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
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
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
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
(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
Keepers so much drink that they falling asleep with one of their daggers he cut the thongs Being loosed he stabbed the Cretians and escaped and afterwards to requite the womans kindnesse married her to his Son Gorgus 42. Ten years the Siege of Ira continued the Messenians enjoying the grounds at the foot of the Mountain as far as the River Neda thereby being better provided for to hold out But in the eleventh when Aristomenes was renderd by a wound incapable of taking such care about the watch as he had been wont in a rainy and dark night the sentinels secure of him betook themselves to their own homes Amongst those there was one whose wife in his absence entertained a certain Herds-man as a Lover who belonged to Emperamus a Lacedaemonian now at the Siege He being hid by his Paramour upon her husband's coming heard the man tell the Story how he and his fellows had forsaken their charge and slipping away therewith acquainted his Master Both the Spartan Kings were absent at this time but Emperamus unwilling to let slip so fair an opportunity led the Army thither and got into the Fortresse before he was discovered A.M. 3337. Ol. 28. an 1. V. C. 86. Manassis 34. When the matter was perceived The end of the second War a great contest there was betwixt the parties but Aristomenes seeing there was no hope of doing any good and willing to save what was left of the afflicted Messenians obtained liberty to depart and so Ira being taken the War ended after it had lasted sixteen years in the first of the 28th Olympiad when Auâ—osthenes was Archon at Athens A. M. 3337. 43. When the Arcadians understood of the taking of Ira they desired of Aristocrates their King to be led out either to restore their friends or die with them but he having formerly betraied them at the great Ditch was now also corrupted with money and refused to do it alleging there was none left to whom they could give assistance Yet when it was clearly known that they were alive they sent some before to comfort them then met them with clothes and meat as far as the Hill Lycaeus and kindly invited them to live amongst them Aristomenes boyling with hatred and revenge against the Lacedaemonians chose out of the Company 500 men whom he knew to be no whit desirous to outlive the fortune of their Country and asked them in the hearing of Aristocrates not knowing any thing of his treachery and the Arcadians whether they would venture their lives with him Upon their answer that they would he acquainted them with his design to march straight for Sparta which if he could surprize now that all it's strength was imployed in the plunder of Messenia then should he make an even exchange with the Lacedaemonians but if not death would be the worst that could happen Besides the Messenians 300 Arcadians gave their names to this Expedition but being stayed by reason that the entrails of the beast were not propitious Aristocrates punished for his treachery Aristocrates had time to give notice of the design to Anaxander King of Sparta The treachery was discovered after the return of the Messenger by some that suspected it and the letter sent back from Anaxander was red in the Assembly of the Arcadians wherein thanks was given to Aristocrates as well for the help he afforded the Lacedaemonians at the great Ditch as for this timely notice Hereat the multitude was so inraged as they stoned him out of hand cast him out unburied and erected a monument to his infamy with this note that Perjury cannot escape God They exhorted also the Messenians to throw stones at him who looked upon Aristomenes as expecting directions from him but he onely fixed his eyes on the ground and wept 44. The Messenians desired of Aristomenes to lead them out to seek some new place to inhabit but he denied it resolving to spend his dayes in doing as much mischief as he could to the Lacedaemonians onely his son Gorgus and Manticlus he offered to them Those that had kept Pylus and Methone with others which lived on the Sea-coasts went by ship to Cyllene the haven of the Eleans to seek out the rest The following Spring several places being proposed to go to Anaxilas who then reigned at Rhegium and was descended of one Alcidamidas a Messenian that after the taking of Ithome in the former War betook himself thither sent some to convey them into Italy After their arrival he told them he had continual War with the Zauclaeans a people of Sicilie that inhabited a fruitful and pleasant Soil which if they would help him to conquer he would put it into their hands A. M. 3339. Ol. 28. an 3. V.C. 88. Manassis 36. He then besieged them by Sea The Messenians passe into Sicily and the Messenians by Land whereby being distressed and the greater part of the wall now cast down they fled to the altars of their gods Anaxilus would have had them slain and their wives and children sold but the other unwilling to commit such cruelty against any Greeks for such they were the Town being first inhabited by Râ—vers and afterwards by others from several parts of Greece gave them liberty to continue and incorporating themselves into their body changed the name of the place from Zancle into Messene Aristomenes for some time continuing in Greece married his daughters very honourably whereof Demagetus Prince of Rhodes at that time took the youngest to wife having been advised by the Oracle to make choice of that man's daughter who was the best in all Greece He carried his daughter to Rhodes whence he intended to go to Ardys the son of Gyges then reigning in Lydia and thence to Ecbatane to Phraortes King of the Medes but death prevented him and he finished his dayes in that Island being found in the number of those few that lived and dyed in great glory SECT 6. Such as continued in Messenia made slaves 45. Messenia thus subdued by the Lacedaemonians was tilled by the common slaves amongst whom such of the inhabitants as there still remained were inrolled and became a proverb for their hard bondage being worse used than any because as some think the War was carried on with them not for glory and Empire but for life and safety not with a contention which people should rule but whether should be preserved The accession of this Countrey to their demesnes very much increased the power of Lacedaemon and so they held it for two hundred years till an opportunity was offered for the old inhabitants in despight of them to return This thing being brought to passe long after must be referred to another place as also because what further hapned betwixt the Arcadians Argives and this Common-wealth is not very material whatsoever we have further to observe concerning the Lacedaemonians SECT VI. The most antient Kingdom of Corinth Corinth first called Ephyra and built by
Sisyphus 1. THis Citie seated in the Isthmus of Peloponnesus Pausan in Corinthiacis had first the name of Ephyra and was built by Sisyphus whose posterity reigned here some 428 years in the dayes of Cecrops the first King of Athens and a little before Deucalions Flood about the 2486 year of the World He married Merope the daughter of Atlas by which he had four sons Glaucus Ornytion Thersander and Almas was accounted a very wise Euseb in Chron. A. M. 2486. and prudent man feigned also to have returned to life again that he might chastize his wife for not having performed what was due to his memory After he was once got up he would not return of a long time to Hell where he is also said by the Poets to roll a great stone up an Hill which continually tumbling down again keepeth him in constant toil having this punishment inflicted on him for discovering to Asopus his daughter stolne away by Jupiter Glaucus his eldest son was the father of Bellerophon and first celebrated Games in the Isthmus Ornytion begat Phocus who led a Colony into and gave name to the Countrey called Phocis after him and Thoas a younger son that continued at Corinth Thersander had two sons Coronus and Haliartus who being adopted by Athamas their Uncle on the father's side then reigning in Boeotia after he had lost his own two sons Phryxus and Helles and his daughter Ino with her two sons gave name to two places in that Countrey Almus called otherwise Halmus and Olmus the youngest son of Sisyphus had part of the Countrey of the Orchomenians bestowed on him by Eteocles the King and from him Almon or Olmon a place of Boeotia was so named Bellerophontes 2. Bellerophontes having committed man-slaughter at Corinth was forced to fly thence and went to Praetus King of the Argives whose wife Sthenobaea enamoured of his beauty tempted him to lie with her Apoliodorus A M. 2660. but he had the modesty to deny her wherewith she was so incensed as to accuse him to her husband of an intended rape Praetus taking it in great disdain to be so used by his Guest yet would not kill him but sent him to Iolas King of Lycia his wives father with Letters wherein he desired him to make the bearer away To fulfill his request Iolas first caused him to fight with the Chimaera a Monster that vomited fire not doubting of his destruction thereby but he mounting the horse Pegasus slew the Monster Then he sent him against the Solymi and Amazons whom he Conquered then caused some of the strongest young men he could procure to ly in ambush and fall on him which also he having slain Iolas admiring his valour gave him his daughter Philonoe to wife and when he died left him his Successor in the Kingdom of Lycia Concerning this Chimaera what should be meant thereby is scarce discernable The Chimaera (a) Servius in Virgil Aeneiad l. 6. Some have understood by it a Mountain in Lycia the top whereof vomited forth fire the middle part had Pastures full of Goats and the foot or bottom abounded with Serpents 'T is conceived he might make this Mountain habitable and thence be said to have slain the Chimaera which had a mouth like a Lyon middle parts as a Goat and the hinder parts like a Dragon (b) Plutarch de virtutibus mulierum Others again say that Bellerophontes gave occasion to this fable by killing one Chimaerus a Sea Captain who infested the Lycians with piracy the story being thence raised for that Chimaerus his ship had a Lyon painted on the prow and a Dragon on the deck and Bellerophon's Vessel called Pegasus might have a winged horse for its sign A third (c) Homer Iliad 3. Eust Isac in Lycoph p. 6. sort think three kinds of enemies to be signified by this Monster the Solymi Amazons and Lycians the former being for their valour compared to a Lyon the next for their nimblenesse in climbing of Rocks to a Goat and the last to a Dragon for their craftinesse in ambushes Lastly a (d) Lege Bocharti Canaan lib. 1. c. 6. modern and most learned Writer judgeth the three gods of the Solymi whom Bellerophon overthrew to have been painted in their Ensigns resembling a Lyon Goat and Dragon like the three heads of the Monster as 't is described by Hesiod 3. Bellerophontes being driven from Corinth Thoas the son of Ornytion obtained the Kingdom whom succeeded Demophon his son Pausan ut prius then followed Propodas whose two sons Doridas and Hyanthidas reigning both together Aletes the son of Hippotes son to Antiochus and Nephew to Hercules came down and subdued the Kingdom The Heraclidae having before this Vide Simsonium ad A.M. 2914. obtained Peloponnesus Aletes reserved this part for him who consulting the Oracle of Jupiter at Dodona was answered that he should then obtain it when a clod of Earth should be given him At his return this was fulfilled for begging some meat of an Herds-man he having nothing to give him offered him a clod which he gladly accepted saying Aletes aceepteth of a clod which became a proverb Who gave the name of Corinth to the Citie is uncertain but however Aletes out of gratitude to the Oracle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 named it Corinth of Jupiter which gave occasion to the multitude to believe that Corinth the King that built it was the son of Jupiter wherein they so gloried and so often vaunted of it that nothing became more ridiculous and they were laughed at for it throughout Greece After Aletes the eldest of the family succeeded for several Generations The first was Ixion Euseb in Chronico Excepta Diodori per Georgium Monact inter lib. 5. 10. who reigned 37 years the next Agilaus who ruled as many Prumnis 35. and * A. M. 3048. Bacchis full so many who was so famous that where as he and all his Ancestors were called Heraclidae The Bacchiadae his Successors from him had the name of Bacchiadae The first after him was Agelas who governed thirty years the next Eudemus who reigned 25. then came Aristomedes who having ruled 35. left a Child behind him which his brother Algemon whom he had appointed Guardian deposed and held the Kingdom himself sixteen years After him followed Alexander for 25. whom Telestes the son of Aristomedes slew and obtained his fathers Kingdom which he held twelve years He was also slain by Arieus and Perantas his Kins-men and then Automenes reigned one year which being expired the Bachidae more than 200 in number seized on the Kingdom and Governed in common onely every year they created a Prytanis out of their own body to be in the room of the King and so they continued 90 years in the way of an Aristocracy Colonies of the Corinthians 4. During this term in the fourth year of the eleventh Olympiad A.M.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
found to have passed from the Originall of Jubilies to the Dedication of the Temple which make up eleven Jubilies and eight years Ludov. Cappellus So the service therein began in the eighth year of the twelfth Jubilie or in the first year of the second week of the twelfth which seemeth agreeable to the Ceremoniall Law wherein most things consist in the number of 7 and are reckoned by Sabbaticall years and Jubilies And if we divide 3095 by 7 we shall find the Temple dedicated in the first year of the 442d week from the Creation almost twelve intire Jubilies after the Service thereof had been first appointed on Mount Sinai Solomon's Navy 43. About the same time Solomon built a Navie at Esion-gaber 1 Kings 1. on the shoar of the Red Sea in the Land of Edom. This furnishing with his own Subjects and the Tyrians then by reason of the situation of their Countrey the best Sailors in the World sent to him by Hiram he dispatched to Ophir once in three yeers for gold and other marchandise whence they brought him 420 talents The Country of Edom David had formerly subdued and thence Solomon his Son had the priviledge of building his Ships there Aeleth or Eloth called by other Writers Aelana and Aelanum was then a famous City seated upon the Arabian Gulf to part whereof lying about it it gave appellation As Esion-gaber was the Arcenall for building the Navie so this City seemeth to have been the Emporium or Mart-town and as long as the Edomites continued under the obedience of the Kingdom of Judah it is probable that thence Marchandise was transported to Petra the chief City of Arabia and so to Jerusalem But when the Edomites revolted which happened after the death of Jehosaphat the course was altered from Jerusalem to Rhino colura a City in Phoenicia upon Aegypt and there continued long till such time as the Ptolomie's with much adoe brought down the trade to Alexandria To effect this they made two Ports upon the borders whereof the one bare the name of Berenice and is mistaken by Josephus for Esion-gaber that lying at a great distance both from this and Elath which seemeth to be the same place mentioned in (d) Strabonem lege lib. 16. p. 780. D. 781. A. B. c. Vide Fullerum in miscellaneis Strabo by the name of * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Albus Pagus 44. As this Navigation of the Tyrians gave a beginning to their Fame in that Art so from it as is probably conceived came the name of the Red Sea or that of Edom first to be famous in other Countries Their Traffick increasing they might well send out Colonies into other parts and hence as Herodotus writeth the Sea-coast of Arabia might be inhabited by them but as for their coming from these parts to inhabit Phoenicia which opinion seemeth to have taken it's originall SECT 3. from the journey of the Israelites out of these Coasts it is a meer Fable Sailing out of the Arabian into the Persian Gulf the name of Red Sea might upon this occasion be given by them to both which is usually to be expounded of both in antient Writers the word Edom being changed into others of the same signification in severall Languages As for Ophir if we think this Country denominated from the Son of Sem or him from it either immediately by his habitation therein or rather