of the River Indus At Susa he married Statira the eldest Daughter of Darius and bestowed the youngest on his Friend Hephestion 3626. Some time after he left Susa and went to Ecbatane where he spent whole Days and Nights in Riot and Excess His Friend Hephestion died there of a Debauch in Drinking Alexander caused the Physician who had tended on this Favourite in his Sickness to be hang'd To divert the Grief he conceived at the Death of his dear Hephestion he carried on the War against the Cosseans He subdued them in the space of 40 Days thô they fled under the Covert of Mountains and were never conquered by the Kings of Persia. Afterwards he made his Army pass Tigris and marched towards Babylon The Caldean Astrologers met him and advised him not to go thither for it would be fatal to him but slighting their Advice he went thither and was received with great Shouts and Acclamations of Joy He built in Babylon a Dock capable of containing 1000 Sail of Ships and embarking on the River Euphrates he visited Arabia It was then that he laughed at the Caldeans saying He entred Babylon and went out of it again without any harm done him Thus in the height of his Confidence he sailed about the Lakes of Arabia 324 3627. And upon his return to Babylon gave himself wholly to his Pleasures and especially to immoderate Drinking The Journal of his Life represents him in his last Days as a Man drenched in Drunkenness and who did nothing but Eat drink and Sleep Potavit perpotavit crapulam edormiit solito more crapulam decoxit One day as he was offering Sacrifices to the Gods for the Victories he had gained he feasted himself and his Friends drank very hard and carried on the Debauch till late at Night When the King returned from this Feast a Physician of Thessalia invited him and his Company to come and drink at his House The King accepted the Offer and carried twenty of his Friends along with him There was in the Company one Proteas a Macedonian who was a great Drinker the King and this Man challenged each other to drink and at last the fatal Bowl came into his Hands which he drank off and with it his Death Some say there was Poison in that Bowl others that it was his immoderate and excessive Drinking which was the cause of that violent Fever which immediately seized him and within a few days hastened his End He died in the flower of his Age being but 33 years old and was equally lamented both by Greeks and Persians Sisygambis who survived all the Misfortunes of her own Family yet broke her Heart at the News of his Death And thus have we given you a summary Account of the Birth Education Rise Growth Heighth and Fall of this once Great Man We have briefly described what he did before and what he did after he became the Vniversal Monarch of Asia and as he thought of the whole World Considering the Extent and Largeness of his Conquests and the short space of Time he took up in effecting them we may see with what Reason the Prophet Daniel compared him to a Flying Leopard You see that within the compass of a very few years he added to his Petty Kingdom of Macedon Thrace Greece Egypt part of Arabia and of Africa Syria Pamphylia the two Phrygia's Caria Lydia Paphlagonia Assyria Susiana Drangiana Arachosia Gedrosia Aria Bactriana Sogdiana Parthia Hircania Armenia Persia Babylonia Mesopotamia and India But at last in the midst of all his Glory in the very centre of his Conquests he was cut off by an untimely Death and thô he boasted himself to be descended of the Gods and was adored by his Flatterers as One yet he found his Mistake perceived he was but a Mortal Man and that he must die like the rest of the Petty Princes whom he had conquered By him fell the Grecian Monarchy too after it had lasted about 6 years and 10 months For after his Death his Conquests were cantoned among his Captains each seizing on what Share thereof he could At first 't is said the Provinces were divided among thirty of them But at last they were reduced to four Principalities under four Princes Ptolemy had Egypt for his Share Seleucus reigned at Babylon and in Syria Cassander became Master of Greece and Macedonia And Antigonus had Asia Minor for his Part. The Reign and Successors of Ptolemy King of Egypt and the Reign and Successors of Cassander King of Macedonia we shall not treat of here since they belong more properly to another Place where in two distinct Chapters we shall be more particular in speaking to them In this Chapter we shall only give you an Account of the Successors of Alexander the Great who reigned in Syria and in Asia Minor Sect. 2. The Kingdom of the Syrians This Kingdom began under Seleucus Ninacor in the Year of the World 3633 before Christ 317 and lasted about 253 Years to the Year of the World 3886 at which time it was made a Roman Province by Pompey BEfore we give an Account of its Kings it may be proper to give you a short Description of the Country Syria formerly was a large Country in Asia including Assyria Mesopotamia Babylonia Phenicia and Palestina and it has oft been taken for the same with Assyria Some extended its Bounds as far as the Euxine Sea and hence we read of several Syria's in Holy Writ But if we cut off Assyria Mesopotamia and Babylonia from it then Syria is bounded on the North by the Mountain of Amanus which parts it from Armenia On the East by Mesopotamia from which 't is parted by the River Euphrates On the South by Arabia Petrea And on the West by part of Egypt the Phenician Sea Cilicia and a small part of the Mountain Amanus It is at present called Souria or Soristen is one of the finest Champain Countries in the World and abounds with pleasant Pastures Damascus was the Capital City of Syria which became a great Kingdom when the Empire of Alexander the Great was after his Death divided among his Generals Years of the World Years before Christ. 3633. 1. Seleucus Nicanor was the first King of the Syrians He was at first made General of the Cavalry afterwards became Master of Babylonia and Antigonus Master of Susiana 317 This Seleucus being assisted by Ptolemy the Son of Lagus by Cassander and Lysâ—machus defeated Antigonus who was the first King of Asia after the Death of Alexander He conquered India put Demetrius Poliorcetes to death in a Prison and killed Lisymachus in an Engagement Iustin tells us that the Seleucides were all born with the print of an Anchor on their Thigh And Historians say that never any Father loved his Children so passionately as this Seleucus for the Proof of which they relate this notable Instance His Son Antiochus fell sick of a violent Passion for his mother-in-Mother-in-Law Stratonice Erasistratus his Physician perceiving it went
the Maccabees After this Demetrius raised Forces against Alexander but was defeated and killed by him By this means Alexander was established in the Kingdom of Syria over which he reigned 6 years 151 Demetrius the eldest Son of Demetrius Soter being willing to revenge the Death of his Father and to regain his Kingdom had great Success therein Apollonius join'd with him and was sent by Demetrius into Iudea to fight the Iews who were in League with Alexander Ionathan and Simon engaged him several times At last Alexander ravaged Syria Ptolemy Philopator and Demetrius marched against him where Ptolemy was wounded in the Engagement Within a few days after Alexander was killed by his Domesticks and Ptolemy upon the sight of his Head died for Joy 3805. 12. Demetrius Nicanor became at last sole King of Syria and suffered the Iews to live very peaceably Ionathan laid Siege to the Fortress of Ierusalem and Demetrius sent to have him come to him and give him an Account of that Action Ionathan still continued the Siege and pacified Demetrius by his Presents 145 No sooner had Demetrius Nicanor disbanded his old Forces having as he thought no further Occasion for them but Tryphon laid hold on the Opportunity to make young Antiochus Sirnamed the Divine King who was the Son of Alexander He endeavoured to make Ionathan his Friend who did him great Services 3807. 13. Antiochus the Divine set up by Tryphon but afterwards the latter being minded to be King himself instead of Antiochus and being afraid Ionathan should oppose him in his Designs surpriz'd and killed him Simon is Elected in his Place to be both General of the Army and High-Priest He several times defeated Tryphon who that he might the more easily usurp the Regal Dignity killed Antiochus 143 3809. 14. Tryphon the Vsurper In his time Demetrius Nicanor marched with his Forces into Media to strengthen himself against Tryphon where he was taken Prisoner by the General of the Army of the King of Persia and Media At last the Soldiers could not away with Tryphon and went over to Cleopatra the Wife of Demetrius who surrender'd her self and her Army to her Brother Antiochus Sedetes 141 3812. 