The Annals of the World, History 2 · 6 (continued) · Part

The Annals of the World · History 2 · 6 (continued) · Part

p. 769THE FIFTH CALIPPICK PERIOD BEGINS.

Cornelius Gallus spake many things with much vanity against Augustus. [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 512.] of whom Ovid in lib. 2. Tristium written to Augustus himself.

Non fuit opprobrio celebrasse Lycorida Gallo;

Sed linguam nimio non tenuisse mero.

To court Lycoris was not Gallus shame;

But he when lisp't by drink defil'd his name.

By reason of his ungratefull and malevolent mind, Augustus noted him with infamy, and forbad him his house, or to live within any of his provinces, he was also accused of thefts, and pillaging the provinces, and of many other crimes, first by Valerius Largus a most wicked man, who was his companion, and fellow commoner with him, and then by many others, who hitherto had flattered Gallus, but had turned all their services to Largus when they saw him begin to rise; and it was decreed by the whole Senate, that Gallus being condemned in judgment should be banished, that his goods should be confiscate to Augustus, and that for this cause the Senate should offer sacrifice, but he not able to beare his grief, and fearing the nobility highly incensed against him, to whom the care of this businesse was committed, fell upon his own sword, and so by a voluntary death prevented the condemnation: Gallus being thus forced to death by the depositions of his accusers, and by the decree of the Senate, Augustus indeed praised their love towards him in being so displeased for his sake, but withall he wept, and bewailed his own misfortune, that he alone could not be angry with his friends as much as he would himself. [Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 66. Dio. lib, 53. pag. 512. 513. Ammian. Marcellin. lib. 17. Icrosm. in Chronico.]

Petronius was made successour to Gallus in the government of Egypt, who susteined the charge of a multitude of the Alexandrians, invading with casting of stones, he being only strengthened with his own souldiers, and having slain some of them, he repressed the rest. [Strabo. lib. 17. pag. 819.]

Polemo the King of Pontus is taken in among the allies and confederates of the people of Rome, and the first seates in theatres, throughout his whole Kingdome, were given to the Senatours. [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 513.] it seems that from him Pontus took the name of Polemoniacus, in Justinian. [Novella. 8.]

Ten Citizens of Jerusalem, Year of the World 3979 made a conspiracy against Herod, The Julian Period. 4689 hiding their swords under their garments, Year before Christ 25 amongst which one was blind, not for any thing that he could do, but to shew that he was ready to suffer any thing that should happen to the defenders of their country rights, but one of them whom Herod had appointed for the searching out such things, having fished out the businesse, declared it to Herod, who being apprehended with an undaunted countenance, they drew out their weapons, protesting that not for any private profit, but in behalf of the publick discipline, they had undertaken this conspiracy, whereupon they were led away, by the Kings ministers, and put to death by all manner of tortures, and not long after their accuser being hated of all men, was slain by some, and being cut in pieces, was throwen to the dogs, in the presence of many men. Yet did none discover this act, untill that after long and wearisome inquisitions made by Herod, it was wrung out by tortures from some silly women, who were privy to the fact, but then were the authors of that murther punished with their whole families. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 11.]

Herod that he might be more secure from the seditions of the tumultuous people, in the 13 year of his raign, (to be reckoned from the death of Antigonus) began to fortifie Samaria, which was distant from Jerusalem a daies journey, and called it Sebaste (or Augusta) the circuit of it was twenty furlongs, in which he placed a temple of a furlong and half space in the very middest of it, wonderfully adorned, and he brought it to passe, that many of the souldiers that had alwaies helped him, and also of the neighbour nations, came and dwelt there, (id. ibid. and the beginning of the next chapter) Africanus calls it, in the Chronicle of Georgius Syncellus, The city of the Gabinians, [pag. 308.] for when Samaria was destroyed by John Hyrcanus, and p. 772rebuilt by A. Gabinius and peopled with inhabitants, (as is formerly noted out of Josephus, at the year of the Julian period 4657.) by the name of foreign or foreign can be understood none other than the colony that Gabinius brought hither, which very thing I am not a little glad that it was observed in like manner by that man of learning and curtesie James Goarus (to whose great industry, the late famous edition of the Georgian Chronicle is beholding.)

Herod also built another fort as a bridle to the whole nation, namely the tower of Straton, also in the great plain, as they call it, he built a Castle, and chose his horsemen by lot to keep it, and in Galilee Gabalus, and Esthmonitis in Peraea, which Castles being so conveniently disposed through the whole Country, he took from the common people all matter of rebellion. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 11.