mediately by the Tyrians imposing that name upon it which properly belonged to a place in Arabia then need wee not seek for it in America and feign strange circuits to have been made from the Red Sea round about Africk to sail thither as those who place it in that part of the World are forced to do His buildings 45. Solomon after the dedication of the Temple fortified Jerusalem with a treble wall and repaired Hazron the antient Metropolis of the Canaanites so did he Gaza of the Philistins he built Bethoron Gerar and the Millo or munition of Jerusalem He also built Megiddo in Manasseh on this side Jordan Balah in Dan and Thadmor which may be either Thameron in the Desart of Judaea mentioned by Ptolomy or Palmyra as Josephus thinketh situate in the Desart of Syria on the borders of his Dominions which being many Ages after rebuilt by Adrian the Emperour was named after him Adrianopolis He built for himself in thirteen years time a Palace and an house for his Wife the Daughter of Pharaoh After this he offered twenty Towns bordering upon the Tribe of Asher to Hiram King of Tyre as a reward for the assistance he afforded him in his buildings but he refusing them he placed Colonies therein And from his refusall the Country came to be called Cabul His incontinency and idolatry 46. In the later part of his reign he fell into great incontinency 1 Kings 11. and thence became accessory to abhominable Idolatry He loved many strange Women as together with the Daughter of Pharaoh Women of the Moabites Ammonites Edomites Sidonians and Hittites of the Nations wherewith the Children of Israel were forbidden to marry He had 700 Wives and 300 Concubines which turned his heart after other gods so that he went after Ashtaroth the goddesse of the Sidonians and Milcom the abhomination of the Amorites he built an high-place for Chemosh the abhomination of Moab in the hill before Jerusalem for Molech the abhomination of the Children of Ammon and so did he for all his strange Wives which burnt incense and sacrificed to their gods This provoked the God of Israel who had twice appeared to him insomuch that for his horrible ingratitude he determined evil concerning his Kingdom to be fulfilled in his Son Yet have we ground to judge well of his eternall condition seeing he made a recantation of his former errors and was used as a Pen-man of Scripture by the Holy Ghost His death He dyed after he had reigned 40 years A. M. 3025. being without parallel for Wisdom Magnificence and Humane Frailty A. M. 3025. SECT III. From the death of Solomon and the rent of the Kingdom to the destruction of the Kingdom of Judah 1. SOLOMON being dead Rehoboam his Son 1 Kings 12. by Naama an Ammonitish Woman reigned in his stead The Tribes when they met at Sichem to make him King petitioned for a relaxation of their burthens imposed by his Father to which he answered so churlishly despising the counsel of the antient and grave Men that ten Tribes revolted from him Ten Tribes fall off from Rehoboam and made King over them Jeroboam the Son of Nebat 2 Chron. 11. Ver. 13 14. who had fled into Aegypt for fear of Solomon after that God's intentions came to be known of giving him part of the Kingdom 2 Chron. 11. v. 13 14. With Rehoboam yet remained the two Tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the greatest part of the Levites who left their possessions and setled themselves
5th after the destruction of Jerusalem Conquered Egypt killed the King thereof and appointed another in his stead Some think Amasis might be used as an instrument by Nebuchadnezar and for that was made Governour by him others that the Deputy or Vice-Roy which he had set over the Land was slain by Amasis Agreeable to this later opinion the Army of Ionians and Carians are held to have been none other than the Garrisons of Mercenaries left by the Assyrian for the Guard of his Viceroy and custody of this his new subdued Province as likewise the Company returning from Cyrene and Barce who together with the friends of such as were slain in that expedition deposed slue Apries are conceived to have been the Egyptian Fugitives which then recovered their own Countrey seeing that of the Prophet was verified At the end of fourty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people where they were scattered and I will bring again the Captivity of Egypt and will cause them to return into the Land of Pathros into the Land of their habitation and they shall be there a small Kingdom 28. Amasis being a man of mean extraction Herodotus and perceiving himself upon that account despised of his people took a Golden Vessel wherein he and his Guests had used to wash their feet and thereof made an image of a god which when the Egyptians worshipped with great reverence he called them together and comparing his Original with the former use of the Gold convinced them of that equal reverence which the change of both ought to beget in them Under him the Egyptians boasted that their Countrey was most happy no fewer then 1020 Towns of good note flourishing therein in his dayes Amasis his Law He made a Law that all men should yearly give account how they lived which if they could not prove to be by some honest calling they were to be punished with death and this Solon is said to have translated to Athens He being the first of all others that took Cyprus reigned 54. or 55 years It seemeth probable enough that he revolted from Cyrus being before tributary to the Babylonian Empire though the Priests hid this amongst other things from Herodotus and others and that this was the chief cause whatever is pretended why Cambyses came down and conquered his Kingdom This was not accomplished in his time he dying in preparation for the War A. M. 3480. V.C. 229. Cambysis 5. But his Son Psammenitus succeeding him lost all and so Egypt became a Province of the Persian Empire Psammenitus which things involving much of the affairs of Persia and nearly relating to the tragedie of Cambyses are to be referred to a more proper place The Kingdom of Aegypt very antient 29. The Egyptians accounting themselves the most antient of all Nations were not wanting indeed of many reasons to witnesse their antiquity although their pride transported them beyond the true Epoche of their Original The Scripture it self witnesseth Egypt to have been a mighty Kingdom every way better replenished then any other Country that we can read of in so antient times in the dayes of Abraham it was a flourishing Kingdom and the Israelites were not a People till such time as the Egyptians were one of the most flourishing Nations upon Earth The Ethiopians concluded themselves more antient because Egypt as they thought was of old a Sea or Lake (k) Ephorus apud Diodorum l. 1. p. 25. Herod lib. 2. c. 5. Arist Meteor l. 1. c. 14. Strabo l. 12. p. 536. D. Plut. in Iside Plin. l. 2. c. 85. Ammian l. 22. antient Writers being of opinion that it was the gift of the River Nile which having once contained within it self all the compasse of the Land at length warped it up out of it's bowels so that from it's mud or dirt the firm ground proceeded and became a Continent They urge that in the yearly inundations of the Nile much mud is left and sticks immovable that in the moutains of Egypt the shells of Fishes are found that the Springs and Wells there digged affoard water of a brackish taste as if the reliques of Sea-water yet remained in the Earth Lastly they say that the Island Pharus at this day Aegypt not the gift of the Nyle as was generally imagined is scarce a mile distant from Alexandria whereas in the time of (l) Odyss l. 4. ver 356. Homer it was a day and a nights sail off from Egypt But experience sheweth that for some thousands of years there hath been no accession by any such mud but that those Towns which anciently stood upon the Shore of the Sea and River still continue there The shells might come from the generall Deluge being found also in other places as well as Egypt Many describe the Fountain of the Sun at Heliopolis Vide Brodaei Miscell l. 3. c. 5. Bocharri Phaleg l. 4. c. 24. and yet none observe any brackish taste in the water And as for Pharus in the Trojan times it was distant from Canobus where Menelaus is thought to have arrived but 120 furlongs and therefore could not be a day and nights sail from Egypt as Homer wrote by virtue of his Poetick liberty or rather his ignorance in Geographie The antiquity of the Greeks novelty in comparison of that of the Aegyptians 30. Certainly they had cause enough to charge the Greeks with novelty and to jeer as they did at their pedantick pretence to Antiquity the lustre of any one of their Common-wealths being to that of theirs but as yesterday their Laws and Policy their Religion and Rites but new upstarts and as the Egyptians would go about to demonstrate but copies of their Originall There was ripenesse of literature civil discipline and inventions of severall sorts amongst them before the like did as much as bud forth in Greece Italy Herod l. 2. c. 49. or other Western Countries They stick not to instance wherein the Greeks have borrowed of them All or most of the names of their gods with the superstition belonging to them were they say stollen out of their Country the Rites being something altered and new stories invented to blind the World as to their Originall Diodorus l. 1. p. 14. c. Osiris they avow to have been the true Bacchus or Dionysus in whose Mysteries Orpheus the Poet being initiated whilst he sojourned in Egypt when he was afterwards kindly entertained at Thebes in Boeotia to gratifie them of that place raised a Fable of his being born there and begotten by Jupiter on Semele the Daughter of Cadmus a certain Bastard having at that time been born of her and fathered upon Jupiter Isis the Sister and Wife of Osiris they affirm to be the true Ceres Hercules was an Egyptian not born immediately before the Trojan War but in the most antient time even at the beginning of Mankind to which season the wearing of a Club and Lyons-skin was most
whomsoever would accept of it and that this Taurus who bore himself high upon his valour and was hated by all for his ill manners was forced by Minos to accept of it Theseus having killed him was so admired by the King that he gave him back the children and remitted the Tribute Ariadne fell in love with him whom some say he carried away with him but others that he left her behind and she hanged her self several things one contrary to another being reported of her Peace now being made and Theseus returning homewards they were so transported with joy that they forgot to set up the white sailes whereupon Aegeus dispairing of his sons safety threw himself headlong from a Rock and perished The death of Aegeus From this Aegeus some would fetch the name of the Aegean Sea But others think it was so called from Aegae the Island near Euboea others from Aegae a town of Euboea some from Aega a promontory of Aeolis and others from the Rock Aege lying betwixt Tenedus and Chius Again some from Aegeus the name of Neptune in Pherecydes and others from Aegeon the same with Briareus and others from a Goat because by it's turbulency it leapeth like that creature Festus who deriveth the name also from Aegeus mentioneth other two Originals as probable viz. the many Islands which to one looking at them a far off appear as Goats in the Greek language called Aegae and the perishing of Aege the Queen of the Amazons in it Concerning Aegeus Suidas telleth a long story out of Nicocrates which is refuted by the Scholiast of Apollonius who concerning this is to be consulted together with Strabo and Pliny Theseus gathereth the Athenians into one City 14. Theseus succeeding his Father A. M. 2775. set himself all manner of wayes to deserve well of his Subjects Whereas before they were dispersed in twelve Towns or more he gathered them into one City as being more convenient for strength concord and dispatch of publick businesse This being hard to effect by reason that the people were unwilling to quit their present possessions for new hopes he went from place to place shewing them the convenience of the thing and that he might effectually perswade he promised them liberty offering to lay down all power except that of the Generalship and of keeping the Laws in all other things to be like them and the power to rest in the people The multitude being allured by this promise he made the chief City called Cecropia his regal seat and built another about it for the people which he divided into three ranks of Nobility Husbandmen and Artificers all under the same aequality of liberty and Law But the former sort he appointed to be the fountain of Magistracy yet so as elective by the suffrages of the other two He abolished the several Courts of Judicature belonging to the twelve Towns and constituted one general Prytaneum in the City Thus did he devest himself of all royalty in a manner and brought popular-government into the State His exploits 15. As Hercules had instituted the Olympick Games in honour of Jupiter Plutarch so he ordained the Isthmian and dedicated them to Neptune He sailed with Hercules into the Euxine Sea some say by himself against the Amazons from amongst whom he got Antiope his wife which gave occasion to that sort of women to come against Athens They sore distressed it by a Seige till peace was made by Antiope or Hippolyta as others called her Some have affirmed that he was not partaker in any Exploit with any of the Heroes of his time except in that he helped the Lapithae against the Centaurs Others again contend that hee sailed to Colchos with Jason and assisted Meleager in killing the Boar whence came the Proverb Non sine Theseo he also performed many brave things by himself without the assistance of any hence he came to be counted Alter Hercules Having contracted near friendship and alliance with Perithous the Son of Ixion being now 50 years old he joyned with him in stealing away Helena the daughter of Tyndareus from Sparta and when they cast lots who should have her she fell to him He carried her to his Mother living at Aphidna there to be kept till she were ripe for marriage But having agreed that he who obtained her should help the other to procure him a wife elsewhere they both travelled into Epirus to steal thence the daughter of Aidoneus King of the Molossians whose wife was called Proserpina and his Dog Cerberus he himself by the Fable being named Pluto When he understood their errand that they came not to wooe but to steal be laid hands on them both and caused his Dog to devoure Perithous kept Theseus in prison till Hercules desired he should be set at liberty 16. Whilst Theseus was absent one Menestheus the son of Peleus who was Grand-son to Erechtheus by his Son Oâ—neus incensed the people against him and that upon the account of that change he had made in the State which he would have them believe was intended to inslave them under pretence of liberty and at this time came down the Tyndaridae Idem Castor and Pollux some think by his procurement against Athens in behalf of their Sister Finding that she was not there and discovering the place of her restraint they went to Aphidna and taking it by force recovered her and took Aethra the Mother of Theseus which afterwards accompanied her as her servant to Troy and at the taking of that Town was set at liberty by her Grand-son Demophon By means of Menestheus the Tyndaridae were received into Athens and great honour was done unto them which thing contributed to his design For when Theseus returned the Citizens were so wrought upon His exile that in no wise would they be reconciled and so was he forced to banish himself into the Island Scyrus having sent away his children privatly to Elpenor the son of Chalcedon into Euboea One writeth Diod. l. 4. p. 184. Pausanians in Atticis A. M. 2802. that sailing towards Crete to Deucalion the son of Minos whose Sister Phaedra he had married after the death of Antiope he was driven by tempest upon Scyrus the Inhabitants whereof receiving him with great honour for reverence of his name Lycomedes their King out of jealousie made him away having led him up to a Rock And death as though to shew him the Country and thence tumbled him down headlong Menestheus 17. Menestheus then began his reign at Athens in the dayes of Atreus King of Argos and Mycenae and some years after accompanied Agamemnon and Menelaus to the siege of Troy with 50 ships During the War we hear little or nothing of him but after the City was taken he honoured the Funerals of Ajax the son of Telamon with a Funeral Oration Philostratus in Heroicis which work belonged to the Athenians to perform for those that died in the Wars but
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