15. Antiochus Sedetes took the Government upon him and reigned about 10 years He at first made a League with Simon the High-Priest and afterwards very dishonourably broke it sending Cendebeus against him whilst he went in pursuit of Tryphon who retired into Apamea which being taken he was killed there Simon the High-Priest being very old sent his Sons against Cendebeus who beat him This only served to foment the Jealousy of his son-in-Son-in-Law Ptolemy against the Father and his Children who killed the Father and two of his Sons in a Feast to which he had invited them In the Eighth Year of the Reign of Antiochus Sedetes there happened an Earthquake at Antioch at 10 a clock in the morning on February the 21st After this Antiochus with his Army were cut off in Parthia which gave way for his Brother Demetrius to remount the Throne 138 3822. Demetrius Nicanor reassumed the Throne after his return from the Parthians where he had been Prisoner But he had debauched himself so much among the Parthians and grew by his Pride so intolerable that neither his Soldiers nor his Subjects could endure him but chose themselves another King 128 16. Alexander Zebenna was the Man they Elected who was the Son of a certain great Merchant Demetrius was abandoned by all Men fled from one Country to another and at last was assassinated as he was going into a Ship But some say he was killed by his Wife Cleopatra Zebenna in his Prosperity proved ungrateful to his Friends and forgot his old Benefactor Ptolomy Physicon who had set him upon the Throne Ptolomy by way of Revenge assisted Antiochus Gryphus against him who defeated put him to flight and afterwards killed him 3826. 17. Antiochus Gryphus reigned 8 years very prosperously and all Syria enjoyed a profound Peace His Mother Cleopatra offended at her Son 's good Fortune upon his return from the War he had successfully ended against Zebenna presented him with a Glass full of rank Poison He excused himself out of Compliment and his Mother still urged him to drink it off At last he frankly told her That he was informed of her ill Will towards him and that she could not clear her Innocence better than by drinking up what she was so civil to offer him Upon this she was forced to drink off what she had prepared for her Son and so was poisoned Antiochus Cyzicenus declared War against his Brother Gryphus but was defeated by him 3835. 18. Antiochus Cyzicenus had the Fortune at last to defeat his Brother Gryphus who fled away and was turned out of his Kingdom which his Brother became Master of But no sooner was he King but he gave himself up to all manner of Pleasures and Debaucheries He associated with none but Comedians Buffoons Jugglers and Fencers He applied himself very seriously to the making of Puppets dance and became so great a Master in that Mechanical Art that he could make Figures of Birds to fly and run along as if they were natural 115 3856. 19. Seleuchus the Son of Antiochus Gryphus having raised Forces declared War against his Uncle Antiochus Cyzicenus They came to an Engagement wherein Antiochus was defeated His Horse carried him into the Enemies Camp and he for fear of being taken alive killed himself 92 3860. 20. Antiochus the Pious the Son of Antiochus Cyzicenus having escaped the Ambuscades which his Uncle had laid for him declared War against him after he had taken upon him the Diadem at Arada Seleucus was routed beaten out of all Syria and fled into Cilicia He was received there by the Mopseates who being enraged by the extravagant Contributions which Seleucus raised upon them burnt him in his Palace with two of his Friends Upon this Antiochus and Philip two Twin-Brothers of Seleucus in revenge of his Death besieged Mopsuesta took it by Storm and demolished it Antiochus the Pious marched against them and defeated them Antiochus was drowned in a River as he fled away and his Brother Philip reigned together with Antiochus the Pious and afterwards they endeavoured by War to decide which of the two should be sole Master 90 3861. 21. Demetrius Euceres the Son of Antiochus Gryphus was seated upon the Throne of Damascus by Ptolemy Lathurus But Antiochus the Pious opposed the new King being assisted by his Brother Philip's Forces Iosephus says that Antiochus the Pious was killed in a Battel against the Parthians 89 22. Philip and Demetrius Euceres both of them the Sons of Gryphus became Masters of the Kingdom of Syria Thus for these last years the Seleucides raising continual Commotions with each other for the Crown were at length cut off in several Battels The Syrians offended at these Disturbances called in Tigranes King of Armenia and submitted to his Government 3863. 23 Tigranes called in
after the Death of her Son Ahasias resolv'd to make away with all that was left of the Royal Family without sparing her own Sons that she might reign without a Competitor Ioas Son to Ahasias was saved alone from his Grandmothers Fury by Iesabeth who hid him when he was in the Cradle in the House of the Lord and so preserved this precious Remainder of David's Family 3120. Ionah the Prophet lived 3125. Hosea the Prophet lived 3135. Ioel the Prophet lived 3150. Hesiod the Greek Poet lived 3155. Amos the Prophet lived 3180. Isaiah the Prophet lived 3190. Micah the Prophet lived 3174. Olympick Games instituted by Iphitus King of Elis Son of Praxonidas of the Race of the famous Oxiles Here begin the Olympiads where Varro places the end of Fabulous Times and the beginning of the Historical These were celebrated every fifth Year or after four compleat Years 776. 3057. Sardanapalus King of the Assyrians begins to reign 'T is said of him That he built two Towns in one Day viz. Anchiale and Tarsus in Cilicia After him that Monarchy was divided into Assyrians and Medes Arbaces taking advantage of the Effeminacy of Sardanapalus erected to himself a Kingdom and Sardanapalus press'd by his Enemies burnt himself in his Palace 3075. Carthage built EPOCHA VII 3198. Romulus or Rome founded 752. This Epocha goes as far as the end of the Captivity of Babylon and lasts 218 Years REmus and Romulus were Sons of the Vestal Rhea Daughter to Amulius who had usurp'd the Kingdom of Alba from his Brother Numitor. This Amulius not willing to have any Heir commanded his Daughter's two Sons to be cast into the Tyber But the King's Shepherd having found them on the side of that River took them up and nursed them at home At 15 Years of Age they instituted the Feast called Lupercals afterwards they restored Numitor to his Kingdom and some time after they built the City of Rome of which Romulus was declared the Founder It was encompassed at first only with a little Ditch which Remus leap'd over out of Contempt but he paid dear for his Jest and lost his Life for it Thus began the Capital of the greatest Empire that ever was in the World 3205. Obed the Prophet lived 3220. Habakkuk the Prophet 3230. Nahum the Prophet 3215. Syracuse built 3228. Salmanassar King of Assyria takes Samaria the chief City of the Kingdom of Israel after a Siege of 3 Years and carries away the Ten Tribes in perpetual Bondage to Ninive Thus ended the KINGDOM OF ISRAEL which had lasted 258 Years since its Division from that of Iudah 723. Tobiah and his History are to be placed about this Time 3235. Sennacherib King of Assyria enters Iudea with an Army and carries Spoil and Desolation where-ever he comes He besieges Ierusalem but Hezekiah by earnest Prayer obtains Favour of God and an Angel of the Lord kills by the Sword in one Night 185000 of his Men. From thence he flies to Ninive where he is killed 715. 3235. Numa Pompilius King of Rome began to Reign 3254. Manasses King of Iuda is taken Prisoner by the Assyrians and carried in Chains into Babylon where he becomes penitent makes a Prayer extant in the Apocrypha and God restores him to his former Dignity 696. Nebuchodonosor or Nebuchadnezzar the Monarch of Babylon 3350. Enters Iudea with an Army and takes Iecoâ—iah King of Iudah Captive 3360. Zedechias King of Iuda In the 11th Year of his Reign Nebuchodonosor takes Ierusalem Zedechias is taken endeavouring to make his Escape They put his Children to Death before him afterwards they put out his Eyes load him with Chains and carry him Prisoner to Babylon His Palace is burnt the Temple destroyed the Walls of Ierusalem pull'd down and all the Inhabitans led Captive among the Babylonians 590. 3375. Nebuchadnezzar's Pride is punished by God He loses his Senses and is reduced to live 7 Years in the Woods among the Beasts 3385. Nebuchadnezzar being converted and restored to his former Grandeur dies in the 32d Year of his Reign 3387. Ieconiah after 37 Years Imprisonment was freed and treated honourably by Evil-marodoch 3390. Balthasar in the midst of a Feast sees a Hand writing some Words on the Wall which according to Daniel's Interpretation signifie That God will give his Kingdom to the Medians and Persians Which begins to prove true the next Night 3350. Ezechiel began to Prophecy 3370. Pythagoras flourished 3391. Cyrus the Founder of the Persian Monarchy began to Reign 559. Croesus the rich King of Lydia 3400. Conquer'd by Cyrus 3400. Daniel the Prophet flourish'd EPOCHA VIII 3420. Cyrus or the Iews restored 530. This Epocha reaches as far as the Taking of Carthage and lasts 334 Years THe 70 Years of Captivity to which God in his Wrath had condemned the Iews being expired in order to their Restoration he resolved to make Cyrus Master of all the East and place him on the Throne of the Kings of Babylon This Prince hearing the Prophets had foretold That he should rebuild the Temple of Ierusalem gave leave to all the Iews that were Captive at Babylon to return to their own Country under the Conduct of Zorobabel He took all the Holy Utensils of the Temple out of the Treasury of the Kings of Babylon whither they had been transported and gave them back to the Iews who marched away to the number of 42000 Persons and were no sooner arrived but they laid the Foundation of the New Temple 3419. Cyrus having conquer'd and slain Nabboneus otherwise call'd by Daniel Darius the Median King of Babylon becomes Monarch of all Asia 3421. Cambyses succeeds Cyrus 3417. Tarquin last King of the Romans He is sirnam'd the Proud He puts to Death Servius his father-in-Father-in-Law and his Wife Tullia has the Impudence to drive her Chariot over the dead Body of her Father 3436. Sextus Son to Tarquin ravishes Lucretia the Wife of Collatinus in regret thereof she stabs her self having first adjur'd her Husband and Friends to revenge the Injury Which they immediately prosecuted under the Conduct of L. Iunius Brutus and Tarquin with all his Family are expell'd Also the Royal Government pull'd down and a new one erected under Consuls whereof Brutus was the first This happen'd 245 Years after the City was built 509. 3429. Darius Hystaspes succeeds his Father Cambyses in Persia. 3460. The Persians are defeated at the Battle of Marathon in Attica by Miltiades the Athenian General 3465. Xerxes the great Monarch of Persia call'd in Scripture Ahasuerus began to reign 485. 3469. Invades Greece with an Army of 5 millions 283000 Men according to Herodotus Plutarch says 5 millions Theodoret 3 millions 3470. This great Army is fought by 5500 Grecians at the Streights of Thermopilae wherein the Lacedemonians being surrounded are cut off The Athenians admonish'd by the Oracle to make use of Wooden Walls by Advice of Themistocles retire on board their Ships which gives Xerxes opportunity to burn Athens 480. 3470. The Athenians under
by Lysander the Admiral of the Lacedemonians of which 10 Galleys with much ado escaped This Engagement which happened near Egos-Potamos in the Straits of the Hellespont gave Lysander an opportunity of blocking up Athens both by Sea and Land which he besieged so straitly that he obliged it to surrender to him And then he set up 30 Tyrants to rule there and granted the Athenians Peace upon Condition that they would demolish their Walls within 10 days Whilst these Tyrants had the Government in their hands they committed many and great Outrages Several of the Citizens were banished and their Estates confiscated by them Among the banished Citizens was Thrasybulus who fighting in his Country's Cause with the Assistance of only 30 Men first of all took the Fort Phylon in Attica afterwards his Force increasing he seized upon the Pyreum drove out the 30 Tyrants out of Athens notwithstanding Lysander came to their Relief restored the City to its former Constitution and caused an Amnesty to be made 'T is said these Tyrants in their short Reign put 1400 Citizens to Death among whom the Philosopher Socrates is reckon'd and banished above 5000 all for little or no Cause Canon and Athenian who was General for the Persians defeated Agesilaus who had a while before routed the Confederated Army of the Athenians Corinthians and Thebans near Cnidus in a Sea-Fight and with the Spoils he took fortified Athens The Athenians perceiving that the Lacedemonians were still Powerful by Sea sent Thrasybulus with 40 Sail of Ships against them He scoured the Seas took a great many Prizes and raised great Contributions wherever he came At last in a City of Asia Minor he permitted his Army to live so Licentiously that the Inhabitants were so far provoked as to kill a great number of them by Surprize in the night and beheaded Thâ—asybulus himself Iphicrates who succeeded him as Admiral of the Navy surprized Anaxibius the General of the Lacedemonians cut a great many of his Forces to pieces and Anaxibius himself fell in the Engagement In this Century Epaminondas the General of the Thebans routed the Spartans twice at Leuctra and was at last killed himself at Mantinea About the end of this Century Philip of Macedon engaged in a War against the Athenians from whom he took Amphipolis and Potidea and within a few years after Demosthenes made his first Oration against Philip. The Learned Men of most Note who flourished in this Century in Greece were Herodotus Thucydides and Xenophon Historians Euripides and Sophocles Tragedians Aristophanes the Comedian Socrates Plato and Aristoâ—le Philosophers Demosthenes the Athenian Orator Eudoxus the Astronomer and Diogenes the Cynick Years of the World Years before Christ. 3600. Just before the beginning of this Century began the Phocian or Sacred War which lasted 10 years This War was wag'd against the Photians who had â—obb'd Apollo's Temple and the Photians had for their Generals first Philomelus and after him Onomarchus Philip of Macedon having defeated the Athenians at Olynthus granted them Peace within two years after he aided the Thebans and routed the Phocians whereby he put an end to the Sacred War After he had conquered the Athenians Thebans and Phocians at Cheronea he was chosen General of the Grecians against the Persians but was killed before that Expedition After his Death Alexander brought an Army into Greece where there happened some Disturbances but being perswaded by Demades the Orator he pardoned the Athenians who had conspired with Attalus against him In this Century flourished Epicurus who at 32 years of Age taught his Philosophy at first at Mytelene and afterwards at Lampsacus 350 3650. About this time Demetrius Poliorcetes raised a great Army by Land and fitted out 250 Sail of Ships to Sea and parted from Ephesus with a Design to restore all the Cities of Greece to their ancient Liberty He retook Athens and set it at Liberty and reduced the greatest part of Greece under his Sovereignty Some time after the Athenians revolted from him and sided with Pyrrhus upon which he besieged Athens but broke up from before it being perswaded thereunto by Crates the Philosopher 300 In this Century flourished Aeschines Lycurgus Theophrastus Euclid Strato Lamsocenus Callimachus Zeno Citticus the Stoick Manetho Theocritus Berosus and several others 3700. In this Century there happened with respect to the Athenians but little of Moment They sent Ambassadors to crave Help of the Romans against Philip King of Macedon who warred against them 'T is said they sent another time three Ambassadors to the Senate and People of Rome to get off the Fine of 500 Talents imposed upon them for having pillaged Oropus Those Ambassadors were three Philosophers who flourished in this Century viz. Carneades of Cyrene the Academick Diogenes of Babylon the Stoick and Critolaus the Peripatetick It was observed that each of these Philososophers had a quite different Talent in Oratory Carneades expressed himself imperiously vehemently and rapidly Critolaus made a coherent even and methodized Speech And Diogenes in his Harangue seemed reserved modest and afraid to say too much This Air of Philosophy being a new Thing there was very dazling in the Eyes of the Romans and the Youth being charmed with the Conversation of those Philosophers were all for studying that Science But Cato the Censor who was of Opinion That Philosophy would soften the Temper of the Romans and make them less fit for War to which he designed to Discipline them dispatched these Philosophical Ambassadors from Rome and banished all Philosophers out of that City 250 In this Century beside the fore-mentioned Philosophers there flourished in Greece Aratus Archimedes the famous-Mathematician Theophanes Lesbius and others 3800. And now we shall conclude what we have to say on the State of Athens since in this Century it ended and began to be govern'd by the Romans of whose Government we shall have occasion to treat more largely hereafter 150 CHAP. X. Of the Kings of Troy TROY so famous for ten years Siege and so much celebrated by Homer and other Poets upon that account was a City of Asia Minor in Pbrygia seated on the River Xanthus about a League from the Egean Sea founded as some say by Dardanus as others by Tros It had no more than VII Kings under the last of which it was taken and burnt by the Grecians 317 years after its first founding Years of the World Years before Christ. 2450. 1. About this time Teucer reigned over the Trojans being their first King and reigned 21 years 1500 2471. 2. Dardanus the Son of Iupiter and Electra Teucer's son-in-Son-in-Law succeeded and reigned 31 years 1479 2502. 3. Ericthonius reigned about 65 years 1448 2567. 4. Tros the Son of Ericthonius and Astyoche succeeded his Father and built Troy which he called Troja after his own Name and Ilium after his Son Ilus's Name He warred with Tantalus and reigned about 63 years 1383 2630. 5. Ilus succeeded his Father and reigned about 40 years 1320 2670. 6.
every Beast of the Field and Fowl of the Air which by Divine Direction Noah collected into an Ark or Ship of vast extent which according to the Commands of God he built and after 120 Years Labour having finish'd it the Flood-gates of Heaven were open'd and the Fountains of the Deep were broken up and in 40 Days time the Waters overwhelm'd the Face of the whole Earth so that all Creatures were destroy'd except Noah and what were with him in the Ark. But the executing Element having perform'd the Commands of Heaven it again return'd to its ancient Habitation part into the Bowels of the Earth and the rest exhal'd into Clouds leaving the Earth dry and again in a condition to be Cultivated Accordingly Noah and his Sons immediately set to work and in a few Ages the Land became fill'd with Inhabitants and Colonies were Transplanted to remoter Parts 1657. A Year after the beginning of the Flood Noah goes out of the Ark seeing the whole Face of the Earth dry and after a positive Order from God Shem Ham and Iapheth the Sons of Noah begin to Till the Ground The Life of Men shortened by one half 1723. Heber is born From him came the Hebrews and the Hebrew Language 1757. Phaleg is born His Name signifies Division because 't was in his time that Noah divided the Earth among his three Sons Iaphet had the West of Asia from the Mountains Taurus and Aman and all Europe Ham had Syria Arabia and all Africa Shem had all the Eastern Asia The Age of Men decreases very sensibly being at this time not above the fourth part of that of the Ante-diluvian Patriarchs 1800. About this time they began to build the Tower of Babel in the Plains of Sennaar 1816. A sort of Royal Authority has its first Rise in Egypt where some more violent than the rest take upon them to Domineer At this Time happen'd the Confusion of Languages which were divided into 72. The Hebrew Tongue remain'd in the Posterity of Heber This Confusion stop'd the Building of the Tower of Babel which those impious People were carrying on 1900. Nimrod the Grandson of Ham began the Babylonian or Assyrian Monarchy 2950. 1920. The King's Shepherds who came out of Arabia settle in Egypt and form a Government 1005. Ninus the Assyrian Monarch began to Reign 43 Years before the Birth of Abraham Semiramis his Wife the famous Assyrian Heroine succeeded him 1948. Abraham is born in the City of Vr in Chaldea a place famous for the Mathematicians that lived there 2002. Zoroaster King of the Bactrians is supposed to have invented Magick about this time 2023. Abraham comes out of Vr by God's Command to go and live at Charan a Town of Mesopotamia Hunting and Fowling were then invented 'T was about 300 Years before this time that the Chaldeans began to observe the Stars and the Motions of the Planets and practise Astronomy EPOCHA III. 2023. The Vocation of Abraham 1917. This Epocha reaches as far as the written Law and lasts 430 Years HEre God begins to make a People Elect and for that purpose he chuses Abraham to be the Stock and the Father of all the Faithful and declares to him That he will establish his Worship and his People which is to be this Holy Patriarch's Posterity in the Land of Canaan Besides the Promise he makes him of giving him a Son he adds that of Blessing all the Nations of the Earth in JESUS CHRIST born from his Posterity The Mark of this first Alliance of God with Men is the Circumcision 2024. Abraham press'd by the Famine goes down into Egypt where Apophis then reigned He is the same with Pharaoh mentioned in the Scripture who having taken away Sarah Abraham's Wife return'd her untouch'd to her Husband 2031. Berah King of Sodom with the other petty Kings of the Neighbouring Cities rebel against Codorlahomor King of Elam who had subjected them to his Domination 30 Years before 2047. Sodom Gomorrah Adamah and Seboim four abominable Towns are burnt by Fire from Heaven because of their infamous and detestable Crimes 1903. Circumcision instituted for a Token of the Alliance God made with Men in the Person of Abraham 2048. Isaac is born his Father Abraham being 100 Years old and his Mother Sarah 90. 2093. The Kingdom of Argos in the Peloponesus begins in Inachus the first known King of the Grecians 1080 Years before the First Olympiad 2207. Thethmosis or Amosis having expelled the Shepherds Kings reigns in Egypt 2154. The Deluge of Ogyges in Attica 1020 Years before the First Olympiad Varro places it 300 Years higher 2185. Iacob through his Mother Rebecca's Counsel and Assistance steals his Father Isaac's Benediction to the Prejudice of his Brother Esau. Towards this time began some of the Four Dynasties or Principalities of Egypt Thebes Thin Memphis Tanis the Capital of the lower Egypt 2229. Ioseph imprison'd upon the false Accusation of Potiphar's Wife is set at Liberty at three Years end having interpreted the Dreams of Pharaoh who raises him to the highest Dignities of the State 1721. 2238. Iacob press'd by the Famine descends into Egypt with all his Family The Israelites dwell there 215 Years 2255. Iacob dies in Egypt after he had adopted Manasses and Ephraim Ioseph's Sons He blesses them preferring the younger to the other 2309. Ioseph dies in Egypt having administred the Kingdom under several Kings Here ends the Book of Genesis 2360. The Kings of Egypt oppress the Israelites and put them to very laborious and painful Works 2373. Moses Son of Amram is born of his Mother Iocebeda Being 3 Months old he is expos'd on the Nile where the King's Daughter takes him up and through a miraculous Providence puts him out to Nurse to his Mother Iocebeda At 40 Years of Age he flies from Egypt into Arabia 2453. Moses tending the Flocks of Iethro his Father-in-Law is commanded by God to return into Egypt and demand of the King the Liberty of the Israelites who groan'd under a severe Bondage The King refuses the Liberty of the Israelites demanded by Moses God visits the Egyptians with ten Plagues At last upon a Tuesday the 5th Day of May towards Midnight Pharaoh lets the People of God go out of Egypt to the number of six hundred Men on Foot not including Children Pharaoh pursues the Israelites with an Army Moses opens a Passage in the Red Sea through which the Israelites go dry-foot and where Pharaoh is drowned with all his Army EPOCHA IV. 2453. Moses or the Written Law 1497. This Epocha reaches as far as the Taking of Troy and lasts 305 Years THree Months after the Deliverance of his People from Pharaoh's Tyranny God gave his Law to Moses on Mount Sinai There was heard from the Top of that Mountain a great noise of Thunder the Sky round about it was bright with Lightnings and the whole Mount seem'd to be a great Fire out of which arose a Flame like that of a burning Furnace 'T was
XLIII Malachi Prophesied after the re-edifying of the Temple He reproves the several Abuses which were crept into the Iewish Discipline As he is the last of the Prophets and that no more was to be expected till the coming of Iesus Christ he exhorts the People to stick to the Law of Moses till the Messiah should appear in the World XLIV The I. Book of Maccabees XLV The II. Book of Maccabees These two Books contain the State of the Church under the Third Monarchy which was that of the Greeks continuing Forty Years from the Death of Alexander the Great to that of Demetrius Soter The Second Book is an Abridgment of the Book of Iason who was one of the Iews of Cirena The Author of the First Book is not the Author of the Second as it appears to the Learned both from the difference of Style and different manner of counting the Years Secondly The New Testament contains 27 Books I. The Gospel according to St. Matthew was writ about 6 Years after the Death of Christ at the request of those Iews who had imbrac'd the Christian Faith St. Matthew from a Publican became an Apostle He has undertaken in his Gospel to relate the Royal Race of our Saviour and to represent him according to the Life he led in the Flesh wherefore he speaks chieflly as St. Austin remarks of those Actions and Instructions in which the Son of God has in a manner temper'd his Wisdom with his Divine Majesty that he might render the Example of his Life the more Imitable and Agreeable to our Weakness II. The Gospel according to St. Mark was written in the 3d Year of Claudius or the 43d of Christ according to the ordinary way of Reckoning that is 10 Years after our Saviour's Death This Gospel St. Mark writ at Rome at the request of the Christians of that Church and according to the Instructions he had receiv'd from St. Peter whose Disciple he had been He has follow'd St. Matthew in a many Things and in some places only abridg'd him nevertheless there are many Passages he has dwelt longer upon and observ'd many considerable Circumstances which St. Matthew omitted III. The Gospel according to St. Luke was writ by him 23 Years after Christs Ascension This St. Luke was a Physician and as he was very well acquainâ—ed with the Greek Tongue he has writ more elegantly than either St. Mark or St. Iohn He was not of the number of Apostles as was St. Matthew and St. Iohn but one of their Disciples in like manner as Saint Mark. IV. The Gospel according to St. Iohn the Son of Zebedee and Brother of St. Iames sirnam'd Major was written at Ephesus about the Year of Christ 96. and 63 Years after his Passion upon occasion of the Heresy of Cerinthus and Ebion both which maintain'd That Iesus Christ was but a Man whereupon all the Bishops of Asia and several others entreated St. Iohn to treat more largely on the Matter than the Three Apostles his Predecessors had done and to establish Christ's Divinity beyond Contradiction It was hereupon that Saint Austin observ'd That the other Three Evangelists had only trac'd Christ upon the Earth and as it were walk'd along with him in recounting the Actions of his mortal Life but that St. Iohn had soar'd like an Eagle above human Pitch and discover'd the Word even in the Bosom of God without being dazled with the Lustre of his Glory V. The Acts of the Apostles are properly the Birth and Establishment of the Church which was about the time of the Death of Jesus and the Accomplishment of all his Mysteries St. Paul is particularly celebrated in this History it having been writ by St. Luke who was his Disciple This Book contains the History of 29 or 30 Years from the death of Christ to the time St. Paul was carry'd Prisoner to Rome the first time which was in the Year 63. Which makes some believe that St. Luke wrote this Book at Rome at the same time The Epistles of St. Paul VI. His Epistle to the Romans is plac'd first not that it was writ first but according to the Dignity of the Place and the Church where it was writ The Subject of it is to abate the excessive Pride of the Iews and Gentiles and to unite under Jesus Christ as the Corner-stone by the Bonds of Grace and a Spirit of Humility This Epistle was writ from Corinth in the Year of Christ 57. and 24 Years after his Passion VII His First Epistle to the Corinthians he writ from Ephesus about the Year of Christ 57. and 24 Years after Christ's death Therein St. Paul lessens the Pagan Eloquence and Philosophy which the Corinthians so greatly admir'd He teaches 'em moreover how to prepare for the Communion c. VIII His Second Epistle to the Corinthians writ from Macedon near the same time with the First and sent them by Titus and St. Luke St. Paul therein chiefly admonishes the Corinthians to beware of false Apostles whom he attacks severely naming them Deceitful Workers and Ministers of the Devil IX His Epistle to the Galatians was writ to these People from Lesser Asia a little while after they had been converted by him upon account of false Teachers who had seduced them by persuading them that the Gospel would not be sufficient to save them unless they continu'd to Circumcise their Children and to submit to other Ceremonies of the Law He brings many Books out of Scripture to dissuade the Galatians from this Error and to convince them that they ought no longer to be Slaves under the Old Law but to enjoy the Freedom of the New This Epistle was writ from Ephesus in the Year of Christ 56. and 23 Years after his Passion X. His Epistle to the Ephesians writ from Rome when St. Paul was in Bonds there about the Year of Christ 62. and 29 Years after his Passion This great Apostle therein admonishes the Inhabitants of this Metropolis of Asia Minor not to give Ear to the Preachers of Iudaism who would not only have the Law join'd to the Gospel but also intermixt many other Fables with this Error XI His Epistle to the Philippians writ to the Christians of Philippi in Macedonia from Rome where St. Paul was then Prisoner Here this Holy Apostle professes a more than ordinary Affection for that People which he had Converted and who sent him thither considerable Subsistence when he was in want He exhorts them to continue always stedfast in their Faith to decline Disputes to love Prayer to be humble and charitable to each other to be unshaken in Adversity and to be always replenished with Peace and Joy XII His Epistle to the Colossians writ from Rome while he was Prisoner there in the Year of Christ 62. This People being of Phrygia not far from Laodicea having receiv'd the Faith they were afterwards not a little pester'd with ignorant Seducers who would needs intermix Iudaism and Philosophy with the Gospel St.
