Ierusalem and after he had been High-Priest about three years by a publick instrument of the Priests Nobles 1 Maccab. 14. and the people after a recapitulation of his merits and services to his Nation amongst which an Ambassage lately sent to Rome and there well received was a great inducement he was made their Prince and High-Priest perpetually The Iews chuse Simon for their Prince till God should raise up the true Prophet and all Ornaments and Prerogatives of Majesty were given to him This being made in brasse was fastened to the Wall that compassed the sanctuary in an open place and a Copy thereof was laid up in the Treasury that Simon and his sons might have it 72. But the Cities all over revolting from Demetrius who we said Iustin lib. 36. Ioseph ut suprà 1 Maccab. 14. 15. Excerpt Diodori Siculi was driven to Seleucia that he might shake off suspition of lazinesse he resolved to make War upon the Parthian who had extended his Empire from the River Indus as far as Euphrates and done no lesse things than Arsaces himself The Macedonians and Greeks not well bearing the pride of their new Masters the Parthians sent to him often with promise to revolt to him if he would but come up He being tickled at this Message made haste thither not fearing but if he once were Master of these Provinces with ease to drive Tryphon out of Syria and being received with great alacrity and strengthned with the Auxiliaries of the Persians Bactrians and Elymaeans he overthrew the Parthians in several battels but at length being circumvented by the cunning of one of their Princes sent Demetrius taken by the Parthian under colour of treating of peace to entrap him having lost his Army he fell into their hands and then being carried for a laughing stock up and down the revolted Countreys was cast into prison Arsaces having so soon recovered all raged not against the Revolters but carried it towards his people with humility and respect and not long after sending Demetrius into Hyrcania there maintained him with royal equipage and not onely so but gave him his daughter in marriage with promise also to restore him to his Kingdom But whilest Demetrius lived thus in exile Ioseph lib. 13. cap. 12. Tryphon's Soldiers being weary of his conditions revolted to Cleopatra his wife which then lived in Seleucia with her Children and now taking it in great disdain that he had married Rhodoguna the Parthian's daughter sent to his brother Antiochus the second son of Demetrius Soter whose sirname he also obtained from the Jews offering him marriage His brother Antiochus maketh for the Kingdom and the Kingdom He willingly accepting of the offer took the name of King upon him sent into Judaea to Simon offering him great privileges to joyn with him in Alliance and returning into Syria presently married Cleopatra 73. All the Army except a few revolted to Antiochus sirnamed Sidetes 1 Maccab. 15. or Hunter so that Tryphon seeing himself thus forsaken fled to Dora a Maritime Town of Phoenicia whither he was straight pursued blocked up both by Sea and Land And dispossesseth Tryphon yet got he out on shipboard and betook himself to Orthosias another Sea-Town of the same Tract afterwards to Apamea to his own Countrey-men where some way or other for 't is uncertain how he was slain A. M. 3867. Ol. 160. ann 3. V.C. 616. Seleucid 175. Ptol. Physconis 9. Simonis 6. Whilst Antiochus lay before Dora Simon by virtue of their Alliance sent him out of Judaea a party of 2000 choice men with silver and gold and much furniture for the War yet he would not receive them but brake the League and sending Athenobius to him complained of his holding Joppe Gazara and the Castle at Jerusalem his destroying the borders and having the Government of divers places of his Kingdom requiring him either to deliver up the Cities with the Tributes of such places as were without the borders of Judaea or else to pay 500 Talents for the Cities and the harm he had done and
a great present of money and arms Some six years after he sent other Ambassadors to them now having well nigh fallen out with the Romans offering them ten ships of fifty oares sufficiently manned and furnished for War which as of concernment amounting almost to ten Talents they accepted of most gladly and dispatched back to him Lycortas again with Polybius his son though he was too young by the Laws for such an employment with Aratus the son of famous Aratus the Sicyonian to give him thanks for the former present and fetch the ships into Peloponnesus but he was dead ere they could get out of their own Country For plotting now against Seleuous Philopator who had succeeded Antiochus his Father in the Kingdom of Syria and preparing an Army against him Hieronym in Danel when one of his Captains asked him where he would get money sufficient for such an enterprize he answered that his friends were riches to him which being told abroad amongst the People his Officers fearing he would fleece them to supply himself Is poysoned took him away by poyson after he had lived 27 years and reigned 24 thereof A. M. 3825 and the first of the 150 Olympiad Ptolomy Philometor 12. He left two sons and one daughter all very young A. M. 3825. of which the eldest son succeeded him being sirnamed Philometor in the eighth year of Seleuous Philopator King of Syria After his Anacleteria Idem ibid. his mother Cleopatra the daughter of Antiochus the Great being lately dead through the perswasion of Eulaius the Eunuch and Lenaeus his principal Counsellours he began to cast his thoughts upon Coelesyria Prepareth for Soelesyria which being given to his mother as a portion was unjustly kept from him as he conceived by his uncle Antiochus Epiphanes who now had succeeded his elder brother in the Kingdom of Syria Antiochus hearing of their preparations for the War at Alexadria came down into Egypt to prevent them and overthrew the King several times as hath been said But his uncle Antiochus Epiphanes preventeth him by getting all Aegypt into his hands and got the whole Country except that City Polyb. Legat. 81 82. into his power after which Ptolomy deliberating with Comanus and Cineas what was to be done it was resolved that a Council of the most expert Captains should be erected by the advice whereof all things should be managed The first resolve of this Council was that such Graecian Ambassadors as were present should be sent to Antiochus about an agreement with whom Ptolomy joyned of his own two others The first day after their arrival they were entertained very nobly and on the next had audience wherein they laid all the blame upon Eulaius the Eunuch and urging the youth and kindred of the King to him laboured to pacifie him He after he had assented to them in these things and spoken more to the same purpose laboured with much earnestnesse to demonstrate that Coelesyria belonged to the Crown of Syria alleging it to have belonged to Antigonus the first founder of that Kingdom and produced the conveiances of it to Seleucus after the death of the other from the Macedonian Kings Moreover calling to their remembrance that Antiochus his Father had lately obtained it again by right of conquest he flatly denied that ever he passed it over as a portion with his daughter to the late King of Egypt and so having discoursed on this subject to the satisfaction of all his hearers he then departed to Naucratis where friendly treating the Inhabitants and giving a largesse to such Greeks as dwelt there he thence departed for Alexandria deferring to give any answer to those that had been sent to him till such time as Aristides and Theris were returned saying he would have all the publick ministers of Greece to be conscious to and witnesses of all his intentions 13. But no satisfactory answer if any was given Porphyr in Graecis Euseb or any thing done for Philometor by Antiochus so that being thus outed of his Kingdom after 12 years reign and giving up himself for all that to nothing but sluggishnesse and luxurie the Alexandrians took upon them to make his younger brother King sirnaming him Euergetes though the badnesse of his manners made them afterwards change it into Cacergetes being also called Physcon from his extraordinary fat paunch Athenaeus lib. 12. cap. 17. Philometor was forced at length to betake himself to the Alexandrians too who receiving him made him partaker with his brother in the Kingdom Ptolomy Physcon made King but shortly after again expelled him which thing Antiochus made use of and under pretence of restoring him continued the War and overthrowing young Ptolomy in a Sea-fight besieged Alexandria Polyb. Legat. 83 84. but seeing that to be to no purpose arose and departed into Syria leaving Philometor at Memphis to whom he restored all Egypt except Pelusium which he kept as the key of the Country in his own hands not doubting but when one of the brothers had ruined the other to come and with ease enough devoure the Conquerour Livius l. 45. But though his two Nephews were otherwise sottish enough yet in this they shewed prudence to disappoint him A. M. 3837. Ol. 153. ann 1. V.C. 586. Ant. Epiphan 9. Ptol. Philom 13. for the elder seriously considering how little he ought to trust him sent to Cleopatra his sister who seconding him to her brother both by advice and entreaty The two brothers agree and are saved harmlesse from their Uncle by the Romans procured a peace to be made with consent of both their friends the Citizens of Alexandria giving way the more readily because of the dearth which troubled them by reason of the War as well when they were at liberty as besieged This drew off the Vizard from Antiochus who whereas he ought to have rejoyced if he really intended the restitution of Philometor fretted exceedingly hereat and nothing would serve him but needs he must come down again into Egypt and had laid siege to Alexandria the second time had not the Roman Ambassadors terrified him from his purpose as we shewed in its more proper place and forced him to quit both Egypt and Cyprus 14. Idem ibid. The Roman Ambassadors took some pains by their Authority to make them two friends not being throughly reconciled before and so they continued for six years peaceably together Porphyrius ut prius But then differences betwixt them arose so high thar the Senate at Rome wrote to their Ambassadors sent into Syria after the death of Antiochus Epiphanes by all means to reconcile them of which mediation we yet hear of no fruit at all Polybius Legat. 107. for presently the younger expelled his elder brother Philometor being thus spoyled of his Kingdom with a very few attendants and in a pitifull habit Valerius Max. Lib. 5. cap. 1. Exemp 1. came to Rome for help making
plotted his destruction and being caught in the manner was according to her deserts though perhaps not his duty put to death after she had domineered over him and expelled his brother eighteen years 22. Alexander being known to the People to have killed his mother Justin ibid. such a Sedition was thence moved as glad he was to flie for his life and thence they recalled his elder brother Lathurus from Cyprus and restored him his Kingdom for many years after his expulsion Who being thereupon expelled Lathurus is restored being now if we may believe Justin so satisfied with his present condition as of himselfe hee would never have made War upon his mother nor thereby sought to recover out of his brothers hands what he had formerly injoyed About this time his base brother Apion of Cyrene died and left the People of Rome his heir which thereupon left the Country to it 's own freedom but after ten years was it sore shaken and almost rent in pieces by Wars and Tyranny Livius Epitom lib. 70. which fell on it being destitute of a Royal Monarch Lucullus going thither composed the differences and setled the Commonwealth as he thought which after other ten years came to be reduced out of necessity to a Roman Province From Cyrene Lucullus returned through Egypt and in his passage being set upon by Pyrats lost almost all his Vessels Platarch in Lucullo yet escaped he safe to Alexandria the Kings Fleet being sent out to meet him where Lathurus entertained him with great magnificence lodged him in his own Court which favour had never before been bestowed on any stranger and presented him with gifts to the value of 80 Talents He entertaineth Lucullus the Roman But he onely received what was necessary and neither visiting Memphis nor seeing any of the rarities of Egypt being called away by his occasions returned through Cyprus unto Sylla whose Lieutenant then he was in the War against Mithridates King of Pontus After this the Inhabitants of Thebes revolted from him but in the third year he reduced them again to obedience Pausan in Attiis which is not to be understood of Thebes in Boeotia seeing he had nothing there to do but of the City so called in his own Country Not long after he died 37 years wanting some moneths after the death of his Father Physcon A. M. 3925 and the first of the 175 Olympiad 23. It 's difficult to assign certainly who succeeded him (a) Porphyr in Graecis Euseb Some say Cleopatra his daughter and wife to his brother Alexander others (b) Apian de bello civ lib. 1. that Alexander's son being received into familiarity with Sylla the Roman Dictator was by him placed in the Kingdom then destitute of issue male They may be reconciled by that which is further affirmed by the former viz. that he maried Cleopatra then Queen Apian saith that being seized on the Kingdom Alexander the second the Alexandrians not enduring his insolence on the nineteenth day drew him out of the Court and killed him but Porphyrie reporteth him to have slain her nineteen dayes after he had maried her Certainly though his reign be accounted no longer and that of Auletes to begin here yet cannot be rejected that which is produced to the contrary For Suetonius reporteth In Julio c. 11. that Julius Caesar in his younger dayes having ingratiated himself with the People attempted by their Tribunes that Egypt might be assigned him as a Province having gotten an opportunity of extraordinary command for that the Alexandrians had expelled their King on whom the Senate had bestowed the title of friend and allie This can in no wise be meant of Auletes for when he was expelled and came to Rome Caesar was then above such a condition having spent some years in the Wars of Gall. And that King of Egypt mentioned by Cicero to have died at Tyre In Orat. 1a. 2a Agraria and reported to have left the People of Rome his heir in his Consulship can be meant of none but of this Alexander the Second who being expelled rebelliously by his Subjects lived and died there in exile so that we must necessarily assign him counting from the death of Lathurus to the Consulship of Cicero about fifteen years during which time of his life he is to be supposed to have reigned longer than onely so many dayes contrary to the vulgar opinion 25. Alexander being expelled by the Alexandrians they immediately set up in his room Auletes succeedeth Alexandor the son of Lathurus sirnamed Dionysius and Auletes because he was too much addicted to the rites of Bacchus and dancing to the sound of Cymbals and Pipes He was base born as appeareth by the Prologue to the 39 book of Trogus and so was also his brother the King of Cyprus if that be true which Pausanias speaketh of his Fathers having no legitimate issue except one daughter After some years they that set him up pulled him down for his brother of Cyprus being most unjustly spoiled of his Kingdom by the Romans through the malice of Clodius Tribune of the People they pressed him sore either to demand Cyprus of the Romans or renounce their friendship Being unwilling to do this â—od lib. 39. and by reason of his great exactions which hee made for paying of his debts contracted by his purchase of the Roman alliance he incurred their hatred Plutarch in Catone Minore and whereas he could neither quiet the tumults by fair means nor foul was glad to withdraw himself out of the way and went to Rome At Rhodes he met with Cato who was sent by Clodius out of the way under colour of doing him honour to reduce Cyprus into the form of a Roman Province Is compelled by his rebellious Subjects and betaketh himself to Rome who advised him to return and be reconciled to his subjects rather than leaving his former happy condition to expose himself to danger and the avarice of the Roman Officers which Egypt it self could not be able to satisfie Being by the Counsel of his grave and wise man reduced as into his wits he was minded to follow his advice but was presently again turned by his friends A. M. 3948. Ol. 180. ann 1. V.C. 697. Hyrcani 7. and hasted to the Citie where he had time and cause enough to repent of his despising the Oracle as then he accounted it of so great a man 25. Being come to Rome he created the Senate much trouble Strabo lib. 17. being commended to it by Pompey whom some reported to have been the cause of his leaving Egypt more than any injury offered him by his subjects Plutarch in Pompeio Dio ibid. Cicero Familiar Epist lib. 1. Epist 1. Strabo Dio ut priùs Porphyrius in Graecis Eusebii that so he might afford matter for new Wars He desired he might be reduced into his Kingdom by Cornelius Lentulus the Consul to whom Cilicia