Augustus began his ninth Consulship in Tarracon (a City of the hither Spain,) [Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 26.] in the third year of the CLXXXVIII. Olympiade, in which the Indians demanded amity with Augustus, as we read in the Eusebian Chronicle: and those Embassadours were sent from King Pandion, as in the Chronicle of Georgius Syncellus [pag. 311.] we have found noted out of some Roman tables.

P. Orosius confirmeth that there came to Augustus to Tarracon, Embassadours of the Indians, from the farthest part of the East, and of the Scythians from the North with presents from both their nations, lib. 6. cap. 21. concerning whom Horace in his secular verse.

Jam Scythae responsa petunt superbi

Nuper & Indi.

The lofty Scythian and the Indians, late,

Came for the answer of their future fate.

and lib. 4. Carminum 4. Ode. to Augustus.

Te cantaber, non antè domabilis,

Medusque, & Indus, te profugus Scythes

Miratur, o tutela praesens

Italiae dominae que Romae.

The yet untamed Cantaber in thee,

Mede, Indian, Scythian do mirrours see:

Thou that preservest Italy from dread,

And Rome, her glory and exalted head.

And Florus thus lib. 4. last Chapter. The Scythians sent their Embassadours, as also the Sarmatians desiring friendship, the Scres also, and the Indians inhabiting right under the sun, came with precious stones, and pearles, and dragging also Elephants among their presents: nothing so much spake for them as the length of the journey, which had taken up four yeares, and yet the colour of the men seemed as if they had come from another heaven, [Suetonius. in Octavio. cap. 21.] He induced: he Scythians and Indians, (nations known only by report) to make sute of their own accord, by Embassadours, for amity of him and the people of Rome. [Eutropius. lib. 7.] The Scythians and Indians, to whom the Roman name was unknown, sent presents and Embassadours to him; to be short Aurelius Victor, increaseth the number of the nations: Indians, Scythians, Garamantis, and Bactrians, sent Embassadours to him to desire a league.

Amyntus being dead, Augustus did not deliver over the kingdom to his sons, but made it a Province of the people of Rome: and from thence Galatia and Lycaonia began to have a Roman Governour, [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 514.] M. Lollius as Propraetour governing that Province, [Euseb. Chronic. Eutrop. lib. 7. Sex. Rufus in Breviar.] but the Towns of Pamphilia, which were formerly given to Amyntus were restored to their own particular jurisdiction, [Dio. ut supr.]

In the 13 year of Herods raign, very grievous calamities befel the Country of the Jews. First there was a continual drought, upon which a famine followed: after thorough this famine by changing their diet, there became sicknesses and the plague. And seeing H…rod had not means enough to supply the publick necessity; whatsoever therefore was in the Palace either of gold or silver, he melted all, not sparing any thing for the goodnesse of the workmanship; nay not his own vessels that were for his daily use; having made money of these things, he sent it into Egypt, where at that time under Caesar, Petronius held the government: Who although he was pestered with a p. 771a multitude of them that fled to him for the like necessity; yet because he was privately Herods friend, and desired the preservation of his subjects, he therefore especially gave them leave to export corn, helping them both in the buying, and in the carriages: So that the greatest meanes of the preservation of the Nation was attributed to him, [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 12.]

Herod as soon as the corn was come; first of all very carefully divided it to such who could not provide corn for themselves, and then because there were many that through old age or some other debility could not dresse it themselves, he appointed them certain Bakers, that they might have alwayes their food ready. And thus he not onelyonly by his diligence made the people change their mindes that were averse from him, but also got the praise of a bountiful and provident Prince, [Id. ibid.]

From the 29 of August (to wit, the third day before the beginning of the Syrian monethmonth Elul, or of our September) on the 6 day of the week, begins that Egyptian Epoch, which Albatenius in the 32 Chapter of Astronomical work calls Al…kept (that is, of the Coptitiae or Aegyptians) by which he saith, the account and order of the motions of the Stars are cast up from Theons calculations, and to which, from the account Dilkarnaim (or of the Seleucidae, which he begins with the Syrians, from the beginning of Elul or September) he saith there have passed 287 years, for so it is to be read in the Maunscript, not as yet set forth, 387. for in this year, the first day of the monethmonth Thoth, both in the moveable year of the Egyptians, as in the fixed year of the Grecians and Alexandrians (as Theon speaketh) was found to fall upon the same day (of August in the Julian account 29.) which cannot happen but after the full Period of 1460. of the Alexandrian years, and of the Egyptian 1641. which exhibits the renewing or Constitution of either year foreign: This renewing happened to be made after 1460 years, from a certain beginning of time, namely, the fifth year of the reign of Augustus, saith Theon, in the explication of foreign, to wit, being ended, or five years after the beginning of the Empire of Augustus, which as Theon and Ptolomeus both agree, begins 294 years, after the death of Alexander, or the Philippick account, and from this Philippick account, even to this Constitution, are 299 years. as in the Astronomical Epitome of Theodorus Metochita is truely observed: neither did Panodorus, the Alexandrian Monk intend any thing else, who discoursing of this Period and Constitution of 1460 years, falling upon the 29 day of the monethmonth August, from the Epoch, of which he wrote that the account, the motions of the stars, and the ecclipses are to be cast up in the Astronomical Calculations: howsoever Georgius Syncellus, a man very unskilful in these matters in his Chronicle. [pag. 312, 313.] in relating his opinion, clear perverted, because he did not understand, it.