17. Codrus succeeded his Father Melanthius and reigned 21 years He for the safety of his People lost his own Life and by his Death gave them the Victory for the Oracle having predicted that the Party which lost their King should gain the Victory he disguised himself and secretly got into the Enemy's Camp where he purposely provoked them and received his Death for his Country's sake His two Sons Medon and Nileus contested the Kingdom which was the reason why the Athenians fearing that they should never have such another King as Codrus put an end to the Regal Power declared that Iupiter was the only King of the People of Athens and established Perpetual Archontes that is Governors or Magistrates who should have the Administration of the State during their whole Life and were only different from the Kings in Name and were accountable to the People 1090 Sect. 2. The Second State of Athens under XIII Perpetual Archontes which lasted the space of 316 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 2882. 1. MEdon the Son of Codrus govern'd Athens 20 years 1068 2902. 2. Acastus governed 36 years In his time happened the famous Ionian Expedition For the Ionians being driven out of Peloponnesus by the Heraclidae and the Dorians under the Conduct of Neleus and Androclus Sons of Codrus took Ephesus and other Places in Asia Minor and called that part of it Ionia 1048 2939. 3. Archippus governed 17 years 1011 2956. 4. Thersippus governed 42 years 994 2998. 5. Phorbas governed 31 years 952 3029. 6. Megacles governed 30 years 921 3059. 7. Diognetus governed 28 years 891 3087. 8. Phoreclus governed 19 years 863 3106. 9. Ariphron governed 20 years 844 3126 10. Thespieus governed 27 years 824 3154. 11. Agamestor governed 11 years 796 3173. 12. Aeschylus governed 23 years 777 3174. At this time being 407 years after the taking of Troy 12 years before the building of Rome and 777 years before Christ the Olympiads began each containing the space of four years The first Olympiad was very famous for the Prize which Corebus the Cook won in a Race at the Olympick Games Here ended the time which Varro calls Fabulous because all that preceded the first Olympiad was mixed with a great many Fables And here began the Historical Time because some Rays of Truth began then to shine forth in History 3196. 13. Alcmeon governed 2 years and after his Death the Government of Athens was committed to Archontes or Governors who ruled only 10 years 754 Sect. 3. The Third State of Athens under VII Decennial Archontes which lasted 70 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3198. 1. CHarops the Son of Aeschylus governed 10 years 752 3208. 2. Esimedes governed 10 years 742 3218. 3. Clidicus governed 10 years 732 3228. 4. â—lippomanes governed 10 years 'T is said that he tore his Daughter's Adulterer into pieces with wild Horses for which he was Deposed He accoâ—ding to Suidas was the last of the Race of Codruâ— 722 3238. 5. Leocrates governed 10 years 712 3248. 6. Apsandrus governed 10 years 702 3258. 7. Eâ—yxias governed 10 years He was the last of the Decennial Archontes So that the whole space of Time from Cecrops the first King of Athens down to the end of the Government of Eryxius takes up 874 years After his Government was expired Democracy was established in Athens and the State was to be governed by Annual Archontes 692 Sect. 4. The Fourth State of Athens under Annual Archontes which lasted about the space of 751 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3268. CReon was the first 682 3269. Next to him succeeded Tlesias 681 Instead of giving you an Account of the Succession and Names of these Annual Archontes which would be both a tedious and an useless Undertaking it will be more proper to set down those particular Events which contributed to the Happiness or Misery of Athens and these we will bring under their proper Centuries without affixing the Time to every particular Event but only to such as are most remarkable Years of the World Years before Christ. 3300. In this Century flourished the Seven Wise Men of Greece viz. Solon Bias Thales Pittacus Periander Chilon and Cleobolus Besides these flourished Anaximander the Son of Praxidamus who was born in Ionia Pherecydes Bion Proconessus Epimenides Anaximenes and several others The Photians a People of Ionia set out a Fleet and went and built Marseilles Within a while after Pittacus of Mytelene one of the seven Wise Men of Greece was sent by his Countrymen into Troas to fight Phrino the Commander of the Athenians but was conquered Soon after Periander another of the seven Wise Men of Greece made a Peace between the Athenians and the Mytelenians Within this Century Cylon attempted to make himself King but failing of his Aim fled with his Accomplices to the Altar who contrary to Promise were all killed by Megacles the Archon of that Year which caused great Disturbances and Factions to arise Epimedides to free the City from the Plague erected that famous Altar mentioned in the Acts to the VNKNOWN GOD. A second War happened with the Megarenses wherein Salamis was recovered 650 3384. Pisistratus descended from Codrus became a Tyrant of his Country He won the Poorer sort and by their means made himself King He was expelled by Megacles and Lycurgus afterwards sent a counterfeit Minerva in a Chariot to admonish the People of Athens to restore him He married the Daughter of Megacles was restored ruled well for some time honoured Solon collected Homer's Verses and put them in Order built the first Library in Athens which Xerxes afterwards carried away He repudiated the Daughter of Megacles was again expelled by him but returned and was kindly received by the People 566 In the 4th Year of the 39th Olympiad Anno M. 3330 Draco was Archon and made such severe Laws that they were said to be written in Blood and 22 years after Solon ruled who repealed these Laws and made many excellent Alterations in the Athenian Government In this Century Thales of Miletum died and Anaximander his Disciple was the first who discovered the Obliquity of the Zodiack which his Master could never find out 3400. After Pisistratus his Son Hipparchus succeeded and after him his other Son Hippias Hipparchus was a great Favourer of Learned Men but Harmodius and Aristogiton killed him who were also killed themselves Leaena the Harlot bit off her Tongue that she might not discover the Accomplices Hippias became at last very Cruel for which he was banished Athens Upon this he fled to Darius and set him upon the Thoughts of conquering Greece Darius was so incensed against the Athenians that every time he supp'd he ordered one of his Servants to cry out Here Mâ—mento Atheniensium Pray Sir don't forget the Athenians By the Instigation of Hippias the Persians did invade Greece but were beaten at Marathon by Miltiades where Hippias was killed And when Xerxes the Son
taken on both sides should be restored 20. Pausanias the Son of Plistoanax succeeded his Father and reigned 14 years and then was banished 18. Agis the Son of Archidamus succeeded his Father and reigned 25 years It was he who broke the Truce with the Athenians Of this Peloponnesian War there has been already sufficient said both in this Place and in the Chapter which treats of the Athenians It was there mentioned that Mindarus was defeated that the Lacedemonians sued for a Peace which was refused them and that at last Lysander the Lacedemonian worsted the Athenians took Athens and placed his Governors there so that we shall not here add any thing farther about it Years of the World Years before Christ. 3555. 21. Agesipolis the Son of Pausanias succeeded and reigned 13 years Aristodemus was his Governor 395 Years of the World Years before Christ. 3547. 19. Agesilaus the Son of Archidamus was set up by Lysander and reign'd 41 years 403 During the Reign of these Kings the Lacedemonians sent their Ambassadors to Nepheretes King of Egypt for a Supply He granted them 100 Galleys and a great deal of Corn. Agesilaus one of the Lacedemonian Kings surprized Tissaphernes the General of the Persians fell upon and defeated him near Sardes After this he took a great many Towns and struck such a Terror into the Persians that they thought their Empire was then tottering But to divert the Storm by their Gold they corrupted several of the Grecian States to declare War against the Lacedemonians among the rest were Thebes and Attica Upon this Agesilaus was recalled and at his return defeated the Confederated Army of Boeotians Athenians Argives Corinthians c. near Cheronâ—a But the Athenians were at first Masters by Sea Câ—non the Athenian Admiral defeating the Lacedemonian Fleet under the Command of Pysander near Cnidus The Lacedemonians seeing they were not strong enough at Sea dispatched Teleutias with a Squadron of 12 Ships more Teleutias making Rhodes took 10 Ships from the Athenians commanded by Philocrates by which means the Lacedemonians began again to be formidable by Sea Years of the World Years before Christ. 3568. 22. Cleombrotus the Brother of Agesipolis succeeded and reigned 9 years 382  About this time the Lacedemonians thought it Adviseable to strike up a Peace with Athens The Peace was no sooner concluded but they set upon Chastizing their Allies which had in the late War associated with their Enemies They forced the Mantineans to demolish the Walls of their City and to retire into the Villages and the Philiasians to receive those whom they had banish'd home again Artaxerxes King of Persia thinking the Grecians might be serviceable to him in his intended Expedition against the Egyptians offered Peace to them Which thô at first was refused by some yet at length was accepted by all the States except the Thebans who were looked upon as Enemies of the common Welfare of Greece Upon this Cleombrotus the King of Sparta invaded Beotia but was defeated and killed at the Battel of Leuctra by the Thebans under the Command of Epaminondas This Battel happened in the second year of the 102 d Olympiad in the year of the World 3579 before Christ 371. Ariobarzanes the General of Artaxerxes sent Philiscus into Greece to make up a Peace between the Thebans and Lacedemonians Their Deputies met at Delphos but no Accommodation could be made between them because the Thebans would not consent that Messina should be under the Power of the Lacedemonians Upon this Philiscus declared himself in favour of the latter and granted them Supplies Within a while after under the Reign of Cleomenes II. they had another Engagement at Mantinea wherein Epaminondas was mortally wounded but yet defeated the Spartans Years of the World Years before Christ. 