of the stock of Aegyptus to be sacrifized whereupon all that belonged to that family were subjected to the lot and the daughter of one Lyciscus vvas taken She being to be offered the sooth-sayer forbad it alleging that she vvas not the daughter of Lyciscus but brought in under-hand by his vvife that vvas barren and vvhil'st he vvas thus peâ—swading the people Lyciscus fled away vvith her to Sparta All hereat exceedingly startled Aristodemus another of that family voluntarily offered his ovvn daughter but a young man there present that vvas in love vvith her and shortly intended marriage stifly impugned it and contended she vvas not in her fathers povver because betrothed to himself Not herevvith prevailing he affirmed he had lien vvith her and that she vvas vvith Child vvhereat Aristodemus vvas so inraged Aristodemus killeth his daughter that he killed her vvith his ovvn hand A.M. 3269. Olymp. 11. an 1. V. C. 18. Achazi 8. and ripping up her belly shevved plainly to all that there vvas no such matter Yet the sooth-sayer avouched her death could not at all profit the State and commanded some other to be offered but Euphaes persvvaded the people that the Oracle vvas already satisfied and required not the life of any other The Lacedaemonians make War upon the Argives 33. That rest which the Lacedaemonians had in this interval was presently turned into action with the Argives about Thyrea a Town situate in the Borders of both Commonwealths This fell out in the reign of Theopompus Pausan in Laconicis Argolicis Plutar. in Parallelis Herod lib. 1. Suidas in vocâ— Othryades whereat yet he was not present partly by reason of his old age and also for grief taken at the death of his son Archidamus The controversie was brought before the Amphyctiones who ordered that 300 on each side should decide it Of the Argives two persons survived the Combat but on the Spartan party onely one by name Othryades as good as many who lived no longer than to make use of broken Spears instead of Crutches to sustain his body then to gather together the Targets of the slain and to erect a Trophy therewith whereon he made an inscription with his own bloud Because of this Trophy the Amphyctiones decreed the Town to the Lacedaemonians but the Argives for that two of their party survived afterwards renewed the War to their own dammage That with the Messenians renewed 34. The offering up of Aristodemus his daughter seemed to the Messenians to have done some good Pausanias in Messenicis the affairs of Lacedaemon appearing to be in a declining posture and that State slower in its Enterprizes than formerly But in the sixth year after the departure of Lyciscus and the eighth from their removal to Ithome the War was again renewed against them Another battel was fought but with the same successe as formerly In the midst of the fight was the hottest contest the most valiant on both sides betaking themselves thither where Euphaes also venturing further than either stood with his dignity or safety against Theopompus received many and deadly wounds Herewith being so weakned as he fell the Lacedaemonians strove to take him and a great conflict ensued but one Antander so far resisting as to lose his own life in the quarrel Euphaes was brought off and died a few dayes after having reigned 13 years all which time he spent in the War against the Lacedaemonians He dying Childlesse A.M. 3274. Olymp. 12. an 2. V. C. 23. Achazi 13. a great controversie arose about the succession for that several of the family of Aegyptus stood for the Kingdom amongst whom was Aristodemus who though it was objected that having polluted his hands in the bloud of his daughter he was not capable was preferred before all others through the favour of the people After his Election he sent Presents to the chief of the Arcadians Argives and Sicyonians whom he ingaged to his party Assisted by some Arcadians he made encursions and the Lacedaemonians did the same proceeding to no greater extremity but at length in his fifth year another battel was fought near to Ithome wherein the Messenians were assisted by the three States ere now mentioned and the Spartans by no other Peloponnesians than those of Corinth The dispute was very sharp and the event doubtfull till the Messenians having the upper ground at last put their enemies to flight of whom it is credible as Pausanias onely writeth that many miscarried 35. The Lacedaemonians after this almost despairing of successe both parties sent to enquire at Delphos concerning the issue of the War The Messenians received an answer so ambiguous as could not be interpreted that to the Spartans plainly signified that as Cresphontes had obtained Messene by a wile in ordering the lots so by wiles it was to be recovered Several then they invented but all were discovered by the vigilancy and cunning of Aristodemus But the 20th year of the War approaching the affairs of the Messenians began exceedingly to relapse and the Oracle again consulted answered that whosoever could first dedicate a hundred Trestles or three-footed stools to Jupiter of Ithome should obtain Messene The Messinians having the Temple within themselves doubted not but to be able to do this first yet the answer being brought to Lacedaemon one Oebalus a crafty man there made 100 of Clay and while the Messenians were busie about others of Wood for their purses were not able to reach to brasse disguised himself in the habit of a fowler and carried them into the Temple This struck the Messenians with great consternation who were straightly besieged by this time and hindred from getting in any provisions Aristodemus was also tormented with sad dreams about his daughter whereat sorely moved and exceedingly afflicted with consideration that he should kill his Child for his Countrey 's good which notwithstanding was desperate he slew himself at her Monument 36. With this sad accident the Messenians were more grievously struck and so despaired as to have thoughts of making their applications to the Lacedaemonians but as yet not able to stoop they made no overtures though almost oppressed with famine they chose them Captains in the room of Aristodemus preparing to sallie out and fight it out to the last man for their lives and fortunes Yet at length distrusting their ability to do any thing that way and considering themselves urged hard with the want of all necessaries they left Ithome and yielded in the fifth moneth after the death of Aristodemus the 28th year of the War being almost finished in the first of the fourteenth Olympiad the Medontidae at Athens yet enjoying the power for ten years in the dayes of Hezekiah King of Judah and the time of the deportation of the ten Tribes The Conquerours utterly demolished Ithome and having gotten easily the other Towns of Messenia into their power imposed what Laws they pleased upon the Inhabitants who were commanded to till their grounds
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.
ever for peace and the restitution of Helena But Dionysius relateth out of Hellanicus that the lower part of the City being taken Aeneas with his associates that came from Ophyrynium and Dardanus to the aid of Ilium timely perceiving it retired into the Castle where were the Idols and much treasure protected by the most valiant Soldiers A. M. 2821. Hither also betook themselves such as escaped the fury of fire and sword and they easily repelled the force of the Enemy but Aeneas considering that the City could no way be preserved resolved to quit the Castle as might stand with the safety of the Company He therefore sent out with a guard the aged an infirm in the mean time diverting the Enemy and then marched out in order of battel when Neoptolemus and the Achaeans had now taken part of the Fortifications Whilst the Greeks were busied in plunder they all escaped to the Mount Ida where fortifying themselves the same night others flocked to them out of Dardanus Opyhrynium and the rest of the Trojan Towns expecting till the Enemy satisfied with the destruction of Ilium would draw off and return into his own Country 4. But the Achaeans having wasted the City and lesser Towns provided also to storm the Hills when a Treaty was desired by the Trojans It was there agreed that Aeneas and his Companions with such things as they had should depart out of the Country under safe conduct whereupon he first sent away his eldest son Ascanius with part of his associates whereof the greater number was Phrygians to the Lake Ascanius for that he was desired by the Inhabitants of that Country to be their King He continued not long with them for the Scamandridae with others of the family of Hector now dismissed out of Greece by Neoptolemus the son of Achilles coming to him he returned with them to Troy and restored them to their Father's Principality Aeneas with the rest of his children Anchises his Father and his houshold passed over the Hellespont into a Peninsula called Pallene whence he sailed to to the Island Delus thence to another named Cythera over against Peloponnesus Touching at the promontory Cinaethium so called for that Cinathus a Trojan was here buried they renewed their friendship with the Arcadians their kinsfolk and passed on to the Island Zacynthus which was so named from Zacynthus one of the sons of Dardanus Thence they came to Actium and so to Ambraciae from which Bay Anchises directed his course towards Batrotus an Haven of Epirus and Aeneas by land went two dayes journey to the Oracle of Dodoria which having consulted about new Seats in four dayes he came to the Navy at Batrotus From this Haven sailing towards Italy they touched upon some parts thereof but passing into the Straights of Sicilie they fell also upon that Island where leaving part of their Company they passed over and landed at Laurentum the place appointed to put an end to these wandrings This account Dionysius giveth us as most probable amongst others which he briefly toucheth Alexander the Ephesian as he is cited by Aurelius Victor wrote that Ilium being betrayed by Antenor Aeneas took his Father upon his back with his gods and his little son in his hand and thus loaded made towards Ida whither being suffered to come by the Greeks who were much moved at his piety he there built ships and by the advice of an Oracle came into Italy The piety of Aeneas is much spoken of and commended by many and amongst others by the pen of Xenophon that Attick Muse but some wrote that he joyned with Antenor in betraying the City 5. The Trojans landing at Laurentum there pitched their Tents in the place called Troy from this occasion distant from the Sea about half a mile Dionys l. 1. Livius l. 1. Taking their dinner on the ground some laid their meat on Parsley that there grew or as some said on crusts of Bread which afterwards they did also eat up and then understood that they had fulfilled the Oracle which bad them go so far Westward as till they should eat up their Tables and then take the conduct of a Sow which they should follow till she lay down and in that very place build a City Now was Latinus busie in War against the Rutuli his neighbours as some wrote he was first overcome by Aeneas and then made peace with him but others say he first sent to expostulate the injury offered him by these strangers in the invasion of his Kingdom and then understanding who they were agreed to give them all the ground lying five miles about the Hill where the Sow lay down upon their ingagement to assist him in his War against the Rutuli This accord made and Hostages delivered on both sides they soon utterly subdued the Rutuli and then built up the Trojan City which was called Lavinium as the Romans said Nam te jam septima portat Omnibus errantem terris fluctibus astaâ— Aen. 1. A. M. 3824. from the daughter of Latinus Virgil too much indulging his Poetick fancie in imitation of Homer bringeth Aeneas into Italy not till the eighth year after the destruction of Troy But Dionysius and Solinus out of the Annals of Cassius Haemina write that he arrived at Laurentum in the second year and the later saith with no more than 600 followers Aeneas succeedeth Latinus 6. Aeneas in the third year after his departure from Troy and the second of his abode in Italy reigned onely over the Trojans but the next brought him also the Kingdom of the Aborigines by the right of his wife Lavinia daughter to Latinus now deceased and the favour he had purchased of this people by his conduct against the Rutuli For they had again revolted through the procurement of a certain fugitive named Turnus who being the Nephew of Amata Latinus his wife out of indignation that a stranger should be preferred to the marriage of Lavinia before him at the instigation of Amata and others revolted to the Rutuli with a party of men which he commanded Livie maketh him King of the Rutuli and to have made War upon Latinus because he had first made him a promise of his daughter The Aborigines had the victory but lost Latinus in the battel Dionysius saith that Turuus was now also slain with many others but Livie will have him again to renew the War and to call in Mezentius King of the Hetruscans who was already jealous of the growing power of the Greeks Aeneas to oblige his new Subjects caused both them and his own Country-men to be called by the common name of Latini but ingaging in another great and bloody battel with Mezentius which night onely interrupted he was never seen more by some thought to be taken up to Heaven and by others drowned in the River Numicon This happened to him in the fourth year of his reign over the Latines and the seventh after the destruction of Troy He was honoured by
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
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
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
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
the victory After this both parties rallied again for a new engagement but the Barbarians received not the Graecians but fled with greater speed than before The Graecians having the better in the battel are ignorant of Cyrus his death Having persued them some way the Graecians made an Holt and rested themselves wondring they saw not Cyrus being ignorant what was befallen him Then after some consultation what was to be done they returned to the Camp about Supper time where they found the most of their other goods rifled and especially the meat and drink and the 400 Wains loaden with Meal and Wine which Cyrus had prepared to relieve them in case the Army should at any time be driven to want The most of them therefore were supperlesse having also wanted their Dinner that day for that the King came in sight before they could refresh themselves Thus this day ended and together with the story the first book of the Ascent of Cyrus commonly ascribed to Xenophon as the Author 42. The Graecians hearing of Cyrus his death were much troubled Xenoph. An. lib. 2. and offered Ariaeus a Persian who followed Cyrus and commanded his left Wing to place him in the Throne but he refused it for that as he said there were many Persians in all respects better than he who would never endure that he should be King Artaxerxes sent a Message to them to lay down their Arms and to repair to his Gate there to submit themselves to his mercy The Coronels were divided in their opinions concerning it and gave several answers according to their apprehensions but Clearchus for all a doubtfull one viz. that if they might be accounted as his friends they should be better friends having Arms than delivering them up to any man if no remedy there was but War they should better make War with Arms than without after they had rendred them up And whereas he offered them Truce as long as they abode in the same place but threatned War if they stirred thence he replied onely that they would expect accordingly Then resolved he after he knew Ariaeus his answer and how he invited them to march back again into Ionia They joyn with Ariaeus and retreat for that the sacrifice killed about marching against the King was not prospitious to joyn the Army unto his which accordingly he did Ariaeus and the Officers of the Graecians taking an Oath to be friends confederates and not to betray one another The League was entred into on this manner They killed a Boar a Bull a Wolf and a Ram and the Graecians dipped the point of a sword the Barbarians of a Spear in the bloud of these beasts being powred out into the hollownesse of a Target 43. The length of the journy from Ephesus in Ionia to the place of the battel was 93 encampings 535 parasangs 16030 furlongs Xenoph. Ascens Cyri lib. 2. Diodorus ad ann 4. Olymp. 94. 