was decreed for a Province and upon the reporting of the matter an order was made Lentulus to stop Pompey's mouth procuring him to have the charge of Provisions in that time of dearth throughout the Empire The Alexandrians in the mean while ignorant of his voyage into Italie and thinking he had some wayes miscarried set over the Kingdom Berenice his legitimate daughter together with Tryphaena her elder sister called also Cleopatra the elder and sent into Syria to Antiochus Asiaticus to come and reign with the women and afterwards he dying to Philip Euergetes the son of Antiochus Grypus by Tryphaena daughter to Lathurus late King of Egypt but he was also hindred by Gabinius then late Roman President in Syria But hearing at length how things went at Rome they sent 100 of their Countrey-men thither to make their defence and recriminate their lawfull King which he understanding procured most of the Messengers to be made away in their journey and the rest coming to the Citie he either took away or deterred or else perswaded them to hold their peace The Senate hearing of this was grievously moved and the rather because that divers publick Ministers of others their Confederates had been made away with the rest as also for that it appeared that there was much corruption amongst themselves They sent therefore for Dion the Chief of the Embassie but Ptolomy his money had such influence upon him that he appeared not and not long after was also dispatched out of the way Pompey harboured the King all this time in his own house being yet desirous to restore him himself as Cicero signifieth to Lentulus then the Pro-consul of Cilicia who still waited also for the employment At length Sibylla's books being consulted were reported to forwarn the people of Rome never to reduce him by force and therefore to that purpose another decree was made in the Senate A great debate then ensued how the thing should be done some proposing one way and some another till at length Auletes perceiving it was neither likely to be effected by Pompey nor Lentulus Where getting no relief he departeth to Ephesus despaired of his return and getting him into Asia expected at Ephesus in the Temple of Diana a better advantage for the recovery of his right out of the hands of the imperious Rebels 26. And he had not been long there Dio lib. 39. when a convenient opportunity presented it self For Gabinius the President of Syria having grievously afflicted his Province by oppression not thinking that sufficient Joseph de bello Judaico lib. 1. cap. 6. Appian in Parthicis but hearing the Parthians to be exceeding rich set his resolution strongly to invade them When he had passed the River Euphrates Ptolomy came to him with Letters from Pompey and offered him 10000 Talents besides a great sum of money to the Soldiers part whereof they should have in hand to restore him Hireth Gabinans to restore him Most of the Officers were against the thing and Gabinius himself something stuck at it but being stirred up to it by Antonius who then Commanded the horse under him and especially bewitched by the money notwithstanding it was not lawfull for a President to stir out of his Province nor undertake Wars at his pleasure and the people at Rome out of respect to the Verses of Sibylla had forbidden Auletes to be restored at least such a way yet he onely made the difficulty of the thing a means to inhance the price of it and omitting the Parthian War undertook that against the Egyptians Berenice had about this time called one Seleucus out of Syria Dio Strabo ut suprà who vaunted himself of the blood royal of that Nation and made him partaker of the Kingdom marrying her self unto him but finding him to be of a sordid and base condition made him away after a little while Then an husband of a royal stock being enquired out for her Archelaus the son of Archelaus General to Mithridates the great King of Pontus and who had been made by Pompey Priest of the Tomani counterfeiting himself the son of the King procured by his friends to be received on the same terms with the other and reigned with her six moneths 27. But Gabinius leaving Syria to the tuition of a Child his son Plutarch in Antonio Dio Strabo ut suprà marched for Egypt through Palestine and coming to the sandy desart sent Antonius before with the horse to secure the Straights at the entry of the Countrey which he not onely bravely performed but took also Pelusium thereby gaining entrance for the whole Army A. M. 3950. Ol. 181. ann 2. V. C. 699. Hyrcani 9. Cn. Pompeio Mag. 2. M. Licinio Crasso 2. Coss which presently put to flight the Egyptians Archelaus himself was now taken but Gabinius considering that perhaps Ptolomy would be unwilling to give him so much money as he expected if with so small ado he should compleat the work being also soundly bribed by Archelaus he dismissed him under pretence of an escape A little after the Egyptians more earnest alwayes in rebellions than Wars were utterly discomfited Archelaus was slain and all Egypt recovered and restored to Auletes who presently put to death his daughter and the richest of the Nobility as they deserved standing then in great need of money Gabinius leaving a Guard behind him for Ptolomy's security which stayed at Alexandria married and begot Children giving up themselves to the luxury of the place went back into Syria and thence to Rome where his great gifts meeting with the corruption of the times onely purchased him his life being fined for his bribery and disobedient carriage A. M. 3954. Ol. 182. ann 2. V. C. 703. As for Auletes we hear no more of him Dieth since that he died 4 years after his restitution In the year of the World 3954. and the 2d of the 182 Olympiad 28. He left two sons and as many daughters behind him Caesar Comment de bello civili lib. 3. Dio lib. 42. Eutropius lib. 6. of which the eldest of either Sex he ordered should succeed him by his last Will and Testament which he conjured the people of Rome under whose tuition he left his Children by all the gods and the Leagues he had made with them should be observed and one of the Tables of which were brought to Rome to be laid up in the Treasury but this being hindred by publick businesse it was left with Pompey who was also appointed Guardian to the young King in this his nonage His eldest son and eldest daughter succeeding him she is driven away After three years the boy or rather Pothinus not Photinus as he is corruptly called in Caesar's Commentaries the Eunuch who managed his affairs expelled Cleopatra his sister and fellow both in marriage and the Kingdom so that she was forced to withdraw into Syria there to make provision for her re-establishment by
or otherwise to abuse it at their pleasure and withall to promise them to do nothing without their counsel and advice The Castle being taken she ordered her affaires according to his direction whereby she purchased the love of the Pharisees who going out and speaking to the People Idem cap. 24. de bello ut prius related the great things done by Alexander signified to them the losse of a just King and so stirred up the multitude to mourning and lamentation that hereby she procured him even as he foretold her a more honourable burial than else he could have had and so sumptuous a funeral as any of his Predecessors obtained Alexander left two sons by this his wife Which she followeth and reigneth her self Hyrcanus and Aristobulus but to her left the management of the Kingdom The elder of their sons was not at all made for government but dull and heavy She being in great grace with the People because she ever had pretended to dislike the proceedings of her husband made Hyrcanus the High-Priest not so much out of respect to his birthright as his lazinesse keeping the title of Queen and Governesse though indeed all things were ordered at the will and pleasure of the Pharisees whom the People were commanded to obey and against whom all such constitutious as were made by Hyrcanus were taken away Yet she took care for something her self for she kept in pay a great number of foreiners and so increased her power that she became formidable abroad and such a terror to the neighbouring petty Governours that she constrained them to give Hostages 11. Yet no great matters were done abroad but stirs sufficient hapned within the Kingdom for the Pharisees knowing no moderation in the prosecution of their own ambitious and envious desires caused her to put to death those that had counselled her husband to deal cruelly with the 800 before mentioned and they made away divers of them till such time as those of most power and esteem being backed by Aristobulus who complained of the too great power of his mother came to Court and there laid before her how unworthy it was that they should suffer so much for their faithfulnesse to Alexander and how joyful news it would be to Aretas the Arabian and others This raiseth stirs betwixt the two factions to hear that the Kingdom was deprived of such men who had done good service against him They besought her that if their adversaries were not satisfied with what blood they had spilt already to give them leave to depart and provide for their own safety or if that could not be granted to distribute them into several places of strength that there they might live quietly and meanly with which condition they would be contented seeing Fortune so frowned upon the favourers of Alexander They setting these things off with all advantage possible to gain compassion and calling on the ghost of Alexander Aristobulus also soundy reprehended his mother but withall added that they were justly punished for permitting the chief power to a woman as if no posterity had been left by his Father She not knowing what to do delivered into their hands all her Castles except three A. M. 3934. Ol. 177. an 2. V.C. 683. Seleucid 242. Alexandrae 8. in which she had hoarded up her choisest goods and shortly after sent her younger son against Ptolomy Mennaeus who troubled sorely Damascus but he returned without having done any thing A report went at the same time that Tigranes the Armenian had invaded Syria with 50000 men and would spedily come into Judaea which so terrified both Queen and People that they sent Ambassadors to him then lying before Ptolemais for Celene or Cleopatra then reigned in Syria and had advised the Subjects to exclude him He kindly received the Ambassadors because come so far to tender him respect and gave them incouraging words And after he had taken Ptolemais word being brought him that Lucullus in his pursute of Mithridates the Great King of Pontus was entred Armenia and wasted the Country he being son in Law to that King and therefore taking his part departed home with all Expedition 12. After this Alexandra falling grievously sick Aristobulus judged that now or never was there a fit opportunity for him to doe something and lest the Pharisees should get all into their hands departed by night with one man in his company and got the Castles within a short time into his power which she had committed to their adversaries even to the number of 22 within little more than fifteen dayes This being known she and all the People were struck with consternation Aristobulus her younger son assumeth the state of King knowing that he would take the Supreme Power and fearing they should dearly pay for what they had done to his familiars They thought good then to secure his wife and children in the Castle adjoyning to the Temple at Jerusalem He increased in followers and in power daily taking the state of a King upon him and got an Army from the Mountain Libanus Trachonitis and the petty Princes thereto adjoyning The chief of the Jews therefore with Hyrcanus came to the Queen beseeching her that some course might be entered into to prevent his attempts who now had gotten so many convenient places She with shortnesse of mind told them they might do whatsoever they thought meet and convenient for the Commonwealth that they had liberty and strength enough both as to Soldiers and money also the nervs of War but as for her self she could look to nothing her body being now spent and shortly after she breathed her last She dieth having reigned nine years and lived 73. A woman of wisdom courage and industry above her sex A. M. 3936. Ol. 177. an 4. V. C. 685. Seleucid 244. and who in the whole course of her government could not be drawn for the generality from moderation justice and honesty But whereas she looked more at the present than future times seemed to side with the Enemies of her house and to have made the Kingdom naked of fit Rulers after her death the effects of her mal-administration was felt by her family which came into such misfortunes as it miscaried and fell from that power wherein she had laboured and taken so much pains to establish it 13. Josephus Antiq l. 14. c. 1. de bello ut supra c. 5. For Hyrcanus having entered upon the High-Priesthood in the third year of the 177 Olympiad Q. Hortensius and Q. Metellus Creticus being Consuls his brother Aristobulus now presently made Warre upon him A battel being fought near Jericho most of Hyrcanus his Soldiers revolted to the other whereby he was forced to betake himself into that Castle where Aristobulus his wife and children were kept and he now made his condititions to be suffered to live quietly a private life remitting to his brother the Kingdom and Principality changing estates with him
and with other supplies out of Syria and the Legions which were at his command followed him Coming into Judaea and hearing he was in a Castle near Coreas he sent to him to come and speak him which he obeyed being advised by those about him to take heed of Warring with the Romans When he had disputed the case with his brother he returned to the Castle and so he did divers times willing to please Pompey and pretending a willingnesse to obey him in all things but providing still for the War fearing the Principality might be bestowed upon Hyrcanus And followeth Aristobulus into Judaea Lib. 14. cap. 7. Pompey in conclusion required him to deliver up into his hands the Garrisons and write to the Governours of them for that purpose which he obeyed also A. M. 3942. but then presently departed to Jerusalem there to prepare for War He followed him and in the way heard how Mithridates of Pontus was killed by his son Pharnaces His first nights quarters he took up at Jericho where the Trees grew that being cut distilled with the precious Balsamum and the next day marching towards Jerusalem Aristobulus forethinking what he had done came and met him offered him money and referred himself to his pleasure so that omitting War he would order things in a peaceable manner He pardoning him sent Gabinius to Jerusalem to fetch the money but he being shut out by Aristobulus his Soldiers returned empty handed which Pompey taking in great disdain committed Aristobulus to custody and went himself to the Citie There were two factions disagreeing from each other Cap. 8. that of Aristobulus brake down the bridge which went out of the Citie to the Temple and therein fortified themselves whereupon the other let in the Romans into the Citie and Palace Then did Pompey besiege the Temple filled up with the great toyl of his Soldiers the Ditch before it and then with Engines brought from Tyre battered the Wall taking occasion at the superstition of the Jews who thought it sinfull to do any thing on the Sabbath-dayes but defend themselves Besiegeth his party in the Temple and taketh it The greatest Tower being battered down the Romans broke in Cornelius Faustus the son of Sylla first entring the breach and then made slaughter of 12000. the Priests even then as they had done all the siege not neglecting to offer sacrifices and amongst the rest Absalom the Uncle and father-in-law of Aristobulus was taken being the youngest son of Hyrcanus Pompey with many followers entred into the Temple and looked on those things which it was unlawfull for any but the Priests to behold yet touched nothing he saw so great was his abstinency The Temple was taken as Josephus tells us in the third moneth and the fast day which was kept in memory of Jehoiakâ—m's burning the Roll in the 179 Olympiad C. Antonius and M. Tullius Cicero being Consuls A. M. 3942. about 62 years before the birth of Christ 17. Pompey restored the Priesthood to Hyrcanus Idem ibid. with the Government of the Countrey * Lib. 20. cap. 8. forbidding him the wearing of the Diadem because amongst several other services he had done him during the siege he had also kept the Countrey-men from taking up Arms for Aristobulus He restoreth the Priesthood to Hyrcanus forbidding him the Diadem and carrieth Aristobulus and his sons to Rome Then putting to death the Authors of the Sedition he made the Jews Tributaries to the people of Rome the Cities they held in Coelesyria he took away and subjected them to a Governour of their own and the whole Nation much elevated then with successe abroad he contracted within its own bounds Aristobulus his brother being the cause of all these troubles of the losing of the Countreys liberty to the Romans who within a short time exacted above 10000 Talents of it Idem lib. 14. cap. 10. de bello lib. 1. cap. 6. Pompey having left Syria to the Government of Scaurus with two Legions hasted to Rome leading Aristobulus bound thither with him with two sons and as many daughters One of his sons escaped in the journey and returned into Judaea where he got together a considerable power and awed his Uncle Hyrcanus unable to resist him and who when now he was about to repair the Walls of Jerusalem demolished by Pompey was forbidden to do it by the Romans But within a while Gabinius was sent from Rome to Govern Syria He undertook the War against him now having 10000 foot and 1500 horse at his Command but for all these he overthrew him not far from Jerusalem killing and taking 6000 of them and then besieged him in the Castle Alexandrium whither he had fled Leaving here sufficient strength for carrying on the siege he went and visited the Countrey His son Aristobulus escapeth and is defeated by Gabinius and he himself also getteth away from Rome causing divers Cities to be re-edified and then returning and more powerfully inforcing the siege Alexander yielded himself and the Castles which by his mothers advice to Gabinius were demolished lest they should nourish another War Gabinius then went to Jerusalem and established Hyrcanus in the Priesthood but cantonized the Countrey into five parts which he ordered to be governed by an Aristocratical way One division was to be governed by an Assembly at Jerusalem another by one at Gadaâ—a a third at Amathus a fourth at Jericho and a fifth by one sitting at Saphora a Town of Samaria The Jews very gladly imbraced this Government But Aristobulus not long after escaped from Rome and coming into Judaea ministred occasion of further trouble 18. Coming into his own Countrey Idem ibid. lib. 14. cap. 11. he presently found some who out of desire of innovation sided with him amongst the which was Pitholaus the Governour of Jerusalem who revolted to him with 1000 men A. M. 3949. Ol. 181. ann 1. V. C. 698. Hyrcani 8. He first seized upon Alexandrium and went about to re-edifie the Walls thereof but knowing that Gabinius had sent against him three of his Officers he departed toward Machaerus dismissing the unarmed multitude and making a choice of 8000 men The Romans following he gave them battel in which he fought stoutly till his men being overpowered 5000 of them were slain upon the place almost 2000 fled to an Hill not far of and a thousand with him breaking through the Enemy to Machaerus There he thought to renew the War having fortified the place but being besieged and holding it out two dayes he could no longer withstand but was taken and together with his son Aristobulus He is taken and sent back by Gabinius who it seems got away with him sent back to Rome where he was more narrowly looked to but his sons because Gabinius had so agreed with their mother in consideration of the delivering up of the Castles formerly mentioned were sent back by the Senate Then prepared Gabinius