3579. 23. Agesipolis II. the Son of Cleombrotus succeeded and reigned only 2 years 371 3581. 24. Cleomenes II. how long he reigned is uncertain 369 25. Acrotatus I. 3611. 26. Aretas the Son of Acrotatus reigned 44 years 339 3655. 27. Acrotatus II. the Son of Aretas succeeded and reigned 15 years 295 3670. 28. Leonidas II. succeeded and reigned 17 years 280 Years of the World Years before Christ. 3588. 20. Archidamus II. the Son of Agesilaus reigned 23 years 362 3611. 21. Agis the Son of Archidamus reigned about 9 years 339 3620. 22. Eudamidas I. Son of Archidamus and Brother to Agis succeeded 330 23. Archidamus III. the Son of Eudamidas succeeded his Father 24. Eudamides II. the Son of Archidamus 25. Agis III. succeeded and reigned ... years Leonidas within a while got the sole Power into his Hands For Agis being desirous to reform the State and restore the Laws of Lyâ—urgus was strangled by the Ephori 3687. 29. Cleombrotus son-in-Son-in-Law to Leonidas succeeded and reigned 25 years 263 3712. 30. Cleomenes III. succeeded and reigned about 18 years He poisoned Euridamas and put up in his stead Epiclidas a Descendant of Eurysthenes 238 26. Eurydamus the Son of Agis was poisoned by Cleomenes 27. Epiclidas the Son of Leonidas set up by Cleomenes This Cleomenes destroyed the Ephori put an End to their Power and restored the Discipline instituted by Lycurgus He afterwards warred against the Acheans took from them Argos and the greatest part of Peloponnesus Afterwards he was routed by Antigonus King of Macedon and fled into Egypt where he was very honourably received by Ptolemy Euergetes but barbarously killed by Ptolemy Philopator And thus with him ended the Grandeur of Lacedemonia after it had lasted so many years and was the Envy as well as Glory of all Greece Three Tyrants afterwards ruled but came all to untimely Deaths After them History is silent as to the Affairs of Lacedemonia but certain it is that at last it became with the rest of Greece part of the Roman Monarcby of which we shall hereafter treat at large CHAP. XII Of Corinth COrinth was one of the finest richest and most powerful Cities of all Greece It was situated almost in the middle of the Isthmus where the Egean and Ionian Seas meet lying about 40 Leagues from Patâ—as 25 from Athens 40 from Lacedemonia and 12 or 13 from Argos It was Commanded by the Fort called Acro Corinthos which was raised on the top of a very high Hill where was very even Ground and which was encompassed by very strong Walls Within this Fort were a great many Fountains of fresh and fair Water among the rest the Pyrenian Fountain celebrated by Homer in his Odysseis The Siâ—uation of this Fort was so Advantageous that Cicero stâ—led it Greciae Oculus i. e. The Eye of Greece He withal adds that Corinth composes the Beauty and Lustre thereof aâ—d that it was one of the three Cities which the Romans would acknowledge to be capable of bearing the weight of a great Empire In this City St. Paul sojourned 18 months in which time he preached the Gospel wiâ—h good Success and afterwards wrote to them two excellent Epistles which are
given him He upon his Grandfather's Advice left the People to choose what sort of Government they pleased who immediately made him King and being established upon the Throne he divided the People into three Tribes each Tribe into ten Curiae and each Curia into ten Decuriae Another Distinction which he made of the People was into Patritians and Plebeians He made choice of 100 of the former to assist him in the Government who were called the Senate Such as he enrolled in this Assembly were called Patres Conscripti the common Title of all Senators for ever after The next thing he did was to settle the Authority of King Senate and People After which he raised 300 young Men out of the Curiae to be a Guard to his Person and made choice of twelve Lictors to be his constant Attendants to punish Offenders and to obey his Commands His next Device to encrease the City was to get Wives for his Subjects whereupon by Advice of his Grandfather and the Consent of the Senate he proclaimed a Feast and Publick Games in Honour of Neptune which caused a great Concourse of Men Women and Children from all Parts In the midst of the Solemnity upon a Signal given the Romans with drawn Swords seized upon 683 Virgins for whom Romulus chose so many Husbands This Act incens'd their Neighbours who immediately prepared for a War against the Romans The Cities of Cenina Antemna and Crustuminum begun the War first but were defeated by Romulus for which he triumph'd and at his return marked out a Spot of Ground upon Mount Capitoline for a Temple â—o Iupiter Feretrius the Place where the Capitol afterwards stood The Sabines who were principally concerned in the late Affront were the most backward but withal the most formidable of those who warred against the Romans They marched against Rome under the Command of their King Tatius took the Capitoline and were very near giving a total Rout to the Romans But the Sabine Women whom the Romans had stolen and married put an end to the War made them Friends and the Sabines came and increased the number of the Inhabitants of Rome The Peace was made on these Terms First That Romulus and Tatius should reign jointly in Rome Secondly That the City should be still called Rome from Romulus but the Citizens Quirites from Cures the Native Place of Tatius Thirdly That the two Nations should be united and as many Sabines as pleased should be made free of Rome Upon this the Capitoline was taken in built upon and inhabited by the Sabines 100 of the principal Men among them being added to the Senate Tatius was soon after killed by the Lavinians and Romulus remained sole Monarch of Rome fought against the Fidenates and others with good Success But thô he was thus engaged in continual War yet he laid the Foundation of Religion and enacted several wholsom Laws At last he was killed as is supposed in the Senate-House and his Body carried away Piecemeal by the Senators who concealed the Murder and reported that he was taken up among the Gods He reigned 37 years After his Death there happened an Interregnum for a whole year but the People being dissatisfied at that sort of Government resolved upon Electing a new King Numa Pompilius a Sabine was chosen who at first refused but at last accepted of the Kingdom 3236. 2. Numa Pompilius succeeded Romulus and reigned 44 years 714 This good King had an opportunity by the Peace he enjoyed to compleat what his Predecessor had begun He first Disbanded the 300 Celeres who were the Guard of Romulus then built a Temple to Ianus brought in the Pontifices Ordained the Vestal Virgins and Instituted the Orders of the Salii and the Feciales and to gain the more Credit and Obedience to his Constitutions he pretended they were dictated to him by the Goddess Eggeria with whom he said that he had often and immediate Converse His Religion was chiefly the Pythagorean Besides those Religious Matters he made many good and wholsom Laws and by both softened the Genius of that rugged People and strengthened that City which had been founded upon War and Bloodshed One of the Principal Things he did was the Reformation of the Year which in Romulus's time was much out of Order 3279. 3. Tullus Hostilius the Son of that Hostilius who in the Reign of Romulus had behaved himself very valiantly against the Sabines in the Citadel was created King by Universal Consent and reigned 33 years 671 In his time the Albans robbed and pillaged in the Roman Territories and the Romans to revenge the Injury did the same to the Alban State upon which a War broke out between them Both Parties drew up their Army in Battalia but agreed at last that the Quarrel should be decided by a Combat of three Persons on each Side and the Conquering Party should have the Preeminence and Command over the other The three Horatii for the Râ—mans and the three Curiatii for the Albans undertook the Combat wherein two of the Horatii were killed outright and the three Curiatii were wounded the third Horatius by a Stratagem fought with and killed the three Curiatii and so went off Conqueror Tullus Hostilius warred against the Fidâ—nates and Veleâ—tes who had in the last War with â—iba drawn their Forces together at Fidenae with a Design of falling upon both Albans and Romans after they had weaken'd themselves in Battel He drew out an Army of both against them and routed them notwithstanding the Treachery of Suffetius the Alban General his Ally who after the Battel was condemned to be torn in pieces by Wild Horses for his double Dealing This King sent and demolished Alba transplanted the Inhabitants to Rome allowed them Mount Celius to live in and granted them all the Roman Privileges After he had conquered the Fidenates he warred with the Sabines and subdued them and began a War against the Latines which lasted several years At last he died some say by Lightning with his whole Family thô more probably by some Treasonable Practices 3312. 4. Ancus Martius the Grandson of Numa was made King and reigned 24 years 638 This Ancus was much of the same Temper with his Grandfather and was for restoring the Religious Ceremonies which had been neglected in the last Reign He was no great lover of Fighting but was at last forced to be a Warriour against his will For the Latines contemning him as a sluggish Prince made Incursions into the Roman Territories Upon this he was obliged to proclaim War against them according to the Ceremonies appointed by his Grandfather Numa He defeated them in several Rencounters forced them to sue for a Peace and obtained a Triumph over them Some of the Latines he transplanted to Rome and granted them the Aventiâ—e Hill to build upon and possess After this he fought with great Success against the Fidenates Sabines Veientes and Volsci whom he subdued Beside these great Actions abroad he did many at