2000 miles and above which though very long yet resolved they to take another and longer way through Paphlagonia because the former was destitute of provisions Then set they forward that way marching more slowly for the better gathering of necessaries and after the King had somewhat recovered of his wound he pursued them and pitched his Tents hard by theirs but with the noise of them his men were so affrighted that some of the nearest to them removed their Tents The King pursueth and is forced to dismisse them and on the next day setting their men in order for battel he who before had made such large demands sent and offered them truce and covenanted to let them have free passage through his Territories till they came to the Sea and afforded them provisions for their money which was also granted to all the Mercenaries who served under Ariaeus or Aridaeus and Clearchus Then proceeded the Greeks on their journy and the King returned to Babylon where rewarding those that had best deserved on him in the last battel he judged the service of Tissaphernes to have been most eminent therefore as a reward amongst several other noble gifts he gave him his own daughter to wife and the government of such places as formerly had been under Cyrus binding him to him thereby so as he proved ever most faithful to him 44. Tissaphernes seeing how the King was incensed against the Graecians promised him to destroy them all if he were but furnished with Forces to that purpose Tissaphernes intrappeth their officers and could but withdraw Ariaeus from them by whom he doubted not but they might easily be betraied The King accepting his offer gave him leave to chuse of the most valiant of his Army as many as he would with which he followed after and incamping near to them sent for Clearchus and the other Coronels to come to him pretending he had somewhat for their good to say to them They with the Captains of the several Companies going to him with 200 more who went to buy Victuals he secured the Coronels called into his Tent and killed the Captains at the door with the other 200 of which one chanced to escape with the news thereof to the Camp The Coronels were sent to the King who put them all to death except Menon The Soldiers at first greatly terrified having now no body left to command or lead them by the advice of Xenophon made choice of other Leaders amonst whom Cheirisophus was chief and he himself was one being elected into the place of Proxenus Xenoph. Exped lib. 3. who being his ancient friend and guest sent for him and promised him if he would come to make Cyrus his friend who as he esteemed him would be more to be prized than his own Country He communicated the matter to Socrates the Philosopher and his Master who for that Cyrus his interest seemed crosse to that of the City of Athens The Soldiers make a new choice in which Xenophon is one seeming to stand with the Lacedaemonians advised him to consult the Oracle of Delphos Thither he went and enquired how he might best accomplish his journy to which was answered that he must sacrifize to those gods to whom he ought to sacrifize which he reporting again to Socrates he blamed him for so propounding his question alleging he ought to have asked whether he should travel or no and not as one resolved already to do it but seeing it was so he must do as he was bidden and accordingly he followed Cyrus to Sardis where Proxenus presented him to him 45. The Graecians marching on towards Paphlagonia Idem ibid. Diodorus ut priùs were dogged at the heels by Tissaphernes who being affraid of the valour of desperat men never durst ingage in any battel with them but onely flancked them or fell in upon their Rear as he could have opportunity and yet followed them as far as the borders of the Carduchians after which seeing he could not do them any considerable hurt he
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
be drawn up at Gytheum and so easie to be set on fire Plutarch in Themistocle Val. Max. l. 6. c. 5. ext exem 2. Cic. Offic. l. 3. he much desired to have it done and told the people he had a thing of great moment in his head but such as was not to be divulged The People appointed Aristides to confer with him and if he approved it resolved he might prosecute it but he making a report that Themistocles advised a thing than which nothing was more profitable and more unjust he was commanded to desist 4. A little after these things Pausanias the Lacedaemonian famous for the Victory at Plataea was sent with a Fleet of twenty Peloponnesian Gallies Thucyd. lib. 1. and thirty of Attica against Cyprus where he took many Towns and Byzantium afterwards held by the Persians Diodorus l. 11. ad Olymp. 75. ann 4. He was very imperious towards the associates insomuch as he carried himself more like a Tyrant than a General and being sorely complained of to his Superiours he was by them recalled to give an account of it He gaped after the Kingdom of Greece and to that end entred into conspiracy with Xerxes whose Daughter he asked to wife and being accused of much favour shewed towards the Persians yet for that nothing could be proved he was dismissed having the government of the Fleet onely taken from him Pausanius holdeth intelligence with Xerxes Yet returned he to the Hellespont under pretence of the War to continue his intelligence with Xerxes but being expelled from Byzantium by the Athenian Soldiers he returned not to Sparta but staied at Troas and for that was again complained of as holding clandestine consultations with the Persians and not having any just and warrantable cause there to remain Hereupon he was called home by the Ephori the second time and cast into prison but appearing again to his tryal he was the second time dismissed 5. The Lacedaemonians sent Dorcis with others to succeed Pausanias in the Fleet but the associates would take no notice of him Thucydid Diodorus ut prius Plutarch Corn. Nepos in Aristide for Aristides the Just Captain of the Athenians so moderately behaved himself and wrought crosse to the actions of Pausanias that all the Cities of Asia hating the others pride joyned themselves to him so that he became the means of transferring the chief Command at Sea which together with that at Land also had hitherto been enjoyed by the Lacedaemonians unto his own Country-men the Spartans The Athenians by the means of Aristidâ—s draw the chief power to themselves at this time not being unwilling or opposing it in the least so ashamed were they of the carriage of their own Citizens The Athenians being thus advanced by the associates for their moderation under pretence of revenging the States upon Xerxes obtained also liberty to lay a Taxe upon them all how much money one and how many ships another should find Officers they appointed to receive the Tributes the sum of all which amounted to 460 Talents Delos was appointed for the Treasury and the place to meet in to deliberate of the Affairs of all the free States This assesse as Plutarch writeth was made by Aristides at the desire of the Graecians who relied upon his integrity and his moderation so much appeared herein that afterwards the Athenians inslaved the States and drawing the Tributes to their private use first doubled and then tribled the sum For now whereas the whole Tax imposed by him amounted but to 460 Talents Pericles added almost a third part as Plutarch reckoneth and increased it to 600. and after his death it was brought to 1300 Talents 6. The Athenians having setled the Tribute Thucyd. under the conduct of Cimon the son of Miltiades took from the Persians Etone a Town of Thrace situate upon the River Strymon which they deprived of its liberty Then expelled they the Dolopians out of Scyrus an Island in the Aegean Sea and therein planted a Colony of their own then waged they War with the Carystians in Euboea for denying them obedience which was composed and besieged the Naxians that had revolted from them whom they forced to submit The Naxians inslaved This being the first of all Greek Cities which contrary to the League was subjected to bondage after it others were as occasion served which was taken by the Athenians either for that they sent not the full Tribute or ships or would not serve in the War when affairs required it The Athenians also severely exacted what had been appointed and compelled such as refused having forgotten their former mildnesse now in power and carrying it very imperiously towards their associates whom they could order as they pleased And this was also effected by the Greeks themselves for to shun the labour of it most of them chose rather to send money than ships whereby the Athenians who had Vessels enough and alwayes in readinesse increased their strength and upon occasion found them unfit for resistance 7. In the mean time Pausanias who had been called home to Sparta Idem Plutarch in Themistocl Aristide Corn. Nepos in Pausania Diodorus ut suprà Plutarch Corn. Nepos Thucyd. Val. Max. lib. 5. cap. 3. extern exempl 3. gave not over his conspiracy against his Countrey though he changed his associates For he now sought to draw the Helotes or publick slaves into rebellion with the allurement of liberty and hereof being detected by one Argilius whom he had unchastly loved and now being sent with Letters to Artabanus suspected he carried a Warrant for his own death and so opening them discovered both his plot against himself and the State he took sanctuary in the Temple of Minerva and there the door being made up to which end his own Mother is said to have brought the first stone was starved to death After his death the Spartans sent to Athens to accuse Themistocles of the same Crime who being before this banished by the Ostracism lived at Argos in great esteem and was much envied by the Lacedaemonians for having done many things in his Countreys behalf which they looked upon as tending to their prejudice 'T is said that certain Letters were found in Pausanias his Coffers intimating a correspondence betwixt them for promoting the affairs of the Persian King which though he assented not unto yet discovered not the thing hoping Pausanias would either be deterred from his design The ends of Pausanias and Themistocles or the thing would come out some other way But the Spartans laying it heavily to his charge and his own Citizens envying his glory though he sought to purge himself by Letters yet was he condemned and the people perswaded to send some to lay hold of him and bring him up He perceiving this fled to Corcyra and thence to Admetus King of the Molossians with whom not being able to continue in safety he went to Artaxerxes Longimanus by
fined him but one Philistus a wealthy man who afterwards wrote his History bade him proceed promising to pay his fine though it were a whole day together Animated hereby he proceeded urging that the Captains had been corrupted to betray the interest of Sicilie and accusing others of the better sort of Citizens as affecting Oligarchy He therefore moved that new Officers might be created such as were not eminent for power but good will towards the People for that the other usurping dominion despised the common sort and made their own markets out of the publick whereas those being of lower fortunes by a consciousnesse of their own weaknesse could not attempt such a matter 25. Having discoursed these things fitly to the humour of the multitude and his own design he made no small impression in the minds of the Vulgar who having had the fidelity of the Captains in question before gave credence to these slanders and deposing them made new amongst which was Dionysius having got much credit for his valour against the Carthaginians The foundation thus laid he beat his head all manner of waies how to accomplish his device and resolved if possible to get his Colleagues removed For this purpose he never would meet in council with them giving out they hatched clandestine designs against the State and seeing the Citizens much affrighted at an approaching War procured the Exiles to be called home hoping that they being obnoxious to him and desirous of innovation would be fit for his purpose taking great delight in seeing their Enemies killed and their goods sold their own Estates being restored to them At this time it happened that a Sedition falling out in Gela he had an opportunity to lead thither 2000 Foot and 400 Horse where procuring their principal men to be put to death and their Estates confiscated he thereby much ingratiated himself with the multitude and Soldiers At his return he found the People just departing from the shows of the Theatre which asking him news he said he knew none but that their Governours were greater Enemies to the State than the Carthaginians by whose flatteries they now kept holy day and who fleecing the Commonwealth cheated the Soldiers of their wages Now was an innumerable Army hovering upon the borders and ready to invade which they not at all regarded This he understood a little before but now fully having received a message from Imilco that desired his connivance Wherefore for his part he would lay down his Office not induring that others making merchandise of the Commonwealth he alone should together with the Citizens bear the burthen and undergo the danger and yet also be accounted as treacherous as the rest For this night every man in great fear went home to his house The next day he called them together and loading his Colleagues with great invectives The misery of People destitute of rightful and hereditary Princes so stirred the multitude that some beginning to cry out he was to be made Dictator for that they had formerly had experience how convenient the conduct of a single Person was by the example of Gelon his Victory over Amilcar the multitude out of hand created him General with full power Then to bind fast the Soldiers to him he procured a Decree for double pay alleging it would make them more valiant in that time of danger and bidding the People take no thought about raising money 26. The wiser sort had all along sufficiently understood whither these actions tended but the multitude stopped their ears against all accusations as proceeding from the malice of the great ones But now upon further consideration they began to suspect him and repent they had put the power out of their own hands which he being aware of lest the discontent should so seize upon the generality as thereby to procure him any let or hindrance in the full compleating his design he drew out the Army to Leontium which now was used as a Fortresse or Garrison and there shutting himself close up pretended a great conspiracy against his life The day followng he called the multitude together and alleging many probable reasons to perswade them of the danger obtained to have 600 men as a guard for his person which he should chuse out where he pleased This number he increased to 1000 picked out and consisting of such as were desperate in fortune and thereupon backed with stomach and resolution He called the Mercenaries and ingaged them to him with good words then new modelling the Army gave such commands therein as he knew would best serve his own turn he gave free admission to all Exiles and malefactors knowing such would be effectual to all his purposes Having thus in imitation of Pisistratus got him a guard and made himself Tyrant at his return to Syracuse he openly shewed himself such placing his Tent in the Arcenal The People murmured in vain being beset with strangers and mercenaries at home and in continual fear of a War hanging over them from abroad To establish himself he took to wise the daughter of Hermocrates who did such service against the Athenians and was slain in attempting to seize on the City he also gave his own Sister in marriage to his wives Brother thinking it his interest to be allied to so great a Family Then assembling the People by his devices he procured Daphneus and Demarchus the most potent of his Adversaries to be put to death A. M. 3599. Ol. 93. an 3. V.C. 348. Darii Nothi 18. and so from a Scribe and a man of mean condition he became Master of the greatest Greek Citie continuing such for 38 years unto his end 27. Imilcar having wintred in Agrigentum at Spring-time razed the City and then fell upon Gela. The Inhabitants betook themselves to Dionysius for help but his indeavours not well succeeding they were forced to quit the Town and leave it also to the disposal of the Enemy Idem ad an 4. Dionysius made the Citizens of Camarina to do the same possessing them with a fear of the Carthaginians so that departing thence in haste some with their Gold and Silver others with their wives and children onely and the wayes being full of both sexes and ages who miserably shunned servitude by exile the Syracusian Horse-men pitied them exceedingly and accounting this but a fetch of their Tyrant A conspiracy against him to make himself Master of the place conspired how they might kill him in the way and the rather because they had observed how remisse or rather industriously treacherous he had been in the relief of Gela. He keeping the Mercenaries close to him they could not execute this design but rode fast to Syracuse where being easily admitted they rifled his Palace and used his wife very harshly that she died Being secure of him as at a great distance from them he conjectured the same and in post-haste comeing to Syracuse set fire on one of gates and so got in Then slaughtered