an expedition against the Parthians but passing over Euphrates was hired by Ptolomy Auletes to reduce him into his Kingdom as we said in the foregoing Chapter In this voyage he used Hyrcanus and especially Antipater who furnished him with supplies both of men and provisions and prevailed with the Jews inhabiting about Pelusium to give him passage But during his absence Alexander the son of Aristobulus made work enough for him after his return for having gotten together a great multitude of Jews Alexander his son stirreth but is defeated he resolved to cut off all the Romans which inhabited those parts Gabinius sent Antipater before to see if he could perswade the people to be quiet and he effected it with many but 30000 remaining still with Alexander he came out and gave battel to the Romans near the Mountain Itabyrius wherein he lost 10000 men Gabinius victoriously thence marched to Jerusalem where setling things according to the pleasure of Antipater he went against the Nabataeans whom he overthrew in one battel and dismissed Mithridates and Orsanes two noble Parthians who had fled unto him pretending an escape Then returning to Rome he left his Province to Crassus his Successor 19. Crassus intending an expedition against the Parthians Cap. 12. came through that Countrey and spoyled the Temple not onely of those 2000 Talents which Pompey had spared but of all the Gold found there besides which amounted to the sum of 8000 Talents more Crassus his sacrilege and punishment though Eleazar the Treasurer had given him a beam of Gold weighing 900 pounds and he had taken an Oath therewith to be satisfied and abstain from the money But going against the Parthians he received the reward of his Sacrilege and Perjury being slain Cassius flying into Syria defended it from the incursions of the Enemy and being come to Tyre visited also Judaea where at the first onset he took Tarichaeas and therein 30000 Captives which he laid away and slew Pitholaus the favourer of Aristobulus at the desire of Antipater◠who now grew very considerable having entred into Confederacy and Alliance with divers Princes and especially with the Arabian out of whose Countrey he had married a wife of noble extraction by name Cypris on whom he begot four sons Phasaelus Herod Joseph and Pheroras and a daughter named Salome which sons he also sent into Arabia there to be kept whilest he was ingaged in the War with Aristobulus Cap. 13. de bello ut priùs cap. 7. When Pompey was driven beyond the Ionian Sea and Caesar had got Rome into his power he set Aristobulus at liberty and with two Legions sent him back into Syria hoping that all that Countrey and round about Judaea might be brought under by him but he was prevented in his journey being poysoned by those of Pompey's party and lay in his own Countrey for some time unburied being Embalmed till by Antony he was sent to be buried in the Sepulchre of his Ancestors Aristobulus poysoned by Pompey's party and his son Alexander beheaded This expedition proved fatal not onely to himself but his son Alexander also who was beheaded by Scipio at Antioch by order from Pompey being first arraigned before the judgement seat for his offences committed against the Romans His brother Antigonus with his sisters were sent for by Ptolomy the son of Minnaeus who held Chalcis under the Mountain Libanus and courteously entained For Philippio his son being his Messenger A. M. 3957. Ol. 183. ann 1. V. C. 706. Hyrcani 16. fell in Love with one of the sisters named Alexandra and married her but his passion overcoming both reason and nature he killed his son and took the Lady to himself By this time Pompey was slain and then Antipater betook himself to Caesar as his interest led him and by his great industry purchased his favour 20. Caesar vvarring with young Ptolomy in Egypt Idem ibid. lib. 14. cap. 14. after the death of Pompey Antipater joyned with Mithridates of Pergamus who went down thither with supplies for whereas being hindred from coming to Pelusium he was forced to stay about Ascalon he perswaded the Arabians to help him brought a supply of 3000 Jews himself and procured divers Princes in Syria Antipater his great services for Caesar as Ptolomy of Libarius Jamblichus and others to send their men Then at Pelusium did he special service being the first that broke down the vvall and entred and whereas the Jews inhabiting the Countrey of Onias hindred them from going any further he prevailed with them not to oppose and more than that to furnish the Army with Provisions Cap. 15. At the battel at Delta he recovered the battel almost lost by Mithridates A. M. 3958. Ol. 183. ann 2. V. C. 707. Hyrcani 17. and afterwards behaved himself very gallantly for Caesar having received many wounds as the tokens of his valour Some have delivered that Hyrcanus himself went down into Egypt and there deserved well of Caesar but whether it was so or not he endeavoured to requite them both Who rewardeth both him and Hyrcanus For Antigonus the son of Aristobulus coming with a great complaint to him against them whereas rather in policy he should have complained of the putting to death his father and brother through the procurement of Pompey and his faction he declined his requests upon the reply of Antipater De bello ut priùs cap. 8. lib. 14. Capp 16 17. confirmed Hyrcanus in the Priesthood offered to Antipater what Government he would desire and made him Procurator of Judaea gave him leave to rebuild the Walls of the Citie thrown down by Pompey and caused these grants to be registred in the Capitol and seconded them with divers decrees both of himself and the Senate in favour of him and the Jews Antipater then bringing Caesar on his journey as far as the borders of Syria returned and built up the walls and going about the Country by threatnings and other policy contained the People in obedience otherwise ready to rebel And whereas he saw Hyrcanus heavy and dull and unfit to manage the affaires of Government he made his son Phasaelus who also commanded the Army Captain of Jerusalem and the Country adjacent A. M. 3959. Ol. 183. an 3. V. C. 708. Hyrcani 18. and committed Galile to the custody of his second son Herod being now extream young as not exceeding fifteen years as our Author telleth us except as is most probable that number be mistaken for 25. 21. Herod even at the very first gave testimony of what spirit and height of courage he would be Herod the son of Antipater his notable forwardness finding out presently occasion for the exercise of it For at that time there being one Ezechias a notable Thief who with a great company of followers used to infest the Country of Syria he took and slew him with many others of that rout which thing so
the Cimbrian and Italian Wars He began with Paphlagonia Strabo lib. 12. Justin lib. 38. parting it betwixt himself and Nicomedes King of Bithynia and being checked for this by the Romans and commanded to desist he pretended it was his fathers inheritance and to amend the matter he seized on Galatia too Then casting his eye upon Cappadocia he caused to be murthered Ariarathes King thereof and his sisters husband and when she married to Nicomedes he drove out his forces and pretended to seize upon it for the use of her son whom then he murdered also and bestowed it on one of his own sons The Cappadocians refused to obey him and called out of Asia Ariarathes one of their former King's sons but him did Mithridates drive away and he shortly after died Nicomedes afterwards procured one to counterfeit himself the brother of Ariarathes and beg the Kingdom of the people of Rome and he sent his wife thither to aver that she had three sons by Ariarathes Mithridates hereupon sent one to the Senate to affirm that he whom he had placed in Cappadocia was also the son of Ariarathes The Senate interposeth 2. The Senate knowing well the aim of both took from Mithridates Cappadocia and Paphlagonia from Nicomedes who had got it into his hands and left these two Kingdoms to their own liberty But the Cappadocians protested that they could not live without a King and being therefore allowed to chuse one from amongst themselves made choice of one Ariobarzanes Mithridates sorely repining to be thus overruled procured Tigranes the King of Armenia and his son in Law to be an Enemy to the Romans and perswaded him to expel Ariobarzanes whilst he did as much by young Nicomedes who now had succeeded his dead Father Both of these Princes fled to Rome for relief which was decreed them and Commissioners were appointed to re-establish them whereof Manius Aquilius was chief This being performed And restored the Kings he had cast out they perswaded both the Kings to invade Mithridates Nicomedes did it though unwillingly whilst Mithridates opposed him not that he might have an advantage against him onely he sent Pelopidas to the Commissioners to complain of him They considering that Mithridates was a powerful Prince returned this answer that they did neither like that he should molest Nicomedes nor Nicomedes him for the former was not convenient for the Roman Commonwealth He nothing moved with this answer re-invaded Cappadocia sending Pelopidas back with a bold expostulation They hereupon raised a considerable Army against him on their own heads without any decree of Senate or People Nicomedes ingaging first of all with him was put to flight though Mithridates his main body never ingaged and next after him Manius was discomfited But he again recovereth many Countries Then seized Mithridates upon Bithynia Phrygia Mesia Lycia Pamphylia and other Provinces as far as Ionia He took also Q. Oppius and Aquilius the later whereof he killed by melted gold poured into his mouth being ever wont to upbraid the Romans with avarice and corruption 3. The Romans hereupon decreed a War against him A. M. 3917. Ol. 173. an 1. V. C. 666. Seleucid 225. though they were now imployed in the Italian and L. Cornelius Sylla and Q. Pompeius Rufus being Consuls Sylla hath the charge of the War decreed against him it fell by lot unto the former But whilst he was yet imployed in finishing the Italian War about Nola C. Marius who had been six times Consul either moved by a desire of profit or of glory perswaded P. Sulpitius Tribune of the People to prefer a law for transferring the command against Mithridates to himself He drew the People of Italy to his party by promising them that had been of late made free of the City Consule Appianum de bello civili lib. 1. Patercul l. 2. cap. 17 c. Plutarch in Mario Sylla Livii Epitom l. 77. equal privilege with the rest which were distribured into 35 tribes so that the thing was caried on by strong hand and Pompey's son the son in law of Sylla was killed in the heat of contention Sylla hearing of this hasted to the City easily perswading his Army to any thing for that his Soldiers were unwilling that any other should go that Expedition from which they promised themselves so great matters To him his Collegue Pompey joyned and though Marius and the Tribune made all opposition possible with some difficulty they entred the City Which Marius seeking unjustly is driven from the City and declared an Enemy and Marius with his complices betook themselves to their heels Sylla suffered no harm to be done to the Citizens but reversed what Sulpitius had done regulated the Senate and procured Marius with Sulpitius and ten others to be declared Enemies to their Country whom it might be lawful for any to kill and unlawful to harbour their goods also being set to sale 4. Sulpitius was found and put to death Marius hid himself in the fens of Minturnum and being discovered a Gall was sent to kill him but could not do it he was so dashed at his presence so that being conveyed out of that place he escaped into Africk To him Cethegus and others who had fled into Numidia joyned themselves expecting an opportunity to invade their own Country Pompey the Consul to secure Italy was appointed to receive the Army of Cn. Pompey who had done such good service in the Marsian War but the Soldiers unwilling to leave their old General who also took it heavily made away the Consul For the year following L. Cornelius Cinna and C. Octavius were Consuls whereof Cinna as some think corrupted was altogether for the new Denisons and recalled Marius with the rest of the Exiles but he was driven away by his Collegue and L. Merula was put in his place He then going about to the Italian Cities by giving them fresh hopes of equal privilege and pretending that he suffered these things for their sakes got much money Marius also coming over to him they raised a considerable Army wherewith Cinna sate down before the City Marius took Hostia by force Recalled by Cinna and Cinna being not able to do any thing at Rome stormed Ariminum The Consuls for that they could not recall Sylla sent for Metellus then lying in Samnium but he differing with them about some conditions had them granted by Marius to whom then he joyned himself In the mean while the City itself was near being betrayed to Marius by Appius Claudius a Tribune of the Army who being intrusted with the Janiculum thus requited him for former kindnesse 5. Though he and Cinna brake in they were repelled by Octavius and C. Pompey the Proconsul who shortly after was killed with a Thunder-bolt Marius after this took in several Towns about Rome where provisions lay and Cinna by promise of liberty drew many slaves out of the City which the Senate understanding lest the
Asia and the War against Mithridates and Tigranes might be committed to him The Nobility conceived great indignation against this Law as which did manifest injury to Lucullus Glabrio and Marcius but especially out of an high jealousie of Pompey's greatnesse to whom now even all the Roman Empire was subject having these Provinces laid to his former with the same power of Peace and War and making what friends and enemies he pleased and chiefly for that he had Jurisdiction over all Armies whatsoever which things had never before been conferred upon any single person But the Commons with great alacrity imbraced the Law Cicero the Praetor pressing it exceedingly who having formerly set himself to defend the Nobility now had betaken himself to the vulgar sort And C. Julius Caesar who of late had been Quaestor is said to have favoured it that he might have the people more inclined afterwards to commit extraordinary commands to himself 33. It being now the 688 year of the Citie A. M. 3939. V. C. 688. the 64th before the birth of Christ the fourth of Aristobulus King of Judaea M. Aemilius Lepidus and L. Volcatius Tullus being Consuls Pompey undertook the expedition He first sent to Mithridates offering him good terms but he sleighted them Idem ibid. Plutarch in Pompeio Lucul because he hoped to have Phraates the Parthian on his side yet when he heard that he had first made a League with him on the same conditions as were offered to Sylla and Lucullus He offereth the King terms to no purpose he himself then sent and asked peace Pompey commanded him to lay down Arms and deliver up all Fugitives vvho fearing they should be given up and the other Soldiers mutining for being about to be deprived of their help a great trouble insued which he evaded by saying that he onely sent to make an espial and by swearing that he never would be reconciled to the Romans because of their insatiable avarice Then marched Pompey into Galatia where meeting with Lucullus much ado there was betwixt them Stirs betwixt Lucullus and him Lucullus said the War was finished and that the Commissioners sent from Rome were to decide the businesse and when Pompey would not hear of this he reviled him with an immoderate thirst after power Pompey again objecting covetousnesse to him so that the accusations could on neither side be denied Lucullus gave out commands as yet in power but Pompey by his Edicts forbade them nulled all his Acts and at length drew away most of his men But at his return he was received with great honour by the Senate carrying with him amongst his booty gotten in Pontus many * Isidorus Orig. l. 6. c. 3. books wherewith he furnished his Library which ever stood open to Greeks especially He also first brought * Plin. l. 15. cap. 25. the Cherry-Tree out of of Pontus from a Citie of which Region it was called Cerasus into Italy 34. Mithridates had now got together a considerable Army but coming to ingage with Pompey was inferiour to him in all skirmishes Dio. Appian Plutarch ut suprà Pompey considering how the King had wasted all the Countrey on purpose to straighten him for Provisions went into Armenia the lesse subject to Mithridates who fearing he might get that Countrey into his hands followed him thither First here Mithridates had hopes to starve him but was disappointed with considerable losse and was himself encompassed with a Trench 150 furlongs about Hearing that Marcius was joyned to Pompey who had Provisions at will he fled away having first killed all such as were sick and uselesse He defeateth Mithridates about him But Pompey pursued and prevented him from passing over Euphrates then forced him to fight in the night being surprized and at unawares The Moon being low and on the backs of the Romans so lengthened their shadows that his Soldiers thinking them nearer than they were shot most of their Arrows without doing any execution He lost many thousands but he himself brake out with 800 horse whereof but 300 stayed with him Then wandring through the Woods with his horse in his hand he light of some Mercenaries and about 3000 foot by which he was conveyed into a Castel where he had laid up much Treasure Hence he sent to Tigranes who refused to receive him laying to his charge that by his means Tigranes his son by the daughter of Mithridates had rebelled against him Who flieth to Cholcos and offering 100 Talents for his head He fled therefore to Cholcos which formerly he had subdued 35. Pompey followed him to Cholcos thinking he vvould not have stirred thence And thence into Scythia but he passed into Scythia vvhere partly by force and partly by perswasion he made the Princes thereof of his party bestowing his daughters in marriage upon them For he had now vast designs in his head though outed of his Kingdom even no lesse than of passing through Thrace Macedonia and Pannonia and so over the Alps into Italy Pompey departing from Cholcos and escaping the ambushes laid for him by the Albanians and Iberians marched into Armenia against Tigranes vvho vvas resolved novv not to fight for that having had three sons by Mithridates his daughter tvvo of them upon provocation he had already killed and he that remained rebelling also vvas now after an overthrow received from his Father fled to Pompey This son prevailed that his Ambassadors were not heard Tigranes submitteth to Pompey who câ—me to ask Peace But Pompey marching against the City Artaxa Tigranes yielded it up to him Patercul l. 2. c. 37. and afterwards without sending any beforehand came into his Camp and giving up himself with all he had into his hands made him umpire betwixt him and his son who would not so much as rise up to him or give him any respect though Pompey used him very civily Pompey left him his inheritance of Armenia with a great part also of Mesopotamia allowing the son to reign in Gordena and Sophena and expect the rest after his father's death but deprived him of all the Provinces he had subdued and fined him 6000 Talents of Silver for the charge he had put the People of Rome to in the War The conditions set him So he not onely quitted part of Cappadocia and Cilicia but also all Syria and Phoenicia from Euphrates to the Sea which he had got into his hands Liv. Epitom l. 101. with part of Cilicia after he had ejected Antiochus Pius as is said before in the reign of this unfortunate King Tigranes the son was very refractory unwilling his father should have the treasure adjudged to him by Pompey that he might be able to pay his fine Being minded to make away his father and for that cast into prison where therein also he sollicited the Parthians against the Romans His rebellious son put to death he was reserved for a Triumph and after that