Herod provided for his Subjects against the sharpnesse of the Winter, Year of the World 3980 that none should be in danger to want clothing, their cattle being dead, and both wool, and other things falling: and when he had provided for this, he took care also of the neighbour Cities of the Syrians, he afforded them also seed for sowing; and the Castles and Cities, and those of the common people, who had great families, coming to him for succour, he found a remedy for them also: so that to reckon up all the corn that he gave unto those, who were not his Subjects, it was found that there were 10000 cores given, and within the realm 8000 cores: now a core conteined ten Athenian bushels. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 12.]

Now seeing that Augustus could not celebrate at Rome the marriage of his daughter, and Marcellus, the son of his sister Octavia, by reason of his sicknesse, he solemnized it by the help of M. Agrippa, he himself being absent. [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 515.]

On the Kalends of January, The Julian Period. 4690 on which Augustus entred upon his tenth Consulship, Year before Christ 24 the Senate confirmed by oath that they approved all his acts; and when as he approaced neer the City, (from which he had been a long time absent, by reason of sicknesse) and had promised an hundred pence a man to the people; yet he said, that before he would give it, the Senate should give their assent. The Senate then freed him from all tye of laws, and that he should be of absolute power, and Emperour of himself, as well as the laws, and that he might do all things, or not do according to his own pleasure. [Id. ib. pag. 519, 515, 516.]

As soon as the corn was ripe for the harvest, Herod dismissed fifty thousand men, whom he had fed in time of the famine, into their own Countries and his neighbours the Syrians: and by this means, he with his deligence, restored the almost ruined estate of his own Subjects, and did not a little relieve his neighbours, who were afflicted with the same calamities. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 12.]

At the same time Herod sent aide to Caesar, namely, five hundred chosen men of his guard, whom Aelius Gallus led into the wars into Arabia, where they did most excellent service. [Id. ibid.]

p. 772This Aelius Gallus (falsly called Aelius Largus in the later editions of Dio.) was of the order of Knighthood, as saith Pliny. [lib. 6. cap. 28.) and the third governour of Egypt, under Augustus, of whom Strabo makes mention, as of his friend and companion, [lib. 2. pag. 118.] and writes that, together with him, he saw the Statute of Memnon. [lib. 17. pag. 816.] This man Augustus sent with part of the Roman Garison which was in Egypt, into Arabia, [Id. ibid. lib. 2. ut supra. & lib. 17. pag. 819.] that he might make an attempt upon those Nations and places: and moreover the bounds of the Ethiopians, and Troglodytica, which borders upon Egypt, and neer to them the Arabian Gulf, which being very narrow, divides the Arabians from the Troglodytae: but yet to take this advice with him, to agree with them if they would themselves, or if they withstood him, he should subdue them. [Id. lib. 16. pag. 780.]

For this Expedition into Arabia, Aelius built 80 ships, of two and three banks of oars on a side, and some light Gallions, at Cleopatris, which was neer to the old ditch of Nilus, when as there was no thought of any fight by sea with the Arabians. When he understood his errour, he built a hundred and thirty ships of burden, in which he sailed, carrying with him, of the Roman Foot, and of the Allies, ten thousand, with whom were five hundred Jews, and a thousand Nabathaeans with Syllaeus. [Id. ibid.]

At that time Obodes was King of the Nabathaeans, a slouthful and idle man, and especially concerning Martial Affairs, (which is a common vice of all the Arabian Kings) not at all careful; for he had committed the government of his affairs to Syllaeus, who was a young man, and crafty. [Id. ibid. Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 11.] This Syllaeus had promised Aelius, that he would both be his guide, and that he would help him with provisions, and any thing he should stand in need of, but yet did all things treacherously, for neither was the march by land safe, nor the voyage by sea without let, but through by-wayes and long windings, and places that were barren, and shelves unfit for harbour, being dangerous, either through hidden Rocks, or miry bogges; the sea never ebbing or flowing in those places. [Strabo. ut supra. pag. 780.]