and Valerius made provision for their own defence by gathering together their Clients and dependents and Claudius as he had said departed into the Country of the Sabines whose example multitudes following left their native seat with their wives and chidren departing into voluntary exil The Decemviri troubled hereat endeavoured at first to hinder them by shutting the gates but again fearing they might out of fury attempt some dangerous thing they let them depart but seized on such goods as they left behind having accused them of defection These things being added to the former miscariages incensed much more both Patritians and Plebeians against them Yet had they proceeded no further in such like outrages they might probably for a much more longer time have secured their power through that influence which the mutual emulation of these orders afforded For the Plebeians were glad to see the high spirits of the Patritians dejected and the Senate void of all power on the other side the Nobility rejoyced that the Commons had lost their former liberty having not the least help because the Tribunitial power was taken away But they neither using moderation in War nor temperance at home constrained all to unite for their destruction which followed certain hainous offences committed against the Commons They lead out an Army against the Sabines and Aequi 11. They divided their Army into three parts whereof one remained with Appius and Oppius in the Citie the two other their Collegues led forth against the Sabines and Aequi. The later forced the Romans to forsake their Camp and shamefully to fly which caused great rejoycing in Rome amongst the Enemies of the Decemviri so that Appius fearing some attempt wrote to his Collegues in the Army by one means or other to destroy their known adversaries which was effected upon diverse But at Rome Siccius Denratus the Roman Achilles as he was named amongst others spake much against the Captains as Cowards and unskilfull which Appius understanding with good words perswaded him to go as Lieutenant or Legatus to the Army then lying at Crustumeria against the Sabines He not suspecting what was designed undertook the employment for that the Office of Legatus was most sacred and honorable amongst the Romans having the authority and power of a General and the inviolablenesse and veneration of a Priest When he came to the Camp he was sent out with 100 men upon service who had order to kill him He fought with them all slew fifteen and wounded twice as many Siccius Dentatus made away by them so that finding it too difficult a task to kill him by hand-stroaks they threw Darts and Stones at him and thereby at length and at a distance performed what was injoyned them Though the murderers according to agreement gave out he fell by the Enemie's hand yet the Soldiers fetching him off to give him honorable burial by several circumstances plainly perceived the truth and demanding Justice against the instruments when that was put off and they concealed they easily understood who were the principal cause and thought of nothing more than how to revolt 12. The Army lying at Crustumeria and Fidenae being thus incensed against the Decemviri another wicked act of Appius caused the other which lay incamped at Algidum against the Aequi not onely to think of but fully to effect a revolt There was one L. Virginius a Plebeian who had a daughter the most beautifull of all Roman women The maid being but young and at School near the Forum Appius as he passed that way fell in love with her in such a measure as by no means could he allay his brutish passion Marry her he could not being a Plebeian neither could he hope to obtain her for his Concubine there remained then no other way for him to enjoy her than by procuring M. Claudius one of his Clients to challenge her as his Slave so that the matter being brought before him to judgement he might judge her so to be Claudius laid his claim by affirming she was the true and natural daughter of his Slave and that the wife of Virginius now dead her self being barren procured the Child and brought it up for her own which though he and others knew well enough yet being young he had not opportunity till now to right himself The pretence was so impudent as raised the indignation of all persons no otherwise concerned than as in the publick liberty Numitor the maid's Uncle by her mother and Icilius the son of Icilius one of the first Tribunes of the Commons to whom she was already contracted sufficiently evidenced the truth but Appius being bent upon his lustfull design would hear no reason and had not a tumult hapned out of the indignation of the multitude would have given her up in the hands of Claudius till such time as her father could be sent for from the Army to defend her cause Being hardly drawn to put off the matter till the next day and not giving any more time wrote to Algidum to hinder Virginius from coming bidding Antonius the Commander of that Legion to confine him lest he should hear any thing of his daughter But Numitor and the brother of Icilius prevented the Letters and Virginius pretending the death of a near relation getting leave to depart through by-wayes returned to the Citie fearing a pursute after the arrival of the Letters which accordingly hapned but he thus evaded it 13. Virginius then was present in the morning to the great astonishment of Appius when his daughter was commanded to be brought forth He proved the maid to be his own daughter and no supposititious brood but Appius a man of no great natural abilities besides the brutish corrupted by the greatnesse of his power and inflamed with the excesse of his passion neither considered the defence of Virginius nor was moved by the bitter tears of the Virgin being angry at the pity of the standers by who apprehended the case of Father and Daughter no otherwise than as their own as if he himself were more to be pitied enduring more for her beauties sake than she herself Interrupting those that spake in her behalf and commanding them silence he told them that this was not the first time he had had knowledge of this matter for that Claudius his father being a Client to their family had committed him yet a Boy when he died to his protection In the time of his Guardianship he said it had been cleared to him how Numitoria had procured the Girl of Claudius his Slave Appius his abominable practices for Virginia but he thought it more convenient to let the matter rest till Claudius was grown up either to take or sell her as he should like best Since he came into imployment he had not medled with his Clients affairs but he himself it seemeth making an inventory of his goods and having notice of this Slave now challenged his right and accordingly he both witnessed and judged
Scythians 8. With admirable industry he got over his men partly in Boats and partly upon Bladders notwithstanding the earnest opposition of the Enemy whom he put to the Rout and though he was very much indispos'd in his own person pursued them 80 furlongs then fainting he commanded his men to follow the chace as long as the day would permit The want of water in this place was such that the Army was thereby exceedingly distress'd and the King himself drinking of some that was corrupt fell into a Diarrhea But not long after the Scythians sent to excuse themselves denying that the War had been undertaken by their general consent but onely by a certain party that lived upon robbery Giving themselves up into his hands he dismiss'd the Ambassadors courteously and with them the Prisoners he had taken By this time Spitamenes had cut off the party sent against him which Alexander understanding in three days time marched 1500 furlongs to Maracanda whither he had notice that he was returned but hearing of the Kings comming he fled amain and was pursued for some time but to no purpose Alexander then dividing his forces over-ran the Country which had revolted CHAP. I and gave command that all of ripe age should be put to the sword for a terror to others by which severity fell 120000 of the Inhabitants of Sogdiana Leaving Peucâ—laus there with 3000 Foot he departed to Bactra Cometh to Bactra a City so called from the River Bactrus which runneth through it being otherwise named Zartaspa where he caused Bessus to be brought to the head of his Army Here he made his nose and ears to be cut off and then sent him to Ecbaiane to be judged and executed by Sentence of a Council of Medes and Persians Bessus punished for his execrable Treason Thus Diodorus relateth the the story but Plutarch writeth that by Alexanders command the boughs of two Trees being first drawn together and he made fast to them both they then were suffered to return to their natural site and he was thereby pulled assunder 9. Having much encreased his forces by the comming in of fresh supplies Arrianus he once more over-ran the Country of the Sogdians as yet not fully subdued and the five parts of his Army afterwards met and united at Maracanda whence he sent Hephaestion to lead out Colonies into the Cities of Sogdiana as Caenus and Artabazus against the Scythians for to them he heard that Spitamenes was fled who with a company of Bactrians and Sogdians and about 800 Horse of the Massagetes got a Castle near Bactra into his hands then came against Zariaspa or Bactra by an Ambush cut off many of the Defendants in their Sally out against him Upon Caenus his approach the Massagetes fled but he pursued killed many of them Alexander having subdued more of the Sogdians returned to Maracanda Curtius lib. 8. cap. 1. whither the King of the Europaean Scythians inhabiting above Rosphorus sent to him offering him his daughter in marriage or if this liked him not he desired that the principal Macedonians about him might contract affinity with his Nation moreover he offered to come in person and receive his commands After this Alexander hunted in the Forrest of Bazaria which had been untouched for four Ages Herein a Lion coming upon him Lysimachus who afterwards reigned and had slain a Lion ere this went about to stave him off Alexander killeth a Lion but the King forbad him and receiving the Beast slew him at one stroak Four hundred Beasts more being killed he feasted his whole Army and again repaired to Maracanda where he slew Clytus 10. In a Feast to which he had invited him being heated with Wine Idem ibid. Arrianus lib. 4. Cicero Tuscul Quaest 4. he fell of commending his own acts and therein soared so high as to speak scornfully of the things performed by his father Philip. Clytus having also drunk sufficiently was netled with this and defending Philip in his replies plainly reproached Alexander Killeth Clytus who therefore ran him through and killed him outright having a little before designed him to the Government of Sogdiana in the room of Artabazus who excused himself by his old age For being the son of Dropis and brother to Hellanica Alexander's Nurse he had done good service to both Kings and was now an old Soldier Alexander when he came to himself considering what he had done would have made way for following him by his own hands and when he was hindred by his friends from violent attempts would have done it by fasting four days On the fifth his attendants brake into his Tent and comforting him caused him to eat The Macedonians judged Clytus rightfully put to death and decreed he should not be buried but he commanded this last office to be performed to him Leaving a good Guard with Canus to defend Sogdiana and take Spitamenes if he should come that way in Winter Cometh to Xenippa he marched to Xenippa where after a sharp Encounter he received the Bactrian Exiles A. M. 3678. Ol. 113. an 2. V. C 427. Alexand. 10. who having revolted had betaken themselves to that place lying upon the confines of Scythia In the Spring following being the 10th year of his Reign he set upon a Fort in Sogdiana situate upon a Rock so strong by Nature through its excessive heighth that the Defendants counted it invincible many having fled thither out of the Country and upon his summons Arimazes the Governor who held it with thirty thousand armed men demanded if the Macedonians could flie But he proposed large rewards to such as would first mount it whereby certain young men being animated made a shift to climb and help one another up and being got to the top the besieged were amazed and thinking their number greater than it was yielded the place In this Fort amongst others was Oxyartes the Satrapa or Governour who had revolted from Alexander with his wife and children Marieth Roxane Of his daughter Roxane the King was so enamoured as he shortly after maried her and perswaded the great ones about him to take them wives out of that place 11. He thence departed into Naura or Parataca where he understood that many Barbarians had possessed themselves of another Fortresse situate as the former and fortified moreover with an exceeding deep ditch This yielded to him through the perswasion of Oxyartes and then with his Horse he cleared the Country of the revolters About the same time Spitamenes coming into Sogdiana was encountred by Coenus Arrianus curtius who drew from him the naturals of the place and the Bactrians so that he had onely left him a Company of Massagetes Those flying with him into the Wildernesse when they heard that Alexander pursued them cut off their Captains head and sent it to the King though some write that his own wife cut it off and presented it to Alexander who detesting the
he went to him and having made a report of his Voyage returned presently to the Fleet with order to passe up to the mouth of Euphrates and thence row unto Babylon 32. It beng now very good sailing Alexander sent Haephaestion by Sea into Persia He cometh to Pasargadae in Persia with the greatest part of his Army and shortly after departed himself and came by Land to Pasargadae where he bestowed money on the women according to the custome of the Persian Kings when they came thither Here he much lamented the violation of Cyrus his Sepulchre which since his former being here had been robbed of all it's riches except a Litter Curtius lib. 10. Diodorus c. A. M. 3680. Ol. 113. an 4. V.C. 429. Alexand. 12. and a golden Urn wherein was the body and this also was cut and mangled the cover being taken away and the body cast out He commanded the Urn to be repaired as well as might be and the reliques of Cyrus being therein deposited To Persepolis the dore-place to be walled up From Pasargadae now called Chelquera he came to Persepolis the seat of the Persian Kings where great complaints being made against Orxines who being descended from Cyrus and the seven Conspirators had contained the Persians in obedience after the death of the Governour Phrasortes he was crucified through the malice of Bagoas the Eunuch Alexander's minion who hated him upon no other account than for that bestowing great gifts upon the Courtiers at their return he neglected him Phradates also who had been Governour of the Mardi Hyrcanians and Tapyri was here put to death for affecting Kingly power But Peucestes who protected the King among the Malli and as a reward had been received amongst the Keepers of his body was now further made Governour of Persia and thereupon fully conformed himself to the fashions of the Country 33. Alexander had a great desire to sail through Euphrates and Tigris into the Persian Gulf to compasse about Arabia and Africk Arrianus lib. 7. and so to passe through the Straights leading into the Mediterranean now called the Straights of Gibraltar for which purpose he commanded wood to be cut down in Libanus to be catied to Thapsacus in Syria and being made into ships thence to bee conveyed to Babylon Not long after Nearchus brought the fleet up Pasitigris to a bridge newly made for the passing over of the Land-army where for the meeting of both the Armies after six moneths sail Alexander sacrifized and celebrated games Thence marching to Susae the Provinces by their Deputies there accused many of their Officers besides other offences of violating their Temples He caused them all to be put to death without respect to any former friendship and with them Cleander Sitalces and Heracon whom he had formerly condemned in Caramania This severity noised abroad netled many that knew themselves faulty Some scraped together much money and fled and others that commanded the mercenaries revolted which caused him to send up and down Asia to disband the Stipendaries who being thus put out of employment robbed all over and at length met at Tenarus a Promontory of Laconia in Greece whither many of their Captains fled to them Alexander now maried Statira the daughter of Darius and gave her younger sister Drypetis to his beloved Hephaestion He marieth Statira the daughter of Darius having a great