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
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
for he contented himself with the Equestrian rank neither could he not obtain greater things but he would * Maecenas eques Hetrusco de Sanguint regum Intra fortunam qui cupis esse tuam Propertius l. 3. not He had great power with Augustus which he improved to the allaying of his passion and doing good offices for others as one example shews above the rest On a time as Augustus sate in Judgment and was about to sentence many to death he perceiving it and nor able to come at him for the croud wrote these words Rise up at last Executioner in a table and cast them into Caesar's lap as some other matter who having read them presently departed without condemning any Neither did this offend Augustus but he was glad that he had one who would be so free with him and curb that anger which either his inclination or the urgency of businesse moved him to (a) Cilnius Arreti Tyrrhenis ortus in oris Clarum nomen erat Silius Italicus Cilnius was the antient name of his Family and Arretium in the Tyrrhenian Coasts the place of it (b) L. 7. c. 5â— Pliny telleth strange passages of him as that he never was without an Ague and for three years before his death never slept a quarter of an hour together In the same year which was that wherein Augustus mended the Calendar and called the moneth Sextilis after himself Horace the Poet also died in the 57 year of his age His familiarity with Caesar and Maecenas is sufficiently known His life is written by Suetonius 40. Augustus having again quieted all Nations and shut the Temple of Janus the third time having ordained a general taxation throughout the Empire that he might know the State and worth thereof having also refused the name of Dominus or Lord with great earnestnesse which he forbad even his Children and Nephews by an edict to use towards him the Lord and Heir of all things came into the World in the fulnesse of time revealed by the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Daniel for the fulfilling of the promises made concerning the seed of the woman The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ which should break the serpents head A. M. 4003. Ol. 194. an 3. V. C. 752. Caesare Augusto 13. M. Plautio Silano Coss Great difference there is in assigning the year of the World wherein our Saviour was born by reason of the difficulty of computation arising from the several versions of the Scriptures the intricate and uncertain successions of the Judges the variety of the forms of years and the several reckonings as to parcels of such as are related in Scripture A great help for the regulation of these things is afforded from prophane Histories But it beginneth but with Cyrus whose History as to the restauration of the Jews presenteth us with the first certain note of conjunction he being so named both by holy and prophane Writers but not Nebuchadnesar and yet the duration of his reign is also uncertain Yet as from all these opinions weighed together a good account may be given in another place more proper for the length of it as to the year of the World so the Evangelist teaching us that in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Christ was about thirty years old it must needs follow that Augustus reigned fifteen years after his birth so that if we count as some do the reign of Augustus from the death of Julius Caesar it lasted 57 years and then must Christ be born in the 42 of it But if we follow them as the order of this Work doth who with more reason fetch the beginning of his Empire from the death of Antony and the conquest of Aegypt then Christ's birth fell into the 28 year thereof and according to the computation which we most approve into the 4003 year of the World the 752 of the City and the third year of the 194 Olympiad wherein Caesar Augustus himself the thirteenth time and M. Plautius Silanus were Consuls Although Cyrenius who was Consul ten years before and is called elsewhere P. Sulpicius Quirinus might not formally be President of Syria which Office as others say was now obtained by Quintilius Vanus Josephus Antiq. l. 17. c. 7. who succeeded Saturninus who as yet was not departed out of the Province yet being set over this taxation by Augustus in that place this title might well be given him though he then governed Cilicia De bello Judaic l. 1. c. 15. as Herod is by Jesephus said to be constituted Procurator of all Syria though it had it's Officers who were to act by his assistance and direction Herod had now reigned 37 years and odd moneths and being deluded by the Wise Men whom he willingly suffered to search out Christ that he might destroy him killed all the children in and about Bethlehem of two years and under Matth. 2.16 which cruelty was but agreable with his disposition and constant practice Here that we may describe his affaires we must make a little digression and take them where we formerly left them A digression to the affairs of Herod 41. After he had obtained the possession of his Kingdom Josephus Antiq. l. 15. c. 1 c. he put to death 45 of Antigonus his friends having procured him to be beheaded as we formerly shewed Then did he prefer to the High-Priesthood one Ananel an obscure man neglecting Aristobulus the son of Aristobulus the King and brother to his own wife Mariamne and Antony desiring to see this youth for the fame of his beauty he fearing the Roman might advance him to stay him at home gave him the Priesthood and excused his neglect to send him by the inclination of the Jews to rebellion Perceiving him then to be in extraordinary favour with the Jews and that his mother Alexandra which he kept very close because of her restlesse spirit plorted the escape of her self and son into Aegypt a year after as he was swimming he caused him to be drowned and though Cleopatra accused him hereof to Antony yet by presents he made his Peace He maketh away Aristobulus In the Civil Wars he sided with Antony who having forces sufficient desired him to chastize the Arabians that denied the Tribute imposed on them This he did and though at first his attempts miscaried yet in another battel he quite overthrew and brought them under After the overthrow of Antony he had little hope that his own matters would go well He murdered Hyrcanus who onely survived of all the males of the Royal Family and whom he had recalled from Babylon Idem ibid. c. 9 c. whither he was caried by the Parthians He took the advantage of the old man's intent to flye into Arabia through the importunity of his daughter Alexandra who promised him great things if Herod should miscary under the power of Augustus Then providing as well as he could for the worst in case it should happen
he went to Rhodes to visit Caesar from whom he concealed not the love he bore to Antony but with notable courage declaring it withall signified that he was ready to serve him as faithfully which so wrought upon the magnificent Prince that he liked him extremely and confirmed him in his estate Is reconciled to Caesar having sided with Antony After Caesar's return out of Aegypt into Syria he entertained him and as he thereby procured the reputation of a noble and heroick spirit so also an addition to his Kingdom Yet was he unfortunate at home having commanded several times that if any thing hapened in his absence they should make away his beloved wife Mariamne She hearing of it used him frowardly whereat being inraged he was throughly perswaded to put her to death by his sister Salome which envious woman feigned certain accusations against her Killeth his wife Mariamne But after the deed was done having extraordinarily loved her he fell even mad and thereby into a great sicknesse so that casting off all Government he departed to Samaria then called Sebaste in honour of Augustus 42. Alexandra in the mean time endeavoured to get the strong places of Jerusalem into her hands wherewith he being acquainted Cap. 11 c. ordered her to be put to death Groweth cruel and then returning to the City grew exceeding cruel and distasteful The prejudice was increased by his making Games in honour of Caesar and hanging his Theatre with Trophies which the People sorely distasted as being by their Religion principled against Pictures Ten men conspired against him but were discovered and put to death Not long after he redeemed his credit by liberality in a great dearth and maried the daughter of Simon whom he preferred to the Priesthood having displaced Jesus the son of Phabes Then did he imploy his time and treasure in sumptuous and royal buildings as that of Caesarea amongst the rest formerly called the Tower of Straton and he built a Temple to the honour of Augustus who had again inlarged his Dominions and bestowed a Tetrarchy at his desire upon his brother Pheroras To the People which was ready to mutinie because of his idolatry he released the third part of their Tributes to please them forbad all their meetings punished severely such as were obstinate and bound the rest to him by an oath After this taking down the old Temple of Jerusalem he built another much more stately and magnificent being a Work of most admirable beauty in the space of nine years and six moneths Repaireth the Temple at at Jerusalem during which time it 's said that it onely rained on nights lest the Work should be hindred In the dedication he sacrificed 300 Oxen and the rest of the People according to their abilities He made a Law that thieves which broke walls should be sold for slaves out of the Kingdom Josephus Antiq. l. 16. c. 1 c. Which the People ill resented as against their Religion which not onely provided otherwise concerning thieves but would be broken also by these men who must necessarily serve Idolaters Now he himself fetched from Rome Alexander and Aristobulus his sons by Mariamne whom having sent thither to be bred Augustus had kindly entertained These youths were feared by Salome and Pheroras as intending to revenge their mothers death and therefore they resolved they must not live especially she that was incouraged by the successe she had had against their mother And they presented her with an opportunity of accusing them seeming indeed not to be well affected toward their father desiring the Kingdom and exclaiming greatly against the authors of their mother's death Herod troubled hereat called to Court Antipater his son begotten when he was a private man that opposing him against them he might make them more carefull of their behaviour But thereby were they more incensed and Antipater making use of his time got more and more into his father's affections who commended him in especial manner to Caesar though he had not a thought at first of making him his Heir and sent him to Rome to procure the Emperour's favour 43. Antipater improving his father's displeasure against his brothers Idem ibid. cap. 7. c. effected that he carried them to Augustus then at Aquileia and grievously accused them of an intention to poyson him Accuseth his two sons begotten of Mariamne unto Caesar Yet the young men by their tears and Alexander's refutation of the calumny so moved Caesar that he reconciled them and for that Herod had given him 300 Talents and been very liberal as his custom was to be in all places unto the people of Rome he bestowed on him half of the profits of the Mines in Cyprus and gave him liberty to leave which of his sons he pleased his Successor or if he would to distribute his Kingdom amongst them all which Herod presently would have done but Caesar would not permit it In his absence the Inhabitants of Trachonitis a considerable part of his Kingdom rebelled and were reduced by his Captains After his return he made a speech to the people and named to succeed him first Antipater and then his sons by Mariamne which naming a Successor beforehand when the inheritance is uncertain hath ever wrought great inconvenience to both parties Cap. 11. c. After he had opened David's Sepulchre to search for Treasure as John Hyrcanus had done before him where he found none except very costly Attire After his rifling of Davids Sepulchre his affairs decline and Ornaments of Gold 't is observed that his family fell into a very sad condition nothing being heard but complaints accusations one against another The greatest part of Antipater's malice fell upon Alexander and the Court hereby was filled with tortures and slaughters Herod suspecting all and trusting none put many to death and those of his most intimate friends and committed Alexander to prison being captivated by so great a fear of an untimely death that he was almost ready to run mad These things were diverted by the rebellion of the Inhabitants of Trachonitis which Countrey Caesar having taken it from Zenodorus gave unto him who again revolting were protected by Syllaeus an Arabian that being to marry his sister Salome was rejected because he would not turn Jew Saturninus and Volumnius Presidents of Syria resolved he might by force of Arms chastize these Rebels whereupon he entred Arabia and having formerly destroyed their families which they left in their Corn Countrey took a Castel they held there Syllaeus now being at Rome accused Herod unto Caesar as having wasted all Arabia and he so far believed it that he twice denied his Ambassadors audience The Rebels and Arabians hereupon did him much injury which he was glad to put up for the present but sent Nicholaus Damascenus to plead his cause 44. He first joyned with the Ambassadors of Aretas King of Arabia Cap. 16. c. â—â— in accusing
the Hippodrome 47. Herod not long before his end renewed his Testament Cap. 10 11 13. wherein he ordained his son Antipas Tetrarch of Galile and Peraea having before this appointed him his Successor in the Kingdom for that he was incensed against Archelaus and Philip Archelaus his son being left his Successor in Judaea by the means of Antipater Now he made Archelaus King gave the Province Gaulonitis Trachonitis Batanea and Peneade to Philip left Salome very well and gave great Legacies to Caesar and Livia his wife Archelaus at first was much cried up by the people but afterwards the multitude calling to mind the death of Mathias and his Confederates whom Herod had slain for breaking down the Eagle fell into a Sedition many flocking out of the Countrey to the Passeover and demanded justice against divers of his Officers but this tumult was setled by the slaughter of 3000 about the Temple Then went Archelaus to Rome not daring to take upon him the title without the leave of Augustus to whose disposal his father had referred his Testament Many followed and spoke against him being affected better towards Antipas the Jews also sent their Ambassadors with whom joyned 8000 of their Countrey-men then living at Rome in a Petition to Caesar that they might be joyned to Syria and live under Roman Governours without any King Augustus giveth him half of the Kingdom and the other half to his two brothers At length Caesar came to this resolution to give half that Dominion which Herod injoyed unto Archelaus viz. of Idumaea Judaea and Samaria with Caesarea Sebaste Joppe and Jerusalem the other half he divided betwixt Antipas and Philip. The former had the Countrey lying on the further side of Jordan and Galile with 200 Talents of annual revenue Philip obtained Bathanea Trachonitis and Auranitis with 100 Talents Archelaus had 500 Talents of yearly rent out of his Countrey Whilest these things were in hand at Rome grievous Seditions tore the Jews in pieces at home for they being now destitute of a King several took upon them that title Sabinus Cap. 12. who superintended the affairs of Caesar there gave the occasion by pilling the people which now at the feast of Pentecoste gathering together from all quarters sought to shake off that yoak Seditions in Judaea After great slaughters at length all was quieted by the coming of Varus from Antioch who left the first Legion in Garrison at Jerusalem 48. The succession being setled by Augustus a young man and a Jew Cap. 14. born at Sidon counterfeited himself Alexander the son of Herod by Mariamne One counterfeits Alexander the son of Herod by Mariamne affirming that both he and Aristobulus were delivered by a friend who had it in charge to see them executed others being killed in their rooms He deluded thousands of Jews inhabiting Melas as also them at Rome by whom he was received as their King But he could not deceive Caesar who made him confesse the forgery and because he had promised him pardon if he would acknowledge the deceit for that he had formerly laboured with his hands And is detected by Augustus