World Years before Christ. 3806. Now Rome began to enlarge its Dominions abroad but grew Corrupt and Degenerate at home This year Corinth one of the noblest Cities of Greece was taken by Mummius one of the Consuls and suffered the same Fate with Carthage and with it the Republick of the Acheans perished In Spain several Places revolted but were reduced by Scipio Africanus to their former Obedience after he had taken Numantia a City in Gallicia and demolished it In Sicily a Servile War broke out but the Slaves who began the War were in a short time broken and dispersed After this there happened some Risings at Athens and Delos which were with some trouble suppressed At last the Romans had great Wars with Aristonicus about the Kingdom of Pergamos or Asia Attalus the last King had made the People of Rome his Heirs upon which they entred into Possession of that Kingdom but Aristonicus the Bastard-Brother of Attalus seized upon it as his own Right and Inheritance This was the occasion of the War which ended within a year or two Aristonicus being taken Prisoner led in Triumph and afterwards strangled in Prison by order of the Senate 144 Thô the Romans were thus Successful abroad yet at home their Glory was sullied by many inglorious Factions Jealousies Seditions and Contentions The chief Fomenter of these was Tiberius Gracchus a Man of a restless and turbulent Temper He being made Tribune preferred a Law forbidding any Man to possess above 500 Acres of the Publick Lands and ordering the Overplus to be divided amongst the Poor This Law he carried and three Men called Triumviri were yearly appointed to be Judges what Lands were Publick and what Private This so much disgusted the Senate that under the Conduct of Scipio Nasica they set upon Gracchus in the Capitol and killed him and 300 more of his Faction His Death did not put an end to the Dissentions for his younger Brother Caius being first made one of the Triumviri and afterwards Tribune gave the Senate great Disturbance till being at last much persecuted by them he caused his Servant to kill him Within this Period flourished Lucilius the famous Satyrift and the third Order among the Romans called the Equestrian was set up to be the Judges of corrupt Officers XIII Period from the end of the Seditions of the Gracchi to the end of the First Civil War in Italy which takes up the space of 41 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3829. During the late Troubles the Sardinians rebelled and were reduced by Aurelius and the Fregellans were punished with the loss of their City by the Praetor Opimius About this time was carried on the War with the Allobroges who together with the Arverni and Ruteni were defeated by Fabius Maximus and Gallia Narbonnensis was reduced into a Province The Scordisci a People of Gaulish Extraction inhabiting Thrace were defeated by Didius the Praetor and the Consuls Drusus and Minutius gained a Triumph over them 121 Some time after this happened the Iugurthine War The occasion of this War was that Iugurtha Grandson to Massanissa King of Numidia having killed his Brethren seized upon that Kingdom whereupon the Romans declared War against him They were several times diverted from prosecuting it by the rich Presents which Iugurtha made but at last he was defeated first by Metellus and afterwards by Marius who subdued him notwithstanding the Assistance of his father-in-Father-in-Law Bocchus King of Mauritania took him Prisoner and led him and his two Sons in Triumph to Rome About the same time the Romans warred with the Cimbri who were defâ—ated by Marius together with the Teutones and Ambrones In Sicily a second Servile War was ended by Aquilius Nepos the Collegue of Marius At home there happened some Disturbance occasioned by Saturninus one of Marius Friends at first he was favoured by Mâ—rius but at last his Fortune declining Marius forsook him too and he was cut in Pâ—eces by the Equites in the Fâ—râ—â—n About this time flourished Lucretius the famous Poet. After this there happened a Quarrel between the Senâ—torâ—â—â— and Equestrian Order which Drusus the Tribune accomolâ—ted but this Man afterwards proposing the Agrarian Law was stabbed in the Court of his own House But these Troubles did not end with the Death of Drusus for several of the Italians who thought themselves injured joined in a Confederacy against the Romans viz. the Lucanians Apulians Marsi Paligni and Samnites with many others Against them the two Consuls with Marius and Sylla were sent who were worsted in several Engagements but at last within 3 years became Conquerors No sooner was the Social War finished but two others broke out One was with Mithridates King of Pontus against whom Sylla one of the Consuls for that year was sent Marius opposed the sending Sylla on that Expedition whereupon Sylla returning to Rome forced Marius and Sulpicius the Tribune his Friend to fly for it and declared them with 10 more Enemies to their Country Upon this Marius fled into Affrick and Sylla departed on his Expedition against Mithridates Whilst he was gone Cinna and Octavius were made Consuls the former of which proposed the recalling Marius but the latter opposed it and so hot was the Contention that Cinna was forced to leave the City and being joined with Marius raised an Army went and sat down before Rome entred it and committed great Outrages therein In the mean time Sylla was engaged against Mithridates in Greece first routed his General Archelaus and at last forced the King himself to a Peace Upon this he returned to Italy to revenge himself on Marius Cinna and all their Adherents Marius died and Cinna was killed by the fury of the Soldiers before his Landing At length Sylla came defeated all that opposed him entred Rome committed many and great Cruelties there was the first who published Tables of Proscription and procured himself to be made Perpetual Dictator which was a great Step towards the Downfal of the Consular State and which happened in the 672d year of the City in the 4th year of the 174th Olympiad and 80 years before Christ. Within this Period of Time the Capitol was burnt but by whom or what means is uncertain XIV Period from the Perpetual Dictatorship of Sylla to the first Triumvirate which was 22 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3870. Whilst Sylla was Dictator a second War broke out with Mithridates which was ended in two years In the third year of his Dictatorship he laid down his Office retired into the Country and there died After this a dangerous War broke out in Spain against Sertorius one of Cinna's Faction Pompey was sent against Sertorius who was killed treacherously by Perpenna one of his Commanders who himself was afterwards overthrown taken and killed by Pompey 80 The year before this a third War broke out with Mithridates against whom Lucinius Lucullus one of the then Consuls was sent He did many great and
in his absence but was opposed by Pompey who made two Laws particularly levelled against him after which Cesar's Enemies proposed to recal him from his Government which was violently opposed by Curio who with Anthony and Longinus fled to him disguised like Slaves Upon this the famous Civil War between Pompey and Cesar broke out which lasted two years and ended by Pompey's Death For Caesar leaving his Province without Leave of the Senate passed the Rubicon became Master of Ariminum by Surprize which put Rome into so much Disorder that Pompey with the Consuls and Senate retired to Capua and thence to Brundusium After this Labienus upon some Disgust left Cesar and went over to Pompey's Party Cesar advancing took the Towns of Picenum which lay in his way and became Master of all that Province Then he marched against Lentulus who had possessed himself of Asculum but upon his Arrival retreated from the Place The next Town he invested was Corfinium which after some time and resistance he took Domitius being taken and Lentulus coming out to Caesar begg'd his Pardon After this he marched directly to Brundusium blocked up the Place and took it Pompey retreating with his Forces to Dyrrachium a City in Epirus to which Town the Consuls were already gon Caesar being now Master of all Italy but not in a Capacity to pursue Pompey for want of Shipping went to Rome to settle some sort of Government He there filled up the Senate seized upon the Treasury for the carrying on the War and soon after went to Spain He drave thence Afranius and Petreius two of Pompey's Lieutenants became Master of all Spain and took Marseilles which was held out against him by Domitius Upon his return to Rome he was made Dictator but having made several Laws laid down that Office in 11 days time After this Cesar undertook his Expedition against Pompey rendevouz'd at Brundusium he shipp'd off five of his twelve Legions and sailed to Epirus At last being joined with the rest of his Forces he marched towards Dyrrachium where he besieged Pompey in his Camp forced him to break up came to an Engagement was defeated by him and had been irrecoverably lost had Pompey known how to have made good use of his Success But he giving Caesar time to recover himself the Decisive Battel was fought in the Plains of Pharsalia wherein the two greatest Generals of the World disputed for Universal Empire The Engagement was sharp on both Sides but at last Pompey's Army was defeated himself forced to fly from Place to Place at length to Alexandria where upon his Landing he was treacherously killed by Achillas and Septimius a Roman Tribune Thus fell this great Man and by him fell the second Head of the Triumvirate leaving Caesar to be sole Master of Rome This happened in the 706th year of the City and 46 years before Christ. After the Fight at Pharsalia Cesar followed Pompey into Egypt where he heard of his Death caused a stately Sepulchre to be built by the Place where he had been murder'd with a Temple which he called the Temple of Wrath. He then went to Alexandria espoused Cleopatra's Interest worsted Photinus Administrator of the Government and by firing Ptolemy's Fleet burnt down the famous Alexandrian Library wherein as some report were 700000 Volumes At the beginning of this Expedition the Senate of Rome made him Consul for 5 years together Dictator for a whole year and Tribune for his Life After this he marched from Egypt against Pharnaces King of Bosphorus whom he subdued so soon that in writing to Anicius at Rome he expressed the Celerity of this Expedition in three words Veni Vidi Vici Upon this he embarked for Italy and went to Rome where he was scarce arrived but called away again to subdue the Remains of Pompey's Party who had rallied themselves in Africk under Scipio and Cato and Iuba King of Mauritania Against these he marched and in a Decisive Battel put an end to the Pompeian Faction on that side the Water after which Defeat Cato killed himself at Vtica Iuba and Petreius killed each other in Despair Afranius Sylla and Scipio fell into the Hands of Sitius one of Cesar's Lieutenants and were likewise killed Upon this Cesar returned in great Triumph to Rome which lasted 4 days On the first he triumphed over Gaul on the second over Egypt on the third over Pharnaces in Asia and on the fourth over Iuba After this he paid his Soldiers made large Distributions of Corn and Oyl amongst the People and entertained all Comers at 22000 Tables Upon this he was made Master of Manners committed the Power of Judicature to the Senators and Equites enacted several Laws and regulated the Roman year which Regulation we still follow calling it the Iulian Account and the Old Stile Whilst Cesar was doing this at home he was called away afresh to Spain to subdue the two Sons of Pompey who had raised a great Party against him there He went with the Character of Dictator soon reduced Spain killed Cneius Pompey but his Brother Sextus escaped He returned to Rome and triumphed thô a little ungratefully to some of Pompey's Friends Upon his return he was made Consul for 10 years Perpetual Dictator and Censor during Life stiled Deliverer afterwards Imperator then Father of his Country ☞ From hence the Fall of the Consular State is dated after it had lasted so many years and weather'd out so many Shocks The first Interruption it met with was the Creating of Dictators It was afterwards retrenched by the Tribunes of the People then intermitted by the Decemviri and Military Tribunes After this the Sedition of the Gracchi the Perpetual Dictatorship of Sylla and the Triumvirate of Cesar Pompey and Crassus were so many Steps towards the Ruin of the Consular and setting up of the Imperial State Sect. V. The Fifth State of Rome under Emperors wherein began the Fourth or Roman Monarchy 43 Years before Christ. Of the succeeding Emperors and State of Rome we shall have occasion to treat in another Volume Years of the World Years before Christ. 3907. 1. JVlius Cesar was the first Emperor thô that Title was not fully settled till Augustus's time 43 No sooner was Cesar advanced to this Honour but he made several Alterations in the Government The Praetors he increased to the number of Sixteen the Questors to Forty the Senators to Nine hundred and the Aediles to Six of which two were Patritians called Curules and four Plebeians The next year he entred upon the Consulship with M. Anthony Master of his Horse pardoned all who had been in Arms against him caused Pompey's Statues to be set up again rebuilt Carthage and Corinth sending Colonies to both Cities resolved upon marching against the Parthians to revenge the Death of Crassus and thence to enter through Hircania into Scythia to open himself a way through Germany into Gaul and so return to Rome But a stop was put to these vast Designs by his
and told Seleucus that his Son's Distemper was Incurable How so said the King Because reply'd the Physician he is in love with my Wife Ah! said Seleucus to him I know you are more my Friend than to let my Son die and to hinder him from marrying your Wife Pray Sir replied Erasistratus were it your Case would you let him have yours Ay Ay said the King and all my Dominions to boot if his Life could not be saved without it Upon this the Physician unravelled the whole Mystery to him and told him in plain terms that Stratonice was the Person whom he so passionately lov'd Seleucus was as good as his Word called the People together and made a very pathetical Speech to them that they might not be surprized at such an unusual kind of Marriage For thô he had already a Son by his dear Stratonice yet he made no scruple to marry her to Antiochus his eldest Son and not a Man opposed it Thô this Complaisance was very irregular yet none can deny but Seleucus was a very great Prince He was killed by Ptolemy after he had reigned about 35 years 3668. 2. Antiochus Soter succeeded his Father and reigned about 12 years 282 3680. 3. Antiochus Theos the Son of Antiochus Soter and Stratonice reigned about 24 years His Sirname of Theos was given him by the Milesians because he had freed them from the Tyranny of Timarchus He was poisoned by Laodicea one of his Wives whom he had put away and afterwards recalled to Court 270 3704. 4. Seleucus Callinicus or Poron succeeded his Father and reigned about 20 years He died with a fall off his Horse This King aided by the Gauls engaged in a long War against Antiochus Hierax 246 3723. 5. Seleucus Seraunus succeeded his Father and reigned 3 years He was poisoned in Phrygia by his Lieutenant-Generals as he was marching to make War against Attalus 227 3726. 6. Antiochus the Great succeeded his Brother Seleucus being sent for from Babylon by the Aâ—my which was then encamped in Syria that so he might take Possession of the Kingdom He reigned about 36 years He was engaged in a War against several Nations First he waged War against Ptolemy Philopator King of Egypt was beat by him and sued for a Peace which Ptolemy very generously granted him Afterwards he carried on a War against the Romans by whom he was always worsted so that at last he was obliged to sue for a Peace This King likewise routed Malon received Hannibal invaded Greece and was defeated by Glabrio At last having his Treasures drained by these unsuccessful Wars to fill them up again he resolved upon rifling the Temple of Iupiter in Elimais but he was killed in the Attempt by the People of the Place Before his Death he nominated his Son Seleucus Philopator for his Successor 224 3763. 7. Seleucus Philopator succeeded his Father and reigned about 12 years He did little because the ill Successes of his Father against the Romans had exhausted his Kingdom This is that Seleucus mentioned in the Second Book of Maccabees where 't is said of him that because of the Respect which he bore to the High-Priest Onias he supplied the Temple with its necessary Sacrifices every year However Daniel stiles him Vilissimus indignus Decore Regio i. e. The basest and the worst of Men not worthy of the Royal Diadem 187 About the end of his Reign he was prevailed upon to send Heliodorus to rifle the Treasures belonging to the Temple of Ierusalem and it may be very well affirmed that his Weakness was the cause of those Troubles and Seditions which afterwards happened both in Church and State He was at last killed by Heliodorus 3775. 8. Antiochus Epiphanes or the Illustrious who had been carried to Rome as an Hostage after the Defeat of his Father Antiochus the Great made his Escape thence at the end of 3 years and Demetrius the Son of Seleucus was sent thither in his stead As soon as Antiochus was returned into Syria Heliodorus who would fain have been King killed Seleucus But Eumenes and Attalus outed Heliodorus and left Antiochus the Illustrious in quiet Possession of the Kingdom of Syria who reigned over it about 12 years He took away the High-Priesthood from Onias who was a Man of excellent Piety and bestowed it on the Impious Iason his Brother and the next year he took it again from Iason and bestowed it on his Brother Menalaus who gave more Money than the former for it Two years after this a Rumour being spread that Antiochus died in his Expedition against Egypt Iason raised great Disturbances in Ierusalem which caused Antiochus after he had defeated the Egyptians to exercise unheard-of Cruelties in Iudea and to carry away all their Treasures Afterwards Antiochus sent Apollonius into Iudea who one Sabbath-day killed a whole Congregation who were got together to offer Sacrifice Some say that he sent Lysias Gorgian Timotheus and other Commanders against the Iews who were all routed by Iudas Maccabeus Much about this time it was that this Iudas retired into the Wilderness choosing to live upon Herbs rather than defile himself with those prophane Meats which in all Parts were then sacrificed But at last Antiochus hastening out of Persia to Ierusalem with a Design to cut off all the Iews of that Place fell out of his Chariot bruised his whole Body and died of a loathsome Disease 175 3786. 9. Antiochus Eupator succeeded his Father and reigned about 2 years Lysias according to some but Philip according to others governed his Kingdom made a Peace with Iudas Maccabeus which was soon after violated About this time it was that Eleazar having assaulted an Elephant upon which he supposed the King was killed the Beast and was crushed to Death by the fall of him 164 Antiochus having taken Bethsura went against Ierusalem and made a Peace with the Iews but it being broke he caused the Walls to be demolished led away Menalaus along with him whom he put to Death as the Cause of all the War and put Alcimus into his Place 3788. 10. Demetrius Soter the Son of Seleucus Philopator having made his Escape from Rome came to Antioch put Antiochus and Lysias to Death and when he was King sent Bacchides into Iudea with Alcimus to whom he promised the High-Priesthood He afterwards sent thither Nicanor who made a League with Iudas Maccabeus but he having broke it was soon after killed by Nicanor This Demetrius reigned about 11 years 162 The People of Antioch rebelling against Demetrius took a young Man named Alexander who was said to be the Son of Antiochus the Illustrious and being assisted by the Neighbouring Kings set him upon the Throne 3799. 11. Alexander Epiphanes or Balas becoming Master of Ptolemais sent to Ionathan to make a League with him and settled him in the High-Priesthood which had been vacant 7 years and a half by the Death of Alcimus This Ionathan was the first High-Priest of the Race of