desire that his children might be cousins to him To some 80 more of his Commanders he gave wives of the daughters of the chiefest Medes and Persians to which he assigned dowers He made one great wedding-feast for himself and them all and to the other Macedonians that had maried wives in Asia he gave gifts 34. Moreover he paid the debts they had contracted in Asia and because they were unwilling by giving up their names to let him see how bad husbands they had been for they suspected him of such an intention he caused the mony to be given them without taking account to whom and this expence reached not fully 10000 talents as appeareth from Diodorus Curtius and Plutarch though Justin and Arrianus mention 20000 so that as Curtius observeth this Army which had conquered so many Nations brought more victory than booty out of Asia He also rewarded them severally as they had done him most eminent service and to Pencestes Leonnatus Nearchus Onesicâ—atus Hephaestion and other keepers of his body he gave golden crowns But this did not satisfie the Macedonians so as to keep them from mutinying For having sailed the River Eulaeus to the Sea thence to the mouth of Tigris and up this River as far as Opis he there calling them together gave liberty to all who were rendred unfit for service either through age or maimednesse to return home promising great rewards to such as would voluntarily stay and finish the War with him Though he intended hereby to gratifie them yet they made a bad construction of it as proceeding from contempt of them and their service as counting them unfit for War They called also to minde how he used the Persian habit and customs as did some of his favourites The Macedonians mutinie that the barbarous Nations were admitted amongst that Troop called his friends and that he had lately caused 30 odd young men to be picked up out of the Provinces whom trained up in the discipline of Macedonia he called Epigoni or his posterity Considering these things and thinking that he now despised their persons fashions and Country they all desired to be disbanded and bade him go alone to the Wars with his father Hammon seeing he set so light by his Soldiers 35. The King inraged presently caused thirteen of the ringleaders to be apprehended and drowned in the River and reviling the rest bade them all be gone home Then entering his Palace for that day and the next he would admit none to his presence On the third having confined the Macedonians to their tents he called such strangers to him as followed his Camp Their faithfulnesse to him and the former Kings he commended he related what favours he had shewed them and told them he now took them as fellow Citizens gave them the Arms of the Macedonians and would have the Kingdom of Europe and that of Asia the same thing Out of them he chose 1000 young men to whom he committed the charge of his person in the Court he bestowed the commands of the Army amongst them and made choice of some whom naming his kinsfolk he permitted to kisse him These things cut the Macedonians to the heart and made them seriously repent of their rashnesse Coming to the Palace they threw down their Arms at the gate But having humbled themselves he is reconciled and with great lamentation desired to be admitted offering to give up the incendiaries and desiring him rather to kill than thus disgrace them He refused to admit them but they continued still two dayes and as many nights before the gates
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
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
raging against them with pillages and slaughters and corrupting himself with the luxurie of Ionia where he had been brought up pulled upon him the hatred of all his Subjects which he perceiving made onely as an occasion further to prosecute his wicked and unseasonable designs Ariarathes went straight to Rome to crave aid and the Ambassadors both of Demetrius and the other followed to excuse what was done and recriminate him which those of Orophernes performed so dexterously that no body being present that could confute their lies they seemed to gain credit and Ariarathes because he had been the confederate of the Romans was ordered to reign together with his brother This was all he got at Rome but shortly after Attalus the brother and successor of Eumenes expelled Orophernes and Demetrius quite out of Cappadocia Artaphernes the true heir restored by Attalus and restored him to the entire possession of his Kingdom 65. Not long after Excerpt Polybii per Valesium Demetrius casting in his head how to inlarge his Dominions offered Archâ—as the Governour of Cyprus for Ptolomy Philometor 500 Talents to betray the Island into his hands which the man consented to but being discovered and sentenced prevented the execution by hanging himself Being thus frustrated in this design he thenceforth giving himself up to idlenesse having built a Castle fortified with 4 Towers not far from Antioch wherein he passeth away the time without any attendance of State affaires out of the sight of his Subjects Hereby he contracted such hatred that the Antiochians revolted from him and made choice of Orophernes then living in exile at his Court who so badly required him for his former kindnesse as to conspire with them to rob him of his Kingdom and life He getting knowledge of this spared his life lest he should free Ariarathes from the fear of a competitor and caused him to be kept securely at Seleucia but the Antiochians not at all terrified from their attempt went on in their rebellion One Balas suborned by several Princes for the son of Epiphanes to which Attalus of Asia Ariarathes of Cappadocia and Ptolomy lending their helping hand they suborned a young man of the basest condition by one (a) Justin lib. 35. called Prompalus by others (b) Strabo lib. 16. Balas and (c) Josephus lib. 13. c. 8. Balles giving him the name of Alexander and reporting him to be son of Antiochus Epiphanes to recover as it were his Fathers Kingdom by force This youth together with Laodice Antiochus his daughter did (d) Polybius Legat. 140. Heraclides whom Demetrius cast out as we said of the Office of Treasurer at Babylon cary to Rome where he brought him into the Senate and caused him to desire that he might be helped in the recovery of the Kingdom at least that he might not be hindred in his indeavour that way then he seconding him inveighed against Demetrius and heaped up the praises and merits of Antiochus so far as though to all sober minded men his impudence was distasteful as well as his person yet he so bewitched the generality of the Fathers that a Decree was made whereby power was given to them to return and aid ordered them for the recovery of the Kingdom being the children of their late friend and allie as they had required 66. Heraclides having obtained this act of the Senate 1 Maccab. 10. presently hired Souldiers and getting many eminent men to joyn with him went to Ephesus where he made all possible preparation for the War Not long after Alexander got Ptolemais a City of Phoenicia being betrayed to him by the Garrison Soldiers which Demetrius hearing gathered together his Forces to go and fight with him but considering the uncertainty of the chance of War Justin ut prius Appian in Syriacis sent away his two sons Demetrius and Antiochus unto Cnidus to be out of the danger and be reserved to revenge his death or deprivation if need should require He sent also to Jonathan the Captain of the Jews to renew Peace with him giving him power to raise forces against Alexander and commanding the Hostages kept in the Castle at Jerusalem to be restored to him which he using as a good opportunity began to build Jerusalem anew and repair the walls but Alexander having notice of Demetrius his message and the promises made by him sent to him in like manner and amongst many privileges and immunities granted to the Nation appointed him to be the High-priest Contendeth for the Kingdom of Syria sending him Purple and a Crown of Gold So in the seventh moneth of the 160 year of the Seleucidae Jonathan put on the holy robe in the ninth after the death of his brother Judas the Priesthood having been vacant seven years from the death of Aleimus being the first of the Hasmonaeans that arrived at this dignity and of the priestly family A. M. 3852. Ol. 156. an 4. V. C. 601. Seleucid 160. Demet. Sot 10. Ptol. Philom 28. but not of the Pontificial to which Onias who now was in Aegypt was next heir Demetrius hearing of the agreement his Enemy had made with the Jews was sore troubled thereat and laboured again by incredible promises to allure them to his own party but they having had experience formerly how his affections stood towards them refused to entertain his overtures Balas gathering his forces together not onely those that revolted to him in Syria but his Auxiliaries also sent from Jonathan Ariarathes Attalus and especially from Ptolomy Philometor gave battel to Demetrius whose left wing put those to flight which fought against it but the right having the contrary fortune was forced to run which yet he would not do though in it but fighting manfully light with his Horse into a bog where he fought stoutly on his feet And Demetrius being slain in battel till at last he was slain with wany wounds after he had reigned twelve years A. M. 3854 the second of the 157 Olympiad of the Seloucidae the 161. 67. Alexander Balas obtained the Kingdom 1 Maccab. 10. and shortly after his possession of it remembring how much he was beholding to Ptolomy Philometor for it sent to him for his Daughter to wife which he willingly assenting to brought her to Ptolemais and maried her to him with royal magnificence Thither came down Jonathan from Jerusalem bringing presents for both the Kings Alexander Balas getteth the Kingdom and marieth Ptolomie's daughter but was followed by divers naughty persons to accuse him Yet Alexander was so far from listning to any tales that he caused him to be clothed in purple to fit near him and by proclamation commanded all his accusers to forbear at which they being discouraged went their wayes Joseph lib. 13. cap. 8. Livius lib. 50. Justin l. 35. After this Alexander giving up himself to idlenesse luxurie and minding nothing else the affaires of the State were wholly managed by one Ammonius
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
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
accompanied with most of the Senate many Equites and some Commoners where Gracchus was speaking to the People and endeavoring to be chosen Tribune for the following year They fell upon him and his hearers whereof they killed 300 and amongst them himself with a piece of a seat as he ran down from the Capitol Thus he fell by the means of his own kinsman He and his complices are killed by the means of Scipio Nasica his kinsman which was the first blood drawn by the Romans from one another being a most excellently accomplished man though too violent in a matter honest enough Offic. l. 1. And this was the first blood which in a seditious way the Romans first drew from one another observed by Cicero to have been at the same time that the other Scipio destroyed Numantia 8. At this time were there some risings at Athens and in Delos Livii Epitom l. 59. being as sparks of that fire formerly kindled by Ennus in Sicily which with some trouble were extinguished neither was Italy altogether free from them But a more noble War insued about the Kingdom of Asia For Orosius l. 5. c. 8 9. Attalas King of Pergamus or Asia for so he is called because of a good part of Asia given to Eumenes his father by his last will left the People of Rome his heir But after his death Aristonicus his base brother seized on the Kingdom as his inheritance Aristonicus contesting with the Romans for the Kingdom of Pergamus First was Licinius Crassus the Consul sent against him Velleius Patercul l. 2. c. 4. Florus l. 2. c. ult but was overthrown and being taken struck one of the Soldiers on the eye on purpose to provoke him to kill him which he did He having thus miscaried though he was assisted in his enterprise by several Kings his Successor M. Perpenna hasting into Asia set upon Aristonicus at unawares when he was not yet recovered of the security contracted by his Victory and overthrowing him in battel besieged him in Stratonice where he forced him by famine to yield and shortly after the Consul died at Pergamus The remainder of the War was finished by M. Aquilius the next year's Consul Is taken who poisoned Fountains for taking in some Cities and having together with those joyned with him according to the custom setled the Province with sufficient oppression of the people he led Aristonicus in Triumph though taken by another man's labour who by order of the Senate was strangled in prison in the 625 year of the Citie And strangled the said M. Aquilius Nepos and C. Sempronius Tuditanus being Consuls 9. Vide Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Velleium lib. 2. cap. 6. Plutarch in Gracchis Val. Maxim lib. 6. cap. 2. Exemp 3. Livii Epitom lib. 59 60. Orosium lib. 5. cap. 10. Florum lib. 3. cap. 15. The civil dissentions died not with Gracchus who perished four years before his Law for division of the grounds being still in force and the people being sensible of the equity thereof as they accounted it for that the rich had got all into their hands The civil dissentions renewed and those that underwent all the toyl in Conquering the Land were ready to starve being also exhausted by the Wars and almost none but slaves left in Italy for ordering of the grounds Gracchus had a younger brother called Caius whom together with Fulvius Flaccus and Papirius Carbo he had made Triumviri for division of the grounds Caius Graccbus the brother of Tiberius patronizeth his Law He with his Collegues undertook the patronage of the Law and prosecuting his Enterprize with all earnestnesse such trouble arose about the division in accounting and removing that the Italians finding themselves agrieved betook themselves to Scipio Africanus He refused not to undertake their patronage yet in the Senate spake nothing against the Law onely thought fit that the executive power thereof should be taken from the Triumviri and given to some others The Senate most willingly did this and conferred it on Sempronius Tuditanus the Consul who finding the work troublesom went his way under pretence of the War in Illyricum There being now none to flie to in this case the people conceived great indignation against Scipio as ingratefull and favouring the Italians more than themselves from which his Enemies took occasion to raise further jealousies Indeed hearing of Gracchus his death at Numantia by repeating a verse in * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Odyss 1. Homer he liked well of what was done to him and being at his return asked concerning his death he approved of it before all the people which being offended at him for it he rebuked the multitude with contumelious language But at night going to his Chamber he meditated of something he intended to speak to the people the day following and in the morning was found dead in his bed it 's uncertain by what means Scipio Africanus the younger dieth suddenly Cornelia the Mother of the Gracchi was suspected to have joyned with her daughter his wife who being not over-handsome neither loved him much not was over much loved in practizing something upon him No inquisition was made after his death and he was buried privately though so great a man and one that had been the pillar of the Commonwealth 10. The Possessors of the grounds still made delayes in the division and some thought that they to whom they were to be divided should in way of recompense be made free of the Citie which however pleasing to others was highly displeasing to the Senate While men muttered much of these things C. Gracchus procured the Tribuneship and then bearing a grudge to the Senate effectually shewed it Caius getting the Tribuneship preferreth Laws distastfull to the Senate He preferred a Law for dividing of the publick Corn to every man monethly and getting his Office continued to him for another year that he might gratifie the Equites brought down the Office of judging corrupt Officers from the Senators unto them Romulus as we said instituted three Centuries of Equites or Hors-men whereof one from himself was named Ramnensis another from Fitus Tatius Tatiensis and the third from Lucanio or Lucus Luceris Under Romulus and the Kings they were also called Celeres Flexumines and Trossuli Afterwards Tarquinius Priscus added 300 more and so there continued to be 600 Equites The Order and Rank of Equites or Knights how and when it came up But though they were in the Commonwealth from the beginning yet had they no peculiar order authority or rank till this Law of Gracchus by which it was enacted that these judgements should be peculiar to them Their reputation thence forward increased with various successe about the Publicans till Cicero's time who boasting himself of this order procured it such honour that from his Consulship it came to be as a peculiar order in the State before being included in the
Nero disswaded it judging it better to secure them till Cataline were suppressed and the thing better sifted out Of this opinion was C. Julius Caesar something suspected to be privy to the design He would have them dispersed in several Towns in Italy by the Consul's appointment afterwards to be tried and not put to death altogether unheard This seemed very plausible till Cato great Grand-son to M. Porcius Cato the Censor very earnestly pressed the contrary falling foul upon Caesar as a suspicious person Fourth Then the Consul made his fourth Oration wherein he so disputeth of the two contrary opinions as he evidently inclineth to severity as fearing what the guilty party might do the night following out of necessity and desperation Catalines complices put to death Hereby the Senate was induced to put them to death as surprized in the fact which Cicero saw done accordingly ere the house arose After this Cataline was overtaken by C. Antonius the other Consul near the Alps as he was going into Gall to perfect his Levies and there fighting most valiantly was slain And he himself slain His men also fought it out to the last scarcely one of them being taken So was quasht this most dangerous conspiracy by the vigilancy especially of Cicero the Consul who wrote an History thereof which is lost Publick thanks for his great care and pains were given to him and at the instance of Cato with divers acclamations of the People he was first of all others stiled Father of his Countrey C. Julius Caesar beginneth to be eminent 43. Now began C. Julius Caesar to be very eminent two years after these stirs being sent as Praetor into the further Spain Lege Suttonium in Julio He was born in the 654 year of the Citie C. Marius the sixth time and L. Valerius Flaccus being Consuls the same that the Sedition about Saturninus hapned on the 12th day of the moneth Quinctilis afterward from him named July by Antonius his Law His birth His father was C. Julius Caesar who never arose higher than the Praetorship and died suddenly at Pisae as his shooes were drawing on in the morning his mother was Aurelia the daughter of C. Cotta and Julia the wife of Marius was his Aunt In his youth having married Cinna's daughter by which he had Julia refusing to put her away he was in great danger being with much ado spared by Sylla who as it were foretelling what trouble he would bring to the State said that in Caesar were many Marii The foundation of his Military skill he laid in Asia The foundation of his Military skill under M. Thermus the Praetor by whom being sent into Bithynia to fetch away the Navy he stayed with Nicomedes the King to whom it was suspected that he prostituted himself Afterwards in the taking of Mitylene he had deserved well and served under Servilius Isauricus in Cilicia but not long For hearing of Sylla's death and hoping to make his fortune out of the dissentions raised by Lepidus home he came but not finding a convenient oppportunity and having to no purpose accused Dolobella to shun the Envy thereby contracted he went to Rhodes to hear Apollonius whence sayling in Winter he fell into the hands of the Pirates and was forced to purchase his freedom with fifty Talents to revenge which he procured some ships took some of them whom he nailed to Crosses though without leave from the Praetor who would have sold them After this he gave a stop to Mithridates his Lieutenant and saved divers Cities in Asia He assisted Pompey the Consul and others Made Quaestor in restoring the Tribuneship which Sylla had broken Shortly after he was made Quaestor and sent into further Spain where going about to administer Justice he came to Gades and saw Alexanders image in the Temple of Hercules It troubled him exceedingly to consider that he himself had done no memorable thing at that age wherein Alexander had Conquered the World and thereupon he earnestly desired to be recalled that being in the Citie he might catch at some opportunity for his own advancement Joyneth with factious persons 44. Having got leave to return ere his time was out he joyned presently with the Latine Colonies in demanding the freedom of the Citie and had incited them to some desperate design but that the Senate for fear of the worst retained the Legions some time which were raised for Cilicia He was suspected to have been of the party of M. Crassus of P. Sulla also and Autronius who having been designed Consuls were found to have indirectly sought for the Office and so according to Law forfeited their places to the discoverers in the beginning of the year to set upon the Senate and kill whom they pleased Crassus being made Dictator he was to have been Master of the hors-men under him and all things being ordered according to their pleasure the Consulship was to have been restored to the other two â—ome have affirmed whom Suetonius citeth that he also conspired with Cn. Piso that the one in the Citie and the other abroad should rise which was prevented by Piso's death Made Aedilis Being after this Aedilis he so managed the businesse of publick buildings and shews that all was ascribed to him and nothing to his Collegue by which means and others he procured the favour of the People and essayed by the Tribunes to get Egypt assigned to him which now having expelled the King he thought would affoard him an opportunity of an extraordinary command But he was crossed by the great ones whom that he might vex he restored the Trophies erected by Marius over the Cimbri which Sulla had caused to be pulled down and suborned those who accused Rabirius By his means especially the Senate had suppressed Saturninus the seditious Tribune and now being brought before Caesar as his Judge he was so severe against him that nothing so much helped the man in his appeal from him to the People 45. After his repulse as to Egypt he stood for the High-Priesthood and by large sums such corruption were those times arrived at bought so many voices as he carried it from two most powerfull men and his Seniors Getteth by bribery the High Priesthood having more suffrages out of their two Tribes than they had out of all the rest besides Then being Praetor he stood for the complices of Cataline so earnestly as he drew to his party the brother of Cicero the Consul and diverse others After this he assisted Caecilius Metellus the Tribune in preferring turbulent Laws till both of them by a decree of the Senate were displaced and yet then would he sit and execute his Office still till forced to withdraw then out of policy he restrained the multitude which flocked to him Joyneth again with seditious men and offered to restore him by strong hand of which the Senate taking notice gave him thanks with great commendations and re-invested
having opposed his actions for some time to no purpose kept himself at home and stirred not for the remaining part of the year Caesar then governed alone and was much courted by the Equites or Knights who having farmed the custome desired an abatement of the rent The Senate refused to remit any thing but he did their businesse for them procuring the People to abate a third part By this and other wayes of shews and largesses By inveigling the People he procureth Gall for five years he so inveigled the multitude that he got Gall to be decreed to him for five years with four Legions and for the remaining part of the year spent it in seeking how to establish himself for the time to come 2. Knowing how considerable a man Pompey was to bind him faster to him He marieth his daughter Julia to Pompey and otherwise provideth for his own interest he gave him in mariage his daughter Julia. He procured two of his own creatures A. Gabinius and L. Calpurnius Piso whose daughter he had maried after Cornelia's death to be designed Consuls for the following year as also Vatinius and Clodius Tribunes though the later had abused his wife for he was a person exceedingly loose that way having in womens clothes crept into the meetings proper onely to that Sex for which he was accused as a breaker of the sacred customes by Cicero He appeared not against him though he put away his wife nay he helped him to his place as it 's thought out of opposition to the Orator who was wont to declame against the combination of the three great ones as pernicious to the Commonwealth and in way of requital for the help hee had afforded him in the procurement of Gall whither when the time of his Consulship was expired Euseb he departed This year was Titus Livius the Historiographer born at Padua Clodius the Tribune 3. Clodius out of malice to Cicero seeking for the Tribuneship whereas he was a Patrician thereby uncapable of the place he procured himself to be adopted by a Plebeian and so with the losse of his former dignity obtained it Then did he prefer a Law that whosoever had put to death any Roman Citizen unheard water and fire should be forbidden him which amounted to as much as banishment and set Cicero his day of appearance for putting to death Cethegus Lentulus and others of Catalines conspiracy unheard Pompey at first stood stifly for the accused saying he would rather dye himself than Tully should be hurt but Caesar took him off because Cicero having desired to go his Lieutenant into Gall upon Clodiuâ— his seeming willing to be reconciled had changed his resolution and hereby displeased him This is certain that he who was wont to defend others so earnestly was very timorous in his own cause which hapned also to Demosthenes and chose rather to depart the City Banisheth Cicero and late at night than undergo his trial A. M. 3947. V. C. 696. after that Pompey had forsaken him and the Consuls would give him little hopes After his departure Clodius banished him by decree of the People 400 miles from Italy demolished his Villages and his house on the plot whereof he built a Temple to Liberty and set his goods to sale He went to Thessalonica a City of Macedonia being by letters of the Senate commended to such Kings or Governours as into the Dominions of whom he might have occasion to come 4. Clodius having thus rid himself of Cicero for that Cato's presence was very troublesom to him sent him also out of the way under colour of doing him honour Sendeth Cato to spoil the King of Cyprus most unjustly of his estate He preferred a Law against Ptolomy King of Cyprus brother to Anletes of Aegypt for the spoiling him of all his estate and reducing that Island into the form of a Province though this man had nothing ill deserved He was indeed very vicious if that could have given them any right to what he had but the truth was Lege Plutarchum in Catone Minore Clodius had been taken by the Pirates and sending to him for money to redeem him he would part but with two talents and therefore he took this occasion to be revenged on him and Cato both together The King hearing of Cato's coming killed himself and some said that he cast his treasures into the Sea Cato sold his goods and brought a great sum of money into the treasury But by this time Pompey repented that he had forsaken Cicero for Clodius wanting other matter now to work on vexed all the great ones and repealed some things which he had done so that now he set himself to have him recalled Clodius withstood it but thereupon the Senate passed a Decree that nothing should be heard before his restitution was propounded Lentulus the Consul propounded it on the Calends of January but the matter being hindred several wayes was brought down to the People on the eighth before the Calends of February where was great endeavour used by T. Annius Milo and P. Sextius two other Tribunes for his restitution Clodius their Collegue taking some Fencers belonging to his brother Appius fell upon the multitude and killed many The Tribunes were wounded Cicero recalled and Q. Cicero brother of the banished newly returned from Asia which he had governed three years lay for dead amongst the slain Now the People began seriously to bethink themselves Milo ventured to draw Clodius by force to judgement and Pompey possessing himself of the Forum put the People to their suffrages who with universal consent voted his restitution The Senate decreed honour to such Cities as had entertained him and that his house and Villages should be re-edified at the publick charge So Cicero who had been banished the year before about the Calends of April returned this year in the moneth Sextilis or the day before the Nones of September and therefore was absent about sixteen moneths As Plutarch more rightly computeth than * A. M. 1948. Simpson who strangely forgetting himself blaming him for saying he returned in the sixteenth moneth contendeth that from the first of April to the moneth Sextilis or August of the following year intervene but fourteen moneths Now P. Cornelius Lentulus and Q. Caecilius Metellus were Consuls 5. Caesar having obtained of the People Gall within the Alpes Vide Caesaris comment de bello Gallco l. 1. Plutarch in Caesare Dionem l. 38. p. 78. E. and Illyricum with three Legions the Senate added that beyond the Alpes which in part we now call France with another Legion His first work was to repel the Helvetians now called Switzers who having burnt their houses and resolved to seek out more convenient habitations intended to passe over the Rhoane and so through his Province He having intelligence thereof hasted to Geneva and pulled down the bridge there They then sent to him to desire that they might passe
born in the Camp 't is certain that the sirname of Caligula he had for that reason because he was wont (f) Sueton ut prius to wear that habit of the ordinary Soldiers By the people he was gladly entertained out of their affection to Germanicus and commiseration of his family so grosly used by Tiberius whose cruelty he escaped meerly by his great dissimulation and taking in good part every thing so as it was said truely of him that never was there a better servant nor a worse Master than Caligula 2. Caius within a few dayes after the sumptuous funeral of Tiberius Josephus Antiq. l. 18. c. 8. made Agrippa King of that Countrey whereof Philip had been Tetrarch This Agrippa was the Grand-son of Herod the Great by his son Aristobulus whom he put to death Preferreth Agrippa being begotten of Berenice the daughter of Salome Having run through many straights for want of money by reason of his great profusenesse he became at length very dear to Caius who restored him to liberty being imprisoned by Tiberius for wishing his death that Caligula might succeed him and then set the Diadem on his head He had a sister named Herodias married to Philip Herodes not Philip the Tetrarch his and her Uncle and brother to Philip Antipas on the father's side his mother being daughter to Simon the High-Priest This woman Herod Antipas was so taken with that though he had already to wife the daughter of Aretas King of Arabia Petraea yet he divorced this and married her upon which account Aretas made War upon him and defeated his forces which * Idem ibid. cap. 7. was taken by the people as a judgement of God upon him for putting to death John Baptist Now Herodias envying exceedingly the promotion of her brother Agrippa importuned her husband to go to Rome and beg or buy the title of King Idem ibid. cap. 9. Agrippa smelling out their design before-hand wrote to Caius and accused him of having heretofore been of Seianus his conspiracy and of favouring at present the party of Artabanus King of Parthia whereof he said his Magazines could testifie being furnished with Provisions for 70000 men of War Herod Antipas banished to Lyons This furniture he could not deny and therefore Caius banished him to Lugdunum now Lyons in Gall whither Herodias would needs accompany him and gave his Principality and estate unto Agrippa Thus were these two punished for the death of John Baptist and so was Pilate for that of Christ For Euseb Eccles Hist l. 2. c. 7. Orosius l. 7. c. 5. being also banished by Caius to Vienna two years after he killed himself whereof the Gracians are witnesses Pilate killeth himself saith Eusebius who commit to memory in their Histories the Olympiads of times and so became the revenger of his wickednesse upon himself as he who betrayed Christ into his hands had been before 3. Sueton in Calig Capp 15 16 17 c. Josephus Antiquit lib. 18. cap. 9. Though the disposition of Caligula was from his Childhood tending to intemperance and cruelty yet at his first coming to the Goverment he used much moderation and equity as well towards publick as private persons He would not hear any accusations though said to be for his own safety permitted free and antient Jurisdiction to Magistrates attempted to bring in again the Comitia and restore the privilege of suffrages to the people payed the Legacies given by Tiberius Caligula beginneth well though his will was nulled and those given by Livia also though her son would never discharge them he remitted part of the Taxes to Italy relieved the necessities of such as received losses by fire and to such Kings as he restored he gave the Tributes collected in their absence At first he appeared a great Patron of virtue but degenerated into a Monster so that as far as a man could go in luxury and cruelty he seemed to proceed But turneth a Monster of men which made Seneca * De Consolat ad Albinam cap. 9. say that nature seemed to have brought him forth to shew what the greatest vitiousnesse backed with the greatest power could be able to do We may be more favourable to this opinion if we consider that the greatnesse of his estate made him so far surpasse the limits of all modesty as challenging to himself the title of Divinity he governed all things in contempt of God 4. He thought at first to have taken a Diadem Sueton ut suprà cap. 22. c. and changed his Principality into a Kingdom till by his flatterers he was told that he was above all such titles Assumeth divine honours At length he began to take to himself Divine honour For he caused the images of their Gods to be brought to Rome whereof the heads being taken off the image of his own was placed upon each in their stead He would offer himself to be adored amongst his brother gods as he called them and ordained Temples and Priests with sacrifice of no commoner things than Peacocks Turkies and Pheasants which were to be offered every day and he invited the Moon to his imbraces He could not endure to be accounted the off-spring of Agrippa because of his ignobility but gave out that his mother was conceived of the incest of Augustus with his daughter Julia. He himself committed incest with all his sisters and spared not the chastity of either Sex So imperious he was that he would make persons of greatest rank run by his Chariot and stand girt with Towels when he was at meat His Vices So cruel that he killed his Grand-mother Antonia by unkindnesse he murdered his brother Tiberius though he had adopted him with all his kindred except his Uncle Claudius whom he preserved for a laughing stock and he forced Macro and Ennia to kill themselves As for others he made havock of them causing some to be knocked in the head with Clubs if he were but disturbed in the shows He would cast old men or infirm to wild beasts and shutting up the Barns and Store-houses proclaimed a famine Many of quality being first stigmatized he condemned to the Mines or to repairing of High-wayes shut them up like beasts in a Den or sawed them asunder and that for no greater matters than if they had not high thoughts of his gifts and shews or had not sworn by his Genius 5. He forced Parents to be present at the death of their Children Idem ibid. Capp 27 28 c. To one that excused himself by sicknesse he sent a Litter to carry him A certain Knight whom he cast to wild beasts crying out that he was innocent he caused to be taken out and his tongue to be cut out of his head after this to be cast in again Demanding of one whom he had recalled out of banishment what he did all that time upon answer that he prayed for the death of Tiberius and
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
received a sad defeat in Britain 29. Consule Tacitum ubi suprà Capp 29 30 31. Xiphilin in Excerptis ex Dione Of late the Lieutenants of this Province had made but small progresse in their Conquests A. Didius Avitus the Successor of Plantius contenting himself with what was done before and Verannius who followed him making onely some excursions upon the Silures for he was prevented by death from any further service But now Paullinus Suetonius the Aemulator of Corbulo for Military glory had the chief Command and sought to equal the acts of the other in Armenia by chastizing and taming the Britains He set upon the Isle Mona now called Anglesey peopled with strong Inhabitants Suetonius in Britain subduing the Silures and the receptacle of all Fugitives where he was received with multitudes of men on the shore with women running about like furies with firebrands in their hands having their hair spred about their shoulders the Druides also the antient Seat of whom that Island was powring out plenty of curses The Soldiers something terrified at first being exhorted by their General easily broke through and dissipated this furious Company then placed he a Garrison in the Island and cut down the Groves where they were wont to offer mans bloud and consult their Gods by the entrails of some Captive But whilest these things were adoing news came to Suetonius of the revolt of his Province His Province revolteth For Prafatagus King of the Iceni that his Kingdom and family might be freed from molestation left Caesar his Heir together with his two daughters But it hapned far otherwise A. D. 62. Ol. 210. ann 1. V. C. 814. his Kingdom being wasted by Centurions and his house by Slaves his wife Boadicia otherwise called Boodicia Boudicia Vondica and Bunduica was whipped his daughters defloured his chiefest subjects spoiled of their Goods and Lands and his kindred counted no better of than slaves Provoked by these things and fear of worse when they should be reduced into the form of a Province they took Arms stirring up the Trinobantes to rebellion Others also joyned with them having heretofore combined to recover their liberty out of hatred to the old superannuated Soldiers who being planted as a Colony at Camalodunum committed grievous outrages against them and these were rather cherished by the Army than otherwise in hope of the like liberty for the time to come But this Colony not being fenced by any fortifications the founders having rather looked at the pleasantnesse of the situation than commodiousnesse of the ground the Britains accounted it no great matter to destroy it 30. The Camalodunians being terrified by several prodigies Tacitus ut suprà Capp 32 33. c. Sueton. in Narone cap. 39. desired aid of Catus Decianus the Governour in Suetonius his absence He sent them but 200 men and those but meanly Armed and they neglected still to raise any fortifications their Counsels being confounded by such as were ingaged in the plot Being then beset round by the Natives all things were burnt and destroyed Camalodunum the Colony destroyed and Petilius Cerealis coming to their relief with the ninth Legion was utterly defeated all the foot being cut in pieces and the horse with himself glad to run away to the Camp whereupon Catus passed over into Gall having by his avarice been the great cause of this defection The same defeat was given to Verulamium out of the ruins of which rose St. Albans a Town free of the Citie of Rome And Verulamium for the Britains passing by Castels and places of defence set upon such as were most obnoxious to their fury At both places were massacred 70000 persons none being taken or sold after the custom of War but either put to the sword hanged burnt or crucified as Malefactors Suetonius passed through the midst of his Enemies to Londinium now London a Town not then notable in respect of the Colony but for multitude of Merchants and plenty of Traffick very famous Perceiving it but badly provided of Soldiers although he once thought to make it the seat of the War he left it being not prevailed with to stay either by the prayers or tears of the Inhabitants For resolving with the losse of one Town to preserve the rest he took all along with him that could go and all others whom either Sex or Age or the pleasantnesse of the places detained were destroyed by the Enemy Having got together an Army of 10000 men he resolved to venture a battel with all expedition and for that purpose made his choice of convenient ground Boadicia carrying her two daughters in the Chariot with her about to the Companies told them it had been usual before for the Britains to fight under the conduct of women but she was now in another capacity than her Ancestors being not to fight for a Kingdom but as one of the ordinary sort to revenge her lost liberty her own stripes and the violence offered to her daughters As for her self she said she was resolved to win the field or die as for men they might live if they pleased and be slaves Suetonius on the other side considering the weight of the Enterprize was not silent 31. The Romans though far inferiour in number Tacitus ut priùs Capp 37 38. yet in Military knowlege and Discipline far exceeding the Britains put them to the worst and made of them great slaughter by reason of the difficulty of flight for those having brought their wives to behold the battel Suetonius defeateth the Britains in battel and be eye-witnesses of their valour they had placed them in Waggons about the Army Some reported that scarcely fewer then 80000 of the Conquered were slain and of the Conquerors about 400. and Boadicia ended her life by poyson Afterwards the Army being increased by a great supply sent over by Caesar wasted the Countrey with fire and sword which was also sorely oppressed by famine for being intent upon the War the Britains had neglected the sowing of Corn hoping also to enjoy the Provisions of the Enemy For all this they were not forward to ask Peace being incouraged by Julius Cassilianus who being sent to succeed Catus disagreed so far with Suetonius and so illed him to those at Rome that he wrote they must not expect an end of the War till some one was sent to succeed him attributing all mishaps to his unfitnesse and all successe to the good Fortune of the Commonwealth To view then the condition of Britain was Polycletus the Freed-man of Nero sent over who coming in with a great train seemed terrible to the Roman Soldiers but ridiculous to the Britains who burning with affection to liberty and as yet ignorant of the power of such wondred that the General and Army which had put an end to such a War would obey slaves Suetonius was commanded to deliver up his Army to Turpilianus Turpilianus succeeding him is slothfull who
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
for there Antiochus Appian in Syriacis who had put away his former wife upon the marriage of Berenice his sister now overcome with Love took her and her Children again into his Court whereupon she fearing yet his ficklenesse and another disgrace to prevent it procured him to be poysoned Hieronym in Daniel and conveyed his Kingdom to Seleucus Callinicus her eldest son Berenice she committed to two of the Chief of Antioch to be made away but the Lady when she heard that some were sent to kill her shut up her self in Daphna where being besieged the Cities of Asia Ptolomy Euergetes his Wars with Antiochus Theos moved with the remembrance of the Dignity of her family sent her aid and Ptolomy her brother marched in all haste possible to deliver her but ere she could be relieved she was circumvented by those that with an Oath promised her security and slain together with her young son Out of disdain at this unworthy act the Cities revolted to Ptolomy who entring Syria killed Laodice passed to Babylon Josephus contra Apion lib. 2. and got almost all Asia into his hands at which time he visited Jerusalem also where he offered many sacrifices of praise to God and dedicated gifts suitable to so great a victory The Kingdom of Syria had become a Province to that of Egypt in all probability at this time had he not been recalled by domestick troubles which being very urgent he left Cilicia to the Governance of Antiochus his great favourite to Xanthippus another of his Captains the Provinces beyond Euphrates and so plundring Seleucus his Kingdom of 40000 Talents of silver he carried down also many costly Vessels and Images of Idols to the number of 2500. amongst which were those which Cambyses had after his overthrow of Amasis and Psammiticus conveyed out of Egypt And therefore the Egyptians because after so many years he had restored to them their gods honoured him with the sirname of Euergetes 4. Seleucus provided a Fleet for the recovery of the places revolted Justin ut priùs but before he could come to use it lost it all by a Tempest which yet proved the greatest gain for the Cities out of commiseration of his estate and as if he had already sufficiently smarted for his paricide returned again to their obedience Being exceedingly encouraged and animated herewith as richer by his losse he then made War upon Ptolomy but as if he had been born for a laughing stock to fortune and not recovered the Kingdom for himself he was overthrown again in battel and as destitute of followers as after the shipwrack fled to Antioch when applying a remedy worse than the disease he sent to his brother Antiochus from his ravenous disposition sirnamed Hierax for aid and so Ptolomy fearing himself not to be able to graple with both His wife Berenice's hair giveth name to a Constellation made a Truce with him for ten years Whilest he was abroad in Asia his wife Berenice daughter to his Uncle Magas and betrothed to him as we said before vowed to consecrate her hair to the gods in case he returned safe and accordingly cutting it off laid it up in a certain Chapel whereupon Conon the Mathematician who flourished at this time out of flattery to them both feigned it to be taken up into heaven and invented that constellation which yet is known by the name of it In his time a Phoenix is reported the third time after the dayes of Sesostris and the next after them of Amasis to have flown being a bird sacred to the Sun accompanied with a great number of other birds admiring her new face to the Citie Heliopolis as Tacitus tells us Annal. lib. 6. who reports that the same thing hapned afterwards in the reign of Tiberius Paulus Fabius and L. Vitellius being Consuls To this Ptolomy fled Cleomenes the King of Sparta after his overthrow received from Antigonus Doson of Macedonia and the Achaeans Polyb. lib. 5. Flutarch in vita Cleomen who honorably receiving him and prizing him very much for his worth was much ashamed that he had suffered such a man to be defeated and promised to re-establish him but he died before he could bring it about after he had reigned 24 years in the 139th Olympiad within which Polybius * Sub fidem lib. 2. observes both Antigonus Doson and Seleucus Ceraunus King of Macedonia to have left the World and their Kingdoms to their Successors 5. His son succeeded him being sirnamed Philopater ironically if we believe Justin Lib. 29. 30. who out of Trogus accuseth him of making away both father and mother Certainly if we look at his general carriage and disposition he was likely enough to do it giving up himself to all luxury and effeminatenesse thereby neglecting his affairs whence he obtained the name of Tryphon Ptolomy Philopator A. M. 3783. Ol. 139. ann 2. V.C. 532. Antioch M. 2. Polybius lib. 5. Finding his brother Magas by his mothers means to be very great with the Army he made them both away by the means of Sosibius who was his greatest Counsellour and manager of his publick businesse His lazinesse and neglect encouraged Antiochus the Great to make War upon him for Coelesyria in which though he got the better yet can it not be ascribed to any thing of his he thinking of nothing lesse than preparation for resistance and whereas he had opportunity enough after the battel to have outed his Enemy of Syria yet being overjoyed that he had recovered Coelesyria onely he sent Sosibius to confirm the peace In his return out of Syria he went to Jerusalem and would needs see the inward holy places of the Temple but was smitten so with a blind horror that he fell and could scarcely be recovered to himself but departing home raged against the Jews at Alexandria Then with great earnestnesse returning to his a little intermitted jollities he doted so upon Agathoclea his Concubine that he killed his sister and wife Eurydice and forgetting all credit and Majesty spent the nights in filthinesse and the dayes in feasting These things at first privately acted within the Court Walls presently shamed nor at the publick view the impudence of the Strumpet containing it self in no bounds being increased by the favour of her brother Agathocles one of as filthy a life as her self and the Conjunction of her mother Euanthe who spent high and presumed much on the score of her Children's great grace with the King Henceforth these women not contenting themselves with the King possessed the Kingdom also and shamed not to appear in publick in great equipage to be reverenced As for Agathocles he reigned and not Ptolomy by the direction and advice of his two Assistants Mother and Sister disposing of Offices and Commands in the Army at his pleasure 6. Yet Polybius ibid. Plutarch in Cleomen had Ptolomy the strange fortune to overcome all difficulties he met with