After many miseries, Aelius Gallus came on the fifteenth day to the territory of Album, the greatest place of trading of all Nabathaea, having lost many of his ships, and some with the men in them, perished not by any war, but by the difficulties of sayling. This was caused by the villany of Syllaeus, who denied that ever an army could be brought into the territory of Album by land; when as both thither and farther, Merchants passe that Country, with huge store of Camells and men, in a way that is both safe and well furnished with provision, from one part of Arabia Petraea to the other, so that they seem to be an army. [Id. ibid. pag. 780. 788.] Which Troups of Marchants at this day they call Carvans.

The army of Aelius being come hither, they were seized upon by Stomacaccis and Scelotyrbe, which are diseases incident to that Country, whereof one is as it were a palsie of the mouth, and the other about the hams, arising from the badnesse of the water and herbs that they drank and eat, wherefore Aelius was forced to stay there a whole Summer and Winter, to refresh his sick men. [Strabo. pag. 981.]

There was one Zenodorus, who having hired the house of Lysanias, or Territory of Trachonitis, Batanaea, Autanitis, and not content with the profits that arose from thence, maintained the inhabitants of Trachonis, who living in Caves, like wild-beasts, were wont to rob and plunder the Damascens, and was also partaker of their booty: so that the people that inhabited those Countries, were fain to have recourse to Varus, their Governour of Syria, and complained unto him, desiring him, that by his letters he would signifie Zenodorus his injuries that he did them, unto Caesar: and Caesar wrot back, that he should take especial care, utterly to root out those thieves. Varro therefore with his Souldiers setting upon the places suspected, clean purged the land from the thieves, and took away the Country from Zenodorus. [Joseph. lib. 1. Bell. cap. 15. and lib, 15. Antiquit. cap. 13.]

Herod built himself a Palace in Sion, building in it two very large and stately houses, with which the Temple it self could in no wise compare, and called one of them by the name of Caesar, and the other by the name of Agryppa. [Joseph. lib. 15. Antiquit. cap. 12. & lib. 1. bell. cap. 16.]

The XXIX. Jubilee. Year of the World 3981

Herod having removed from the Priesthood Jesus the son of Phabes, The Julian Period. 4691 makes Simon a Priest of Jerusalem, Year before Christ 23 the son of Boethus of Alexandra, Priest in his room, and took also his daughter Mariamme to wife; that was the most beautiful of that age. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 12. & lib. 18. cap. 7.]

p. 773The marriage being over, he began to build a new Palace, adjoyning also a fair Town to it, which he called Herodion, after his own name, in a placed distant from Jerusalem 60 furlongs towards Arabia, where he had overcome the Jews, when he was thrust out by the armes of Antigonus, [Id. lib. 14. cap. 25. & lib. 15. cap. 12. lib. 1. bell. cap. 11. & 16.] Pliny makes mention of Herodion, and of a famous Town of the same name, [lib. 5. cap. 14.]

Gallus departing with his army from Album, a Village of the Nabataeans, went thorough such places, that he was compelled to carry his water upon Camels, which happened to him thorough the malice of the conductours; wherefore after many days he came into the land of Aretus, who was joyned in affinity with Obodus the King of the Nabathaeans: but the treachery of Syllaeus rendered this Country hard to be passed; but he passed it in 30 dayes thorough unbeaten paths, where his food was spelt and dates, and those but a few, and butter instead of oil. The Country that he came into at last belonged to the Nomades, and truly a great part of it was desert; it was called Ararena, and the King of it was Sabus, [Strabo, lib. 16. pag. 781.]

Sabus was King of Arabia Felix; in which although none came out to face Aelius, yet this journey cost him much labour: for the desertnesse of the Country and the Sun, and the Waters that are naturally infected, did much afflict them, so that the greater part of the army perished. That disease was like none of ours; the head was disaffected, and that being dried, killed many, and those that escaped death, the disease went thorough their whole body into their legs, and there did so afflict them, that no remedy would do any good, unlesse one drank oil mingled with wine, and anointed himself therewith, which very few could do; for neither of those grow in these places, neither had they brought any plenty with them. Amongst these mischances, the Barbarians also, who at first in every battle always had the worst, and lost some Towns also, now taking occasion by the help of this disease, they set upon the Romans and recover their own, and drive the rest of the Romans out of the Country, [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 516, 517.]