he condemned him to the Gallies and put the man to death who had perswaded him to turn counterfeit As for Archelaus Cap. 15. he tyrannized for ten years and then being accused by the Jews Augustus sent for him to Rome where his cause being heard he banished him to Vienna in Gall and confiscated his goods After this Cyrenius being sent into Syria to succeed Varus valued the goods of each Inhabitants and seized the estate of Archelaus This cesse or valuation of their estates Josephus Antiq. lib. 18. c. 1 3. Act. 5.37 gave occasion to a great Sedition by the means one Judas a Gaulonite Sodoc a Pharise and his confederate alleging that this description was no other than a manifest token of their servitude and exhorting all to maintain their liberty to no purpose Judaea governed by Deputies For Judaea now having no more Princes of it 's own was governed by Deputies of which Coponius being the first was shortly after succeeded by M. Ambivius and he by Annius Rufus 49. Dio l. 55. Augustus that we may return to Roman matters adopted his two Grandsons Caius and Lucius having got them to be called Principes Juventutis and designed them Consuls It hapned that the Armenians cast out Artavasdus whom he had placed as King over them and were in this Sedition assisted by the Parthians This troubled him exceedingly for he grew old himself and his adopted sons were too young on the other hand Yet sent he Caius with Proconsular power to compose these troubles giving him for a greater grace Lollia Paulina to wife Sueton in Claudio A. D. 3. V.C. â—55 Idem in Tiberio c. 12 13. the daughter or niece of M. Lollius Caius Caesar sent against the Armenians who went with him as his Governour Tiberius met him at Samus but was slightly looked on being little better than a banished man But Caius falling out with Lollius who had incensed him against him he had leave to return home in the eighth year of his retirement Augustus giving way to it through the importunity of Livia but denying to do any thing without the consent of Caius and then recalling him with this condition that he should not at all medle with affairs of State As for Caius he prospered at his first entrance into Armenia but not long after received an hurt in a rash and unadvised conference after which he grew listlesse and sluggish and this distemper was increased by flatterers so that he desired to stay in the East Patercul l. 2. c. 102 103. Floruâ— l. 4. c. ult and lead there a private life His Grandfather vehemently urged his return with condition also that then he might do what he pleased so that unwillingly journying for Italy Dieth 18 moneths after his brother Lucius he died at Limyra a City of Lycia His brother Lucius going into Spain was dead eighteen moneths before after whose decease Augustus would have adopted Tiberius but he if we believe Paterculus an egregious flatterer of him fearing the envy of Caius vehemently withstood the attempt A. D. 4. V. C. 756. But now both of them being dead and it 's thought helped away by his mother Livia for his sake he was adopted together with Agrippa Posthumus who had been born of Julia after Agrippa's death And lest he should attempt any new matters he was constrained to adopt Germanicus one of the sons of his brother Drusus Dio ut supra A. D. 5. V. C. 757. though he had a son of his own called also Drusus in the 757 year of the City Sexius Aelius Latus and C. Sextius Saturninus being Consuls the fifth after the birth of Christ 50. Tiberius was presently sent into Germany where three years before a famous War had broken out and
who used him as his most inward Counsellour or Minister of State and erected to his honour his statue of brasse in the Theatre Tiberius punished by the treachery of Seianus who poysoneth his son Drusus Now he thought of no lesse than the Empire it self as a step to which he poysoned Drusus the son of Tiberius having brought Livia the young man's wife to a compliance with him by his filthy dalliance and corrupted Lygdus the Eunuch to betray his trust Drusus had the year before the Tribumtial power conferred on him but for that he was none of the most towardly was little regarded by his father who as soon as his Funeral was over returned to his wonted employments forbidding any longer vacation upon his account Sueton in Tiberio cap. 52. The Inhabitants of Ilium sending their Ambassadors something too late to condole his death he answered that he also was sorry for the death of Hector their excellent Countrey-man Tiberius after this commended the two sons of Germanicus Nero and Drusus to the Senate which done Seianus began to strike at them though at first through the sides of their mother labouring to bring them all into suspition and hatred Tacitus ut suprà This first advantage he took was from the prayers of the Priests who made vows for their health as for that of Tiberius for he took it hainously that they herein should be made equal to him Then did he provoke them and never ceased till he caused them to be declared Enemies by the Senate after which he starved them to death using also their mother most injuriously for that she was not sparing of her tongue in reprehending and upbraiding him Now was Tacfarinas who had maintained a tedious war in Africk slain by Dolabella Sueton. in Tib. cap. 40. As for Tiberius by the perswasion of Seianus he withdrew into the Isle Capreae and thence forward minding nothing gave up himself to all sorts of enormities 60. For casting off all care of the State being out of sight Idem ibid. Capp 41 42. c. he returned to his natural disposition not looking to the supply either of Army or Provinces suffering Armenia to be seized on by the Parthians Maesia by the Dacians and Sarmatians Tiberius returneth to his natural humour and Gall to be wasted by the Germans He instituted a new Office for the management of pleasures unto which he preferred a Knight T. Caesonius Prisous he held such in greatest esteem bestowed Offices on men that were most for his turn that way being given up to such beastlinesse as is incredible and not to be mentioned He was excessively covetous both as to getting and keeping what was unjust He was so undutifull to his mother as he refused to come at her when living and when dead he neglected to bury her neither would he perform her will but persecuted her friends but she was justly rewarded though as to him unjustly having over and above other wicked practices been suspected to have had an hand in the death of Germanicus His Character given him by his School-master So cruel and filthy he became that he verified the Character given him when but young by Theodorus Gadareus his School-master that he was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Dirt mingled with blood Having chosen twenty of the principal men of the Citie to be his Counsellors he scarcely left two or three of them alive Seianus being found out and punished justly for his wickednesse amongst others that were innocent He spared not the familiar friends of his mother nephews Agrippina or Seianus No day either holy or prophane was free from slaughters Every offence little or great was Capital Many were codemned with their wives and children Rewards were proposed to informers and all testimonies taken for true Simple death he accounted nothing and therefore invented painful waies especially after he knew how his son Drusus died he neither spared any person nor sort of torments Caius the son of Germanicus he cared not for as suspecting him and Tiberius his grandson by Drusus he despised as conceived in adultery 61. Joseph Antiq. l. 18. c. 3. Euseb Eccles Hist l. 1. c. 9. Luc. 3. In the twelfth year of Tiberius was Pontius Pilate sent into Judaea to succeed Valerius Gratus the fourth Governour after the banishment of Archelans the son of Herod to Vienna Pontius Pilate succeedeth Gratus in Judaea Coponius was the first M. Ambivius the second Annius Rufus the third and Gratus the fourth Pilate at his first entrance set up the Images of Caesar at Jerusalem which moved the Jews to sedition but overcome by their intreaties he removed them to Caesarea He being now Governour of Judaea Herod Antipas Tetrarch of Galile his brother Philip Tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis and Lysanias of Abilene Annas who formerly having had the Office though displaced by Gratus yet for his authority still caried the name and Caâ—phas otherwise called Joseph whom lately Gratus had placed in the room of Simon by him deposed also being High-Priests in the fifteenth year of Tiberius entering John Baptist began to preach and baptize in the resemblance and spirit of Elias John Baptist beginneth to preach and baptize Amongst others he baptized Christ himself of whom he was the forerunner His ministry is thought to have commenced on the tenth day of the seventh moneth which was Penitential and so great a Fast A. D. 29. Ol. 201. an 4. V. C. 781. that the soul which did not afflict it self was to be cut off from amongst it's People and was also Expiatorie wherein the High-Priest the Type of him before whose face John was sent entred into the Holy of Holies alone with blood expiating the sins of the People this being also the same day wherein by trumpet the Jubile was proclaimed 62. Jesus now about thirty years of age being baptized of John in Jordan and owned for the Messiah and son of God by the descending of the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove and resting upon him as also by a voice from Heaven was led of the Spirit into the Wildernesse to be tempted of the Devil A. D. 30. Ol. 202. an 1. V. C. 782. After his temptation he returned in the power of the Spirit into Galile Going into Galile he received Andrew and Simon his brother the day following called Phlip of Bethsaida the City of Andrew and Simon sirnamed Cephas or Peter by the Lord. On the third day being invited to a mariage in Cana of Galile he turned water into wine this being his first miracle and by it his glory was manifested and his Disciples believed in him Afterward he went down to Capernaum with his mother The Lord Jesus executeth his Ministry his brethren or kinsmen and disciples where they abode not many dayes Then came he to the exercise of his Ministry the acts whereof are distinguished by four Passeovers Amongst the four Evangelists which
before the Original of Hiera were first seen amongst the Cyclades Claudius animadverteth upon his wife Messalina 16. Two or three years after this Claudius being certified that his wife Messalina the most unchast of all women had openly married C. Silius Lege Tacit. Annal. l. 11. c. 26. c. he animadverted upon her and her minions About the same time Herod the King of Chalcis dying he bestowed that Kingdom upon Herods Nephew Agrippa the younger for Judaea his father's Kingdom was still governed by Deputies Tiberius Alexander who succeeded Fadus Josephus Antiquit lib. 2. Capp 3 4. Orosius lib. 7. cap. 6. Sueton ut suprà cap. 25. Tacitus Annal. l. 12. c. 1. c. now gave place to Cumanus under whom the Jews being affronted at the Passeover by impudent and sawcy Soldiers mutined but now as ever came to the worst and not long after their Countrey-men that dwelt at Rome were expelled thence by Claudius and under their name as many think the Christians also In the nineteenth year of his reign he married Agrippina his own Neice by his brother Germanicus Marrieth Agrippina his Niece through the perswasion of Pallas his Freedman which woman presently as soon as she perceived her strength procured his daughter Octavia to be given in marriage to Domitius Nero her son by her former husband Cn. Domitius Aenobarbus The maid was formerly contracted to L. Silanus an eminent young man but he accused by Vitellius was put out of his Praetorship and the match was broken betwixt him and the Princesse whereupon he shortly after killed himself And a year after was Claudius perswaded by Pallas to adopt Nero his wive's son though he had a son of his own by name Britanicus but two years younger Pallas was so high flown in favour Felix sent Governour into Samaria that he procured his brother Felix to be sent Governour into Samaria and afterwards got his power extended to Judaea Galile and Peraea where he acted the part of a Tyrant and having married several great Ladies obtained also Drusilla sister to Agrippa The Parthians now again at variance amongst themselves and wearied with the Tyranny of Gatarzes asked a Prince from Rome Claudius sent them Meherdates the son of Vonones Stirs in Parthia and Grandson of Phraates but he was presently betrayed into the hands of Gotarzes At this time also the Britains rebelled 17. Now was P. Ostorius Propraetor there Tacitus Annal. lib. 12. Capp 31 32. c. upon whose first coming the Britains grew confident The Britains rebel as contemning him for his want of experience The Winter being begun they made excursions into the Territories of the Allies of Rome He knowing that the first event would either incourage or amate them set upon and scattered them then went about to disarm all such as he had reason to suspect but the Iceni inhabiting those parts now called Suffolk Norfolk Cambridgshire and Huntingtonshire a strong Nation refusing to submit drew others in to them and pitching upon a very convenient ground gave battel to the Romans who by reason that they despaired of pardon had much ado to overcome them By this foil of the Iceni others before unsetled were contained in obedience and Ostorius led his Army against the Cansi a people living towards the Irish Sea and wasting their grounds had passed on well nigh to the Irish Sea when he was recalled by the discord of the Brigantes people inhabiting the North part of that now called England the Ring-leaders of whom when he had taken off the rebellion was extinguished But the Silures inhabiting Southwales would by no means be either allured or discouraged from waging War trusting to the strength of Caractacus the greatest Prince amongst the Britains who excelling as well in policy as the knowledge of the Countrey transferred the War into the Territories of the Ordovices now Northwales as more convenient for him by reason of the Mountains and Rocks Here he made a speech to his Officers putting them in mind how their Ancestors had repulsed Caesar the Dictator and willing them to behave themselves at this time as the beginning of their liberty or eternal slavery Are reduced Till they came to strokes the Romans had the worst of it but afterwards breaking into the Rampires they easily routed the Britains and got a great victory wherein the wife and daughter of Caractacus being taken his brethren yielded themselves 18. Caractacus committing himself into the hands of Cartismunda Idem ibid. cap. 36. c. Queen of the Brigantes Caractacus betrayed is carried to Rome was treacherously bound and delivered up to the Conquerours in the ninth year of the War wherein he had got himself an exceeding great name Being carried to Rome the people was called together as to some famous show and the Praetorian bands were placed along for the reception of him The prayers of the rest were by reason of fear base and nothing savouring of Nobility but Caractacus neither hanging down his head nor craving any mercy when he stood before the Emperour's Tribunal spake to this purpose If my moderation in prosperity had been as great as my Nobility and Fortune I had come rather as a friend into this Citie than a Captive neither would you have disdained to receive me with Covenants of peace being a Prince descended of Noble Progenitors and a Commander over many Nations His speech to the Emperour My present state is as to me dishonourable so to you magnificent I have had horses men armour and wealth What marvel if against my will I have lost them all For if you will rule over all men it followeth that all men must abide servitude If presently I had yielded and been delivered into your hands neither had my Fortune nor your glory been very remarkable and oblivion would have followed my punishment But if you save me alive I shall be an example of your clemency for ever He is pardoned 19. Upon those words Caesar pardoned him his wife and brethren And they being all unbound did their reverence likewise unto Agrippina who sat aloft not far off in an high seat to be seen giving her the like praises and in the same degrees of stile as they did the Emperour himself Surely a strange precedent without any example saith the Historian that a woman should sit and command the Roman Ensigns But she carried her self as a fellow and associate in the Empire gotten by her Progenitors After this the Senate was called together and the Fathers made long and glorious discourses as touching the Captivity of Caractacus Neither was this lesse honourable as they affirmed than when Pub. Scipio shewed Siphax L. Paulus Perses or whosoever else exhibited Conquered Kings to the view of the People As for Ostorius it was decreed he should be honoured with triumphal Ornaments But his Fortune soon changed either for that he grew secure upon the Captivity of so considerable a
man or the Enemy was highly moved to revenge it For a party left to awe the Silures was incompassed by the Britains The Britains again are up and if help had not presently come in from the adjoyning Villages and Fortresses had been utterly cut off besides that the Commander in Chief with eight Centurions and many others were slain Not long after such as went to gather forrage and several Companies sent in to their aid were also routed and the Enemy was hardly restrained at length by the help of the Legions After this hapned many skirmishes as they met by chance or were desirous of booty and two Auxiliary Cohorts were intercepted with the spoils of which other Nations were drawn to revolt and not long after Ostorius spent with care and pensivenesse died To his place Claudius preferred A. Didius who found things but in a bad condition Subdued through the boldnesse of the Silures But the Britains falling out amongst themselves were several times overthrown and then kept under 20. Claudius the twelfth year of his reign ending Jopeph Antiquit lib. 20. cap. 5. Tacitus Annal. lib. 12. Capp 64 67 68. bestowed on Agrippa the Tetrarchy of Philip as also that of Lysanias taking Chalcis from him after he had governed it 4 years After this he restored the Rhodians to their former liberty upon their repentance and eased the Inhabitants of Ilium of all charges and tributes as being the Authors of the Roman race Nero pleaded the causes of both Cities whose mother Agrippina now began to be discovered to her husband He chanced in his drink to say that it was fatal to him first to endure and then to punish the wickednesse of his wives and he repented of his folly in preferring her son before his own She bethinking her self how to escape the danger first gave him poison in Mushrooms his beloved meat Claudius poysoned by Agrippina his wife but it passing through him A. D. 55. V. C. 807. she used the skill of Xenophon the Physician vvho as it vvere to help him to vomit put something down his throat dipped in a most violent poyson and so he died who within a small time upon a very small account had put to death 35 Senators and 300 Knights Sueton in Claudio He vvas a man that before his coming to the Government vvas despised by his relations as some imperfect thing and afterwards vvas but counted blockish and despicable by others yet sometimes he would judge very vvisely and circumspectly and so far profited in liberal studies which he very much plied that he vvrote divers things and amongst the rest a learned defence of Cicero in answer to the books of Asinius Pollio He vvas fearfull above measure His Character so that amongst other demonstrations vvhen Camillus vvho attempted a Rebellion sent to him a reprochfull and menacing Letter vvilling him to lay down the Government he vvas in doubt and seriously consulted vvhether he should not do it and this made him put many to death upon idle and malicious accusations He vvas the very slave of his Freedmen vvhereof Narcissus and Pallas vvere chief vvho rather reigned than he for they managed all things according to their pleasure or lust bestowing favours upon vvhom they pleased and killing any though never so vvorthy or nearly allied to him He excused his anger and peevishnesse by a publick Declaration He vvas so forgetfull that he vvould several times ask for such as he had put to death He vvould eat and drink at any time or in any place he vvas a great player at Dice of vvhich Art he set forth a book He died on the third before the Ides of October in the 64 year of his age vvhen he had reigned thirteen years eight moneths and twenty dayes in the 807 year of the Citie the 55 after the birth of Christ M. Asinius Marcellus and M. Acilius Aviola being Consuls 21. Now that vve may note briefly such Ecclesiastical matters as fell out in the reign of Claudius Ecclesiastical matters in his reign In his first year James the brother of John vvas as vve said put to death by Agrippa and Peter being cast by him into prison vvas delivered by an Angel In his second Paul returned out of Arabia to Damascus vvhence he came to Jerusalem to see Peter Hence he vvent to Tarsus and not long after to Antioch being sent for by Barnabas vvho had been sent thither by the Apostles In his third year Paul preached for a vvhole year at Antioch together vvith Barnabas In his fourth Paul carried the Almes of the faithfull from Antioch to Jerusalem because of the Famine foretold by Agabus Thence returning to Antioch he vvas sent vvith Barnabas to preach the Gospel in Asia In this fourth then and the fifth year of Claudius he preached Christ in Cyprus Pamphylia Pisidia Iconium Lystra and Dâ—rbo and returned to Antioch In the sixth he vvas sent from Antioch to Jerusalem to the Council vvith Barnabas vvhence returning to Antioch he reprehended Peter vvho came thither a little after him for his dissembling and not long after vvent vvith Silas into Asia to confirm the Churches he had founded In the seventh of Claudius he preached Christ in Crete and through Pisidia Pamphylia and Phrygia visited the Churches converted the Galatians to the Faith In the eighth he came to Troas and thence into Macedonia vvhere at Philippi as also at Thessalonica at Beraea and then at Athens he preached the Gospel About the end of the ninth year he came to Corinth where he found Aquila and Pricilla with whom he staied half a year preaching the Gospel and thence wrote both his Epistles to the Thessalonians In the eleventh year he came from Corinth to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla whom there leaving he went to Jerusalem to the Feast Thence he returned to Antioch and Ephesus through Phrygia Galatia and the higher parts of Asia Being at Ephesus in the twelfth year there he continued two years till the tumult raised by Demetrius Hence he wrote his Epistle to the Galatians the former also to the Corinthians and to Titus but about the end of the following year as also the first to Timothy About the end also of the thirteenth year or the beginning of the following he came into Macedonia and Achaia to receive the collections to be caried to Jerusalem And hence from Corinth being to passe into Asia he wrote his Epistle to the Romans about the end of the following year About the end also of the fourteenth year he was imprisoned at Jerusalem And being caried to Caesarea was there kept prisoner by Felix for two years Concerning the Chronology of these accounts Ludovicus Cappellus is by Students to be consulted in his Historia Apostolica Illustrata 22. St. Peter the Apostle is reported in the second year of Claudius to have come to Rome having been formerly Bishop of Antioch in which Sea he was succeeded by Evodius one of the 70
obtain their help but he refused A. D. 66. V. C. 818. The next after him that was put to death was Annaeus Seneca the Philosopher and Nero's School-master Seneca his School-master put to death not being convicted of any treason though accused by one Natalis as it 's thought to please Caesar such an earnest desire his Scholar had to dispatch him having formerly without effect attempted it by poyson Being commanded to dye he did it very chearfully though he was forced to seek for death several wayes For he had so starved himself with abstinence that he could not bleed and poyson would not work upon him but at length entering into a bath he was stifled with the fume of it having all this while discoursed even to his last according to his wonted elegancy such excellent things as being then taken from his mouth came afterwards abroad Such was the end of this excellent Philosopher concerning the character of whom Students are rather to trust to Cornelius Tacitus than to Dio if Justus Lipsius be a competent Judge Dio accuseth him of extortion adultery with Agrippina and what not He maketh him a Sodomite and to have taught his Scholar that wickednesse Lipsius his Apology for him against Dio. as also the cause and procurer of the death of Agrippina and a cart-load of other Calumnies saith * Quam consule in Comment ad Taciti Annal l. 14. omnino ad l. 15. Lipsius doth the idle man heap upon him contrary to the belief and mind of all men What cause was there of this hatred or what reward had he for lying for Seneca lived so long before him that he neither could injure him nor oblige him I believe saith he it was a certain perversity of judgement and manners which also set him keen against Cicero and all good men I desire that youth may take heed and so to gather the flowers of Antiquity from these fields that they do not also gather poison But as for what concerneth the riches and galantry of Seneca see Reader and read his excellent Treatise De vita beata which he wrote with no other design than to stop the mouthes of these Calumniators especially from the seventeenth Chapter Thus hath Lipsius prevented us in our Apology for this excellent person in whose vindication much might be said 36. Pompeia Paullina the wife of Seneca Dio calleth her a most noble woman perhaps the daughter of Pompeius Paullinus to whom Tacitus giveth the title of Consularis and who was set over the publick customs or imposts cut also her veins that she might die with him but Nero bearing her no malice as it happened sent some to stop the bleeding and recover her Seneca had another brother besides the father of Lucan who was also put to death This was Annaeus Novatus otherwise called Junius Gallio from his adoptive Father being also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles and then Governour of Achaia Their Father was M. Annaeus Seneca a Rhetorician of Coruba in Spain whose Suasories and Controversies are yet extant joyned to his sons Works Nero proceeded in his madnesse and cruelties Acting the Stage-player still he was reviled at his return home by Poppaea his wife for which he kicked her great with child and thereupon she miscaried Then raged he against many of greatest note Nero killeth Poppaea amongst whom was Mela the father of Lucan who had formerly perished for the conspiracy and this allaied the grief which was conceived for the death of many others by the pestilence that now raged because they seemed thereby well delivered from the fury and rage of the Prince who now neither used choice nor measure in his slaughters Being puffed up with the successe of his cruelty he said that None of his Predecessors knew their power hinting also that he meant to destroy the remnant of the Senators It was believed he had a great desire to deliver up quick men to be devoured of an Aegyptian a monstrous eater of raw flesh or any other thing that was given him 37. Neither was there wanting to him luxury and effeminatenesse suitable to his cruelty nor any other vice whereby the truth of that saying of Domitius his father might appear who hearing of his birth said that Of himself and Agrippina could proceed nothing but accursed detestable Vide. Sueton. in Nerone c. 1 2 3 4 5. and to the dammage of the Commonwealth For in him seemed to meet and be conjoyned not onely all the vices of his own family which of late had been too pregnant of them but all the corruption of his Country from the beginning to his very time The heighth of his wickednesse He lengthened his feasts from Noon to Midnight accounting no use of riches but in the abuse of them Such he thought to be sordid and base as took account of their expenses and he extolled and admired his Uncle Caius for spending in so short a time so vast sums as had been hoarded up by Tiberius To Tiridates that came to Rome to take the Diadem from his hands he allowed an incredible sum for his daily expenses and as profusely gratified him at his departure He put on no garment twice plaid for vast sums at dice fished with a golden net when he journyed any whither he never had lesse than 1000 Caroches in his train Idem ibid. c. 31 32. Tacitus Annal. lib. 15. c. 42. and he caused his mules to be shod with Silver But his house exceeded all belief having built it out of the ruines of the City For length for pleasantnesse of groves and fish-ponds it was incredible garnished also with Gold and precious stones To the madnesse of this expence he was incouraged by one that made him fair promises of discovering a vast treasure in Africk which Dido the Queen flying out of Tyre should thence bring with her But being deceived as was likely with so foolish a project he took such courses as became Nero to recruit his coffers 38. When Tiridates was departed into Armenia he went into Greece there to act Tragedies to sing and run races in the Chariot Running in the Olympick Games although he fell from his Chariot yet he was rewarded with a crown as Victor He took from Apollo the Cyrrhaean Territory and defaced the place whence they were wont to receive Oracles killing men at the hole whence the blast came He attempted to cut through the Isthmus of Peloponnesus digging first himself and carying out the first basket of Earth upon his shoulders but with the same successe as others had before him When he was in Achaia news came from Cestius Gallus President of Syria concerning the rebellion of the Jews Being long vexed with the injuries of the Deputies and Governours they could no longer contain themselves Christ's blood lying heavy upon them and crying for vengeance they themselves executed part of it The Jews rebel For such robberies in the Country A. D. 67.
a man of Consular dignity and next Cornelius Fuscus Captain of the Guards in several sore and bloody battels insomuch that the Historians of those times have thought fittest to passe over in silence the number of the slain Yet at length he triumphed over them all He was also struck at by a Civil War raised by L. Antonius President of upper Germany whom he had incensed by the odiousnesse of his vices and especially by uncivil language Which yet he overcometh This he finished absent with admirable felicity for that very hour the fight was to be the Rhine swelled so high that it hindred the Auxiliaries which were sent to Antonius from joyning with him In the second year of his reign Agricola defeated the Ordovices in Britain Tacitus in vita Agricolae and took the Isle Mona about Autumn and that upon his first coming into the Island So that the years of the Expeditions which Tacitus afterwards relateth are rather to be reckoned from the Kalends of January of the former year as Jacobus Cappellus hinteth Though Dion Cassius as appeareth from Xiphilin referred the discovery of that Britain an Island to the reign of Titus Yet others unto the time of Domitian who at length envying Agricola that great glory he had got in reducing Britain recalled him under pretence of sending him into Asia and he died two years after on the tenth of the Calends of September in the 56 year of his age Pompeius Collega and Cornelius Priscus being Consuls Whether hee died of poyson or not though there wanted not suspitions Tacitus his son-in-law dareth not affirm His cruelty 30. Domitian having suppressed the rebellion of Antonius grew extraordinarily cruel putting men to death upon small and trivial accounts Those of any note that were of his party he tortured to death by wayes unheard of and confounded the cause of the innocent with that of the guilty raging against the Christians with a second persecution He arrived at that horrid arrogance that he sticked not to say in the Senate that he gave the Empire to his father and brother who did but restore it to him and what was worse than this he would be called our Lord and God Being hereby rendred terrible and hatefull unto all he wrought his own destruction which fearing and being foretold it by the Chaldaeans he grew timorous out of measure and was ruined with the least suspition Hence did he cause the place where he was wont to abide to be beset with the stone Phengites that he might see if any one came behind him and though he was sufficiently ambitious yet did he refuse an extraordinary honour offered him by the Senate viz. that when he bore the Consulship Knights should go before him with spears amongst the Sergeants Hence also he put Epaphroditus his Secretary to death because it was believed that he had helped Nero in dispatching himself and he killed Flavius his Uncle though he had openly owned his two sons as his Successors whereof the one he called Vespasian and the other Domitian His death which hastened his destruction Eight moneths after he was slain by his own servants of whom Parthenius the chief of his Chamber was principal Domitia his wife being drawn in to the conspiracy A. D. 96. V. C. 849. Domitiani 15. for that she feared to be poysoned for her kindnesse to Paris Longinus Proculus then in Germany is said to have foretold the very day of his death and Apollonius Tyanaeus a famous Magitian who being convented before him vanished out of fight spoke of it that very hour exhorting Stephanus as it were to strike him home The people took his death indifferently the Soldiers heavily which they shortly after revenged upon the murtherers but the Senate as it were triumphed and ordered the memory of him to be abolished The best thing we find concerning him was that though he was no Scholar himself he took care for repaiting of Libraries He was murthered on the fourteenth before the Calends of October in the 45th year of his age and the 15th of his reign in the 849 year of the Citie A. D. 96. T. Fulvius Valens and C. Antistius Vetus being Consuls In his time flourished Statius Papinius who beginneth the fourth book of his Sylvae with the celebration of his 17th Consulship which fell in with the 14th of his reign Juvenal and Martial also flourished at this time whereof the later was of Equestrian rank though ever poor as * Sum fatcor semperque fui Callistrate pauper Sed non obscurus nec male notus eques he himself witnesseth 31. Now must we give a short account of Ecclesiastical affairs according to the course of time and matter Ecclesiastical matters in his time (a) Euseb Eccles Hist l. 3. c. 4. L. 4. c. 22. Dionysius the Areopagite being by St. Paul who converted him to the faith made Bishop of Athens governed that Church in the time of Nero and afterwards There are extant several works under his name but suspected and sundry Epistles whereof one to John the Evangelist then in the Isle Pathmos and another unto Polycarpus Linus the Bishop of Rome being Crowned with Martyrdom on the ninth of the Calends of October Bishops in the last year of Nero according to Damasus Cletus or Anacletus succeeded him in that Sea Some next unto Linus do place Clemens then Cletus and then Anacletus But Irenaeus Eusâ—bius and Epiphanius rank them thus Peter Linus Cletus or Anacletus Clemens for he whom Irenaeus and Eusebius call Anacletus is by Epiphanius and Damasus called Cletus This Cletus according to Damasus died in the 2 year of Domitian on the sixth before the Calends of May and was succeeded by Anacletus But (b) Lib. 3. c. 14. Eusebius maketh Anacletus to have been Bishop twelve years and in the 12th of Domitian to have been succeeded by Clemens whom St. Paul in his Epistle to the Philippians calleth his fellow labourer In the fourth year of the reign of Domitian (c) Idem ibid. c. 13. Anianus the first Bishop of Alexandria having continued there 32 years died to whom succeeded Abilius As for the Bishops of Byzantium afterwards called Constantinople we have them in this order from (d) Vide Joseph Scaliger in Eusebianis pag. 313. Nicephorus the Patriarch The first was Andrew the Apostle who having preached the word at Byzantium and built an Oratory in Argâ—ropolis ordained Stachys to be Bishop of whom (e) Rom. 16.9 St. Paul maketh mention Stachys governed 16 years after him succeeded in the year of our Lord 55 Onesimus who governed 14. then Polycarpus ruled 17. and Eleutherius 7. who came to the Chair A. D. 85. in the second of Domitian 32. Domitian having raised the second persecution against the Christian faith St. John the Apostle who having continued at Ephesus 27 years was in the ninth of his reign banished into the Island (a) Euseb Eccles Hist l. 3. c.
believe for who is there not that striveth with contemplation to seek what it is who after his search made comes not on our side who having imbraced the Faith of Jesus Christ desires not to suffer for him that by his sufferings he may get the infinite treasures of the grace of God and that in the price of his blood they may obtain the pardon of their faults for the remission of all our sins is the assured recompence of our punishments This is the reason that when they read your sentences of death unto us we render you thanks because by an happy emulation that meets between the Judgements of God and the judgement of men at the same instant when you condemn us here below God pronounceth our absolution in Heaven 34. The Soldiers being at a stand after the murther of Antoninus Bassianus were without an Emperour for two dayes Then hearing that Artabanus the Parthian was coming to revenge the injury offered to him they made choice of Ardentius one of their principal Officers but he excused himself by his age and the dignity was conferred on Macrinus by the especial indeavour of the Tribunes Lege Herodian l. 4. who alone were conscious of the fact towards Antoninus He gave battel to Artabanus and made incredible slaughter of men for two dayes during which time Orosium l. 7. c. 18. the Parthian knew nothing of his Enemies death but on the next day being certified thereof by Macrinus he received the Captives with the spoil taken in his Country and making a League with the Roman Emperour departed into his own Kingdom Xiphilin excerpt ex Dione Macrinus returning to Antioch by letters gave the Senate an account of his successe and endeavouring to remove all prejudice which might arise from the obscurity of his birth Macrinus succeedeth Bassianus promised to rule with as much moderation as any He was chearfully owned not so much out of respect to himself as hatred towards his Predecessor During the time he reigned things were well reformed Olymp. 249. an 1. V. C. 970. A. D. 217. but lying idle at Antioch he gave up himself to pleasures and keeping there the Soldiers against their inclination thereby drew contempt and hatred upon himself which wrought his destruction 35. Maesa a Phoenician sister to Julia the wife of Severus had two daughters Soaemis and Mammaea The former had a son named Bassianus fourteen years old and the later one called Alexianus two years younger Both these boyes were Priests of the Sun in the Phoenician language called Heliogabalus and the elder being the chief was also a youth of an excellent beauty and for it was very much admired by the Roman Soldiers Their Grandmother Maesa hereat took occasion to affirm whether truly or otherwise that they were both the sons of Antoninus who had been familiar with both her daughters dwelling with her under the same roof Having got great store of wealth by living at Court in her sisters time she promised large sums to the Soldiers in case the Empire could be devolved upon one of them The Soldiers gladly closing with her offer received them into their Camp which Macrinus hearing of neglected it onely he sent Julianus with a party against the Revolters but this party allured with the sight of the boy and money together cut off their Captains head and sending it back â—o Macrinus were also received into the Camp After this a battel was fought in the confines of Syria and Phoenicia wherein Macrinus having the worst fled towards Italy but was taken at Chalcedon where he fell sick of his journey and his head was struck off after he had reigned about fourteen moneths He was more sharp towards his Soldiers than was suitable to his condition being otherwise also very severe so as he burnt Adulterers quick with their bodies joyned together He was slain in the 54 year of his age together with his son Diadumenianus to whom he had given the title of Caesar Heliogabalus 36. Antoninus Heliogabalus succeeding Macrinus continued still in his Office of Priest wearing the ornaments belonging to it and dancing continually in that Antick habit He gave up himself to all filthinesse luxury and uncleannesse and killed many that talked against his courses He maried the Image of Pallas which never had seen light except when the City was burnt since its bringing from Troy unto his god as also that of Urania by which the Africans meant the Moon reported to be brought out of Phoenicia by Dido He built a sumptuous Temple for his god who was brought into it in a chariot adorned with gold and precious stones the Priest himself leading the horses and going backward all the way He painted his face though he had much natural beauty vvore Pearls in his shooes never supped under the rate of thirty pounds vvas dravvn by Dogs in a Chariot up and dovvn the Palace alvvayes sate either amongst Flovvers or svveet Odours and vvhen he journeyed had no lesse then 600 Carriages in his train Being told by the Syrian Priests that he should die a violent death he provided silken Halters Golden Knives and a Turret floored vvith Gold and Pearl saying his death should be costly and luxurious that it might be said No man died in such a sort Of his mother he vvas so fond that he vvould do nothing vvithout her and carried her vvith him into the Senate-house But these courses occasioned the ruine of them both 37. His Grand-mother fearing these courses would bring him into contempt with the Soldiers prevailed with him though otherwise heady enough to adopt Alexianus his Cousin German that all might not miscarry together with him She perswaded him to it by shewing how hereby he might provide for his pleasures and attendance on his God the other taking care of State affairs He sought to train up Alexianus now called Alexander in his own way and Mammaea having provided him Tutors able men to bring him up in good literature he either put to death or banished the chief of them as corrupting his son He preferred none but Players to publick Dignities and gave the governments of Provinces to the filthiest amongst his slaves By these things he drew more and more upon him the hatred of the Soldiers who all inclined to Alexander as a youth of good hope who also had money from his mother for a bait without which all had been nothing Antoninus knowing this endeavoured all wayes to poyson him and this succeeding not he gave out he was dead to see how the Soldiers would take it who hereupon mutined To appease them he took him along with him in a Chariot beautified with Pearl and Gold to the Camp Here was Alexander saluted and honoured alone no respect being given to Heliogabalus who being incensed thereat went about to animadvert upon such as made acclamations but the Soldiers catching at this advantage slew him together with his mother and those that accompanied him their
Then returning into the West Victor Orosius he bent his endeavours against Tetricus who reigned in Gall. Tetricus being vexed by his Seditious Soldiers desired him whom he termed Invincible to rescue him from such evils and betrayed his Army into his hands Euseb Hist l. 7. cap. 30. in Chron. Valerian growing proud upon such successe first of all Romans set a Diadem on his head and adorned himself with Gold and Pearl He began also to persecute the Christians but undertaking a War against the Persians he was slain betwixt Byzantium and Heraclea through the malice of his Secretary in the sixth year of his reign In his first year Agathias Hormisda the third Persian King began his reign which lasted but one year Him succeeded Varane and reigned three years and him followed Narses who continued 28. In his first year also died Plotinus the Platonist who deriding all religion perished through the just judgement of God by a filthy and painfull disease although he had chosen a pleasant and wholesom place wherein to live in Campania Firmicus lib. 1. Now also flourished Porphyrius his Scholar who of a Christian became a great Enemy to Christianity and wrote 15 books against it to which Eusebius answered in 30. of which 20 were extant in the time of Jerome but at this day not one Tacitus 8. There was an inter-regnum after the death of Valerian for 8 moneths Orosius lib. 7. cap. 24. Eutrop. lib. 9. the Senate and Army straining courtesie the one with the other at length the Senate made choice of Tacitus a man of Consular Dignity who in his sixth moneth died of a Feaver at Tarsus The Senate desired him that in case he should die presently he would not leave his Children his Successors Fl. Vopiscus but some man of approved worth and valour as the necessity of the State required This man was Probus Zozimus Pomponius Laetus yet notwithstanding Florianus the brother of Tacitus invaded the Empire but was cut off by Probus near Tarsus within the space of two or three moneths Probus Probus unwillingly receiving the burthen upon him managed the Government with great commendation He recovered Gall out of the hand of the Francones a people of Germany which now first seized on it after many bloudy battels and after this was ingaged in Civil Wars For Saturninus was saluted Emperour in Egypt who was overthrown also and killed also against his mind and the same successe he had against Proculus in Gall and Bonosus a Britain born He overthrew the Sarmatians subdued several barbarous Nations about Thrace by the terrour of his name onely quieted all Asia and forced the Parthian King to desire peace which he granted Returning afterward into Thrace he planted several barbarous people within the Roman Empire whereof some revolting he chastized and reduced them Now all things flourished exceedingly through peace and security which made him something slight the Soldiers who thereupon as he was marching through Illyricum against the Persians murdered him at Syrmium though he fled for safety into a fortified Tower That saying undid him Si vixero non opus erit ampliùs Romano Imperio militibus a speech of great despair for the Soldiers Witty and sharp speeches fallen from Princes have often given fire to Seditions Surely saith the most learned Viscount of St. Albans Princes had need in tender matters and ticklish times to beware what they say especially in those short speeches which fly abroad like Darts and are thought to be shot out of their secret intentions For as for large Discourses they are flat things and not so much noted Carus 9. M. Aurelius Carus of the Province of Narbon in Gall Olymp. 265. ann 3. V. C. 1036. A. D. 283. succeeded him who when he had created Caesars his two sons Carinus and Numerianus restrained the Sarmatians that upon the death of Probus threatned Italy But going against the Persians after he had recovered Mesopotamia and taken the two noble Cities of Parthia Ctesiphon and Cochis he was slain by a Thunder-bolt in his Tent near to the River Tigris Orosius Eutrop. Vopiscus Of his two sons Numerianus was with him and Carinus was left behind to look to Gall. Numerianus returning out of the East as Conquerour and lying sick in his Litter was killed by Arius Aper his father-in-law who gaped after the Empire Scarcely after some dayes was this wickednesse detected by the stench of the Carkase Diocletian and then the Author of it being also discovered Valerius Deocletianus who governed the family of Carus was chosen Emperour and rewarded Aper as he had deserved On the 15th before the Calends of December and 10 dayes after he entred Nicomedia in Purple From the beginning of this Diocletian the Egyptians began a new Aera fetching its rise from the new Moon of Thoth the preceding moneth August 29 which they called the Aera of Grace for some reason or other Cappellus observeth that the fluctuating and vitious Chronology of Baronius henceforth beginneth to be right For thinking saith he that he exhibited the years both of the true and received Aera of Christ in truth he exhibited neither the one sort nor the other Beginning the Aera of Diocletian from the 284 year of our Lord its true and right so that it be understood of the received not of the true Aera of Christ and the same is to be said concerning the years of the following Emperours But after this Carinus and Diocletian fought for the Soveraignty and Carinus after much ado was slain by his own Soldiers for his lasciviousnesse which made an end of a bloudy and laborious War 10. Diocletian then enjoyed the Dignity alone but great stirs arising in Gall Carausius also who was set to defend the Sea-Coasts from the invasion of the Franks and Saxons rather taking part with them than otherwise he was constrained to create Caesar Maximianus Herculeus Orosius ubi suprà cap. 25. Eutrop. lib. 9. Festus Rufus He suppressed the motions in Gall but commanding Carausius to be killed this man put on the Purple though a man of mean condition and seized upon Britain Achilleus rebelled in Egypt Africk was in trouble and Narses King of Persia invaded the Eastern parts Diocletian awakened with these dangers promoted Maximianus to be Augustus and they two adopted for Caesars Maximianus Galerius and Constantius Chlorus who married Theodora the wive's daughter of Herculeus and by her had six sons as the other the daughter of Diocletian Carausius valiantly held Britain for seven years and then was slain by Allectus who having kept possession of the Island three years was overthrown by Asclepiodorus Constantius fighting against the Allemans in Gall at first was worsted but afterwards got a great victory wherein 60000 of them are said to have been slain Maximianus Herculeus reduced Africk Diocletian himself besieging Achillens in Alexandria 8 moneths at length slew him therein gave up the
Citie to be plundred by the Soldiers and vexed all Egypt with proscriptions and slaughters Galerius was overthrown by the Persian King and fled to Diocletian who received him with great disdain and made him run in his Purple Robe for some miles before his Chariot Galerius much moved by this disgrace recruited his Army throughout Illyricum and Maesia and returning against Narses routed his Army took his Camp his Wives Sisters and Children many of his Nobles and great Treasure wherewith returning into Mesopotamia unto Diocletian he was then received most honourably for he had taken Ctesiphon subdued Assyria and recovered those five Provinces beyond Tigris which revolted from Trajan 11. After this were the Carpi Bastarnae and Sarmatians overthrown and divers other Nations quieted Diocletian now suffered himself to be called Lord and worshipped as a God He in the East and his Collegue in the West raised against the Christians the most heavy persecution that ever yet had hapned both for length and cruelty The tenth persecution The Soldiers were first begun with whereof all such as would not sacrifize to Devils were cashiered but the persecutors proceeded to such cruelty and rage that some were Crucified Orosius ut suprà Euseb Eccles Hist lib. 8. c. 3. c. others burnt alive others roasted with slow fiers and others pulled in pieces by having their limbs made fast to boughs of Trees which being brought together for that purpose were afterwards suffered to return to their natural position Some were starved to death many slain with the sword and many devoured of wild beasts Some were flead alive others beaten to death by hot burning iron rods and some returned to prison after their torments there to languish away Women were hung naked by one foot and some had their breasts feared no Sex no Age no condition was spared A terrible Earthquake followed in Syria which destroyed many thousands about Tyre and Sidon But in the second year of this persecution Diocletian perswaded his Collegue though unwilling that they both might resign the Empire to the two Caesars so that he being seized with a fowl disease after he had almost reigned twenty years put off the Purple at Nicomedia and Maximianus Herculius the same day at Milain The former withdrew to Salenae into his own Countrey and the later into Lucania Maximianus Galerius and Constantius Chlorus 12. The two Caesars Maximianus Galerius Orosius and Constantius Chlorus became Augusti after the resignation of their fathers in Law and first of all others parted the Empire between them To Constantius fell Gall Britain Eutropius l. 10. Spain Italy and Africk to the other Illyricum with Greece and Asia Galerius created Caesars his sister's two sons Galerius Maximinus and Severus The East he appointed to Maximinus and intended Italy for Severus if he could but take it from Constantius For this purpose he kept at Rome as an Hostage Constantine the son of Constantius by Helena a British woman as some say which he put away when he married the daughter of Maximianus But Constantine made an escape to his father Constantine Olymp. 271. ann 1. V. C. 1058. A. D. 306. who died at York in Britain not long after on the 25 of July in the third year of his reign he and his Collegue both the sixth time being Consuls in the 1058 year of the City the 306 of the ordinary Aera of Christ the first year of the 271 Olympiad ending His son Constantine in Britain was now saluted Emperour 13. The Praetorian Soldiers at Rome named Emperour Maxentius the son of Maximianus Herculius Idem who together with Diocletian had resigned the Government Against Maxentius Galerius sent Severus Aureiius Victor who besieging Rome was betrayed by his Soldiers and flying away was killed at Ravenna Now Maximianus Herculius out of desire to recover the Empire joyned with Constantine to whom he married Fausta his daughter by Eutropia Zozimus lib. 2. Orosius Euseb Eccles Hist lib. 8. Capp 14 15 16 17. then to obtain his design did he plot against both son and son-in-law but being frustrated by both hanged himself at Massilia now Marseils a Citie in France Maxentius his son and Galerius Maximinus otherwise disagreeing joyned in renewing the persecution against the Christians by Eusebius called the second which we understand of his age But Galerius Maximianus Augustus made Licinius his Collegue in the Empire in the fifth year after the death of Constantius in which year also Sapores the seventh King of Persia began his reign Galerius Augustus heightning the persecution of Christians by several cruel edicts rotted within and was eaten with vvorms vvhich crawled out of his belly so that the Physicians not able to endure the stench of his body vvere put to death Perceiving the hand of God upon him in his own and Constantines name he recalled his Edicts and at last miserably died This vvas the second persecution vvhich if it be joyned vvith the former both make up about 8 years But this rest scarcely continued 6 moneths for Maximianus being dead at Salonae Maximinus being nothing amended by so sad an example renevved the persecution His fury God chastized by putting him to flight before the Armenians vvhom he had provoked as also by pestilence and famine wherein by Gods Grace the humanity of Christians was as admirable as formerly their constancy had been Now the Roman Empire was under four Princes viz. Constantine and Maxentius sons of Emperours and Maximinus and Licinius new raised men 14. The chief men at Rome being wearied with the Tyranny of Maxentius sent for Constantine against him Canstantine in his journey by the benefit of a famous vision tasted of Christianity being formerly inclined towards it Eutrop. ubi supra Orosius The truth of the story he confirmed to Eusebius by an oath as that Historian telleth us in the History of his life and relateth it after this manner A little past noon he beheld the sign of a Crosse lively figured in the air with an Inscription in it Constantine converted containing these words In hoc vince In this overcome He said that both he and his whole Army did wonder at so strange a prodigy It 's further said that Christ appearing to him in a dream commanded him to make the figure of the Crosse which he had seen and to wear it in his Colours in the field Proceeding against Maxentiu◠he overthrew his forces four times although four times larger than his own at the later time Maxentius flying amain towards Rome was drowned in the River Maximinus published an Edict against Christians but was forced to sing a palinode twice although his flattery was as unprofitable as his threats for he died of an horrible disease at Tarsus Then did Constantine and Licinius enjoy the Empire together The former after his Victory over Maxentius was confirmed in the Christian Faith and owned Christ for the Author of his successe Licinius complied with
the City Sais near to Delta being by the Aegyptians called Nâ—uth To her he had formerly erected a Statue in Aegypt and he as they say first gave the name of Zeus to him whom the Latins called Jupiter As there were several Minervaes so also more (e) Varro de Analogia Vide Ludovic Viâ—em in Augustin dâ— Civitat Dei lib. 18. cap. 9. than one City known by the name of Athenae From this in Attica And Athenae the Citizens were by the Romans called Athenienses but another there was in Euboea built by Cecrops the Son of Erechtheus the Inhabitants of which went by the name of Athenaeâ— and a City in Naâ—bone a Province of Gaule near to Marseils called Atheneopolis and the Citizens Atheneopolitae There was also in Laconia a Town called by the name of Athenae Deucalion his story 3. In the dayes of (f) Euseb Cecrops Deucalion the Son of Prometheus reigned in Thessalie whose history being remarkable must be briefly touched Lapetus had three Sons Atlas Prometheus and Epimetheus For (g) Servius ad 8. Aeneiad the first One telleth us there were three that bore the name of Atlas One a Moor and the greatest of all another an Italian Father to Electra the third an Arcadian Father of Maia the Mother of Mercury all which the antients confound according to their custom The first (h) Diodorus l. 5. lived near to Mount Atlas to which for his great skil in Astrology is attributed the bearing up of the Heavens and he is also counted the Father of Electra Prometheus found out the instrument to strike fire and thereupon is said to have stolen fire from the Gods Deucalion his Son married Pyrrha the daughter of his Uncle Epimetheus and in his time (i) August de Civit. Dei l. 18. c. 8. Orosius l. 1. happened that great deluge in part of Greece which is known by the addition of his name that Country called most antiently and truly Hellas his seat near to the Mountain Parnassus being chiefly afflicted with it on which Hill he is thought to have saved many men by boats and thence the Fable to have risen of his repeopling the Earth But that we may note it altogether there are three particular Floods which we read to have hapned to this Country of Geece The first under Ogyges called the Ogygean deluge concerning whom we shall speak in the History of Thebes This fell 248 years before either of the other and overwhelmed Attica especially so that as Pererius will have it it remained waste 200 years after The next was this of Deucalion which happened 737 years before the first Olympiad and the (k) Diod. l. 5. p. 223. third fell 86 after it in the dayes of Dardanus and Cadmus His issue which is especially to be noted for a distinct knowledge of the several sorts of Greeks 4. Deucalion of Pyrrha his wife begat Hellen and Amphyction Hellen gave the name of Hellenes to his Subjects before called Graeci and of Hellas to the Country formerly named Pelasgia from the Pelasgi who there inhabited as Haemonia from Haemon the son of Pelasgus and Pyrrhaea from Pyrhar Strabo l. 8. He had three sons Xuthus Aeolus and Dorus. To Aeolus he left his Kingdom and sent the other two abroad to seek out seats elsewhere Aeolus grew so famous that the name of Jupiter and Neptune came to be given him Dorus inhabited the Country Histiaeotis Herod l. 1. Pausan in Achaicis about the Mountains Ossa and Olympus Xuthus after his Father's death was banished Thessalie by his other Brothers for stealing away a great part of his Fathers treasure and came to Athens where he married the daughter of Erechtheus on which he begat Achaeus and Ion. Achaeus getting aid from Athens and Aegialus went into Thessalie and recovered his Grand-Father's Kingdom but afterwards killing a man by chance he fled into Laconia Strabo ut suprà where his posterity continued till expelled by the Heraclidae and Dorienses as we shewed in the History of Tisamenus Ion being exceeding famous at Athens had a numerous progeny which for that Attica was now grown too full was sent out as a Colony into Peloponnesus whence they were thrust out by their brethren the Achaeans after they had denied them harbour as is formerly said and returned to Athens from which Citie they were afterwards led out into Asia by the sons of Codrus But these things hapned in after times The Council of Areopagus 5. In Cecrops his time (l) Euseb one maketh the Council or Senate of Areopagus to have had its Original though no clear light can we discover concerning the true beginning of it (m) Cicero offic l. 1. Plutarch Some write that it began under Solon but (n) Aristot another of a more antient date signifieth that it was a Court of Judicature before (o) Pausan in Atticis One deriveth the word from Mars in Greek Ares making him to have been first tried there for killing Halirrhodius the son of Neptune who offered violence to his daughter Alcippe Others would fetch a reason from the erecting of his Spear there or from this Suidas that the Court of Areopagus took Cognisance of slaughters which are usually committed with Swords or other Weapons of Mars Lastly some think it thence to have been named for that the Amazons when they fought against Theseus made Mars his Hill their Fortresse and there offered sacrifice to him * Euseb Cecrops died after he had reigned 50 years and because Erysicthon his son died before him Cranaus Cranaus the most powerfull man then at Athens succeeded him in the Kingdom He after he had reigned some seven years Pausan ut suprà A. M. 3507. was thrust out by Amphyction Amphyction the son of Deucalion and his son-in-law the founder as some have thought of the National Council of the Amphyctiones of which we have already spoken He is reported to have given entertainment to Dionysus or Bacchus who at this time as they say came into Attica and when he had reigned ten years was also expelled by Erichthonius Erichthonius 6. The father of Erichthonius was said to be Vulcan and his mother the earth because he was found in Vulcan's Temple upon the earth Apollodorus l. 3. with a Snake wound about his feet whence also they feigned that he had feet like Snakes and invented a Chariot wherein he might ride and hide them He instituted Games to Apollo and Minerva and having reigned 50 years left his Kingdom to his son Pandion Pandion who also after 40. gave way to his son Erechtheus Erechtheus He became a man of great account and whereas the subjects of Athens were before his time called Cecropidae thenceforth they were named after the place it self He made War upon the inhabitants of Eleasine Ion the son of Xuthus and his own Grand-son by his daughter being his chief Commander
Lycurgus his brother Lycurgus then governed as King Lycurgus but not long after his brothers wife proved to be with Child She sent to acquaint him therewith and to tell him that if he would marry her she would make away the infant He detesting from his heart such Villany yet returned her no denial but desired her not to practice any thing upon her self whereby she might come in danger for when the Child was once born he would take care for the destruction of it and by this deceit he drew her on till the time of her Travel When that came he sent some to observe her with command if it were a Girle to deliver it to the women but if a Boy to bring it strait unto him As he was supping with the Magistrates a Boy was born and brought to him who taking him in his arms told the Spartans that there was their King and presently put him in the Royal seat And A.M. 3107. because all men wonderfully rejoyced at so strange a thing admiring his Magnanimity and Justice he gave to the Child the name of Charilaus Tutor to Charilaus 6. Then as Tutor to this his young Nephew he managed publick affairs for some eight moneths but there wanted not those of the Queens kindred especially her brother who reproached him to his face as intending no good to the Child which she also now stuck not to say incensed by his repulse in the matter of marriage He took this in very ill part Lege Plutarchum Strab. lib. 10. pag. 482. and fearing that some inconvenience might follow these suspitions that were begotten by his adversaries in the breasts of several persons resolved to cut them off by Travel wherein he purposed to continue so long till his brothers son should come to maturity and had begotten an Heir for his Kingdom He went first unto Crete Travelleth where he made observations of the Laws and Customes of that Commonwealth instituted by Minos which afterwards he made his pattern and whence he sent Thaletas an Eminent Lyrick Poet of those times by his charming Verses to stir up the Lacedaemonians to Love and Unity From Crete he passed over into Asia that he might compare the luxury thereof with the Cretian severity and as good Physick make up a temper out of both where he found Homer's Verses kept as it seemeth by the Sons of Creophylus the Poet being dead not above thirty years before which he then copied out and bringing them home first made them publick in Greece though in great disorder in which they continued till the dayes of Pisistratus The Egyptians reported that he came down into their Countrey and there learnt the distinction of Military men from Artificers and those of other callings But whilest he thus improved himself abroad he was much wanted at home and often earnestly sollicited to return by all parties 7. For great need there was of his pretence to heal the distempers into which the State was now fall'n the heady multitude having by its desire of loose liberty brought all things into confusion The first Government till the coming in of the Heraclidae for any thing that can be found was meerly absolute and afterwards we do not find that the Regal power was diminished till Eurypon or Eurytion most imprudently let loose the reigns of Government This gave occasion to the Rabble to fly high in disobedience and contest with his Successors when they endeavoured the recovery of their old Authority Many great tumults and seditions were hence raised insomuch that Eunomus the Grand-son of Eurypon father of Lycurgus and fifth from Procles was murdred in one of them with a butchers knife These distempers increasing Plutarch and the Kings not being strong enough to rule the dissolute Rabble nothing but absolute ruin and destruction was expected when Lycurgus returning home of whose prudence and integrity they had had formerly large demonstrations alone seemed able to give any hope of better things 8. He thought this opportunity was not be neglected now that all were in so good a mind and resolved to use his utmost indeavour for an alteration At his return he anew modelleth the State Herein this was the scope he aimed at to make Provision for equality which he thought to be the best Nurse of Concord and the Bulwark of all societies To accustom the People from their tender years to obey the Laws and Magistrates and hereby to render them more inclinable to live justly and frugally to bridle all corrupt affections indure labour and hardship refuse no danger for the publick good nor death it self if the case required Having therefore a design to make a full evacuation of all bad humours as he accounted them and knowing how full of difficulty and danger this might prove to the body politick mens minds much loathing so violent a Purgation he considered that they were apt to be led by a shew of Religion and having learnt how Minos pretended to have received his Laws from Jupiter with whom he conversed in a Cave he resolved to go to Delphos and make use of that Oracle to the same advantage There was he received with incouraging words saluted Beloved of the gods a god rather than a man and received in an Oracle the frame of a Commonwealth which bringing home he called Rhetra to gain the more Authority to it At his return he first consulted with his intimate friends and drew others on by degrees till having made a party he ordered thirty principal persons to go Armed into the Market-place betimes in the morning that they might thereby strike a terrour into their Adversaries A.M. 3122. Charilaus at this much affrighted as thinking it some plot against himself fled to Chalciaecum the Temple of Minerva much spoken of where he took Sanctuary but understanding how things were came forth and joyned himself to his Uncle being of a most sweet and mild disposition 9. The Rhetra according to which he framed his Model was of this tenour Let him build a Temple of Jupiter Syllanius and Minerva Syllania Let him divide the People into Phylae and Obae ordain thirty Senators with the Archagetae then let him call together the People betwixt Babyces and Cnacion so let him propose concerning matters or null them Gamodan Gorian c. In these words of the Oracle saith Plutarch Obae and Phylae that is Tribes signifie certain parts into which the People was to be divided the Kings are called Archagetae as Captains and to assemble the People is in Greek expressed by apollazein for that he attributed the beginning and cause of the Commonwealth to Apollo Pythius Babycas and Cnacion is at this day called Oenuns Aristotle writeth that Cnacion is the name of the River and Babycas of the Bridge In the middle betwixt these the Concio was assembled though there was neither Gallery nor any other accommodation because he thought that those things conduced nothing to Council but rather