Yet these both first and onelyonly of the Romans, carried the war so far in Arabia Felix, even to the famous City Athlula (or Athrula) [Id. ibid pag. 517.] In that Expedition Gallus overthrew these Towns so named by former Writers. Egra, Annestus Esca, Magusum, Tammacum, Labecia, Mariaba, (that was six miles in compasse) and Caripeta, which was the farthest he went, [Plin. lib. 6. cap. 28.] and had not Syllaeus betrayed him, he had conquered all Arabia Felix, [Strabo, lib. 17. pag. 118. fin.] whose progresse and regresse in this journey we here set down out of Strabo.

Fifty dayes being spent in travelling over Ararena thorough impassable wayes, he came to the City of the Agrans (or rather Egrans) a peaceable and fruitful Country. Then King Sabus fled, and the City was taken at the first assault. From hence on the sixth day he came to the River; there the Barbarians met him in battle array, of whom there fell 10000. and but two onelyonly of the Romans, for they were very cowardly, and used their weapons unskilfully, as the Bow, and Launce, and Sword, and Sling, but for the most part, were Bills with two edges. Then he took the City Asca, that was forsaken by the King: from thence he came to Athrula, which he easily took, and put a Garison there; and having provided corn and dates for his journey, came to Marsyabae, a City of the Rhamanites, who were under Ilasarus. This he set upon, and besieged six dayes, afterwards being compelled for want of water, he left off his design. He understood by the Captives that he was onelyonly six dayes journey from that part where the Spices grow; but he spent six moneths in this journey thorough the fault of his guides.

At last, having found out the treachery, being returned another way, he came in nine dayes to Anagrana, where there was a skirmish; then on the eleventh day to the seven Wells, so named from the thing it self: thence thorough places that were tilled, to the village of Chaalla; afterwards to a Bulwark called Malotha, seated by the River side: after that thorough Desarts where there was not much water, into the village of Negra (or Hygra) which is under Obodas, and lieth by the Sea. In his return he spent but 60 dayes in all, whereas before he had spent 6 moneths, [Strabo, lib. 16. pag. 781, 782.]

Whilst Aelius Gallus waged war with part of the Egyptian army in Arabia, the Ethiopians which dwelt beyond Egypt, being sent by their Queen Candace (a manly woman and blind of one eye) upon a sudden invasion surprised the Garrisons of three Cohorts, which were Syena, Elephantina, & Phillis, and carried them away captives, and overthrew Caesars Statues. Against these Petronius the Governour of Egypt marched, not with full 10000 Foot, and 800 Horse, against 30000 men, and at first forced them to flee into Pselcha a City of Ethiopia. Then he sent to them to demand the things that they had taken away, and also to know the reason why they had begun this war; p. 774and they saying, that they had been injured by the governours, he answered them that they were not lords of the Country, but that Caesar was: then they demanding three daies time to deliberate, and in the meantime doing nothing to satisfie him, he marcheth towards them, and forceth them to fight, and presently routeth them; for they were but ill ordered, and as bad armed, for they had great sheilds made of raw ox hides, and the weapons with which they fought were, hatchets, speares, and some had swords. Then some being forced into the City, some fled into the desarts, others into the next Island, who also took the river, among whom were Queen Candaces captains, these he also took, having passed the river by boates and ships, and sent them to Alexandria, and so went to Pselcha and took it, then numbring the multitude of them that were taken Captives, and of those that were killed, it was found that very few escaped in safety, [Strabo. lib. 17. pag. 820. Dio. lib. 54. pag. 524.]

From Pselcha Petronius came to Premnis, a City strong by nature, and having passed over those hills of Sande, by which Cambyses army was overwhelmed by reason of wind that fell, he took it at the first assault, then he goes forward to Napata (called Tanape by Dio.) where Candaces pallace was, and there her sonne stayed him; she being in a Castle that was nigh, sent Embassadours to treat of a peace, and restored the statues, and the Captives that were taken from Syena: but Petronius stormed Napata and took it, and overthrew it, her son being put to flight; but whereas he neither could go forward because of the sand and the heat, or conveniently stay there with the whole army, haveing fortified Premnis with walls, and a garrison and victuall for 400 men for two yeares, he returned to Alexandria, of the Captives haveing sold the rest, he sent 1000 to Caesar, as he was returned from the Cantabrian war, of whom some died of diseases. [id. ibid.]

With these is to be joyned that place of Pliny, in the 6 book chap. 29. In the time of Augustus, the Romans entred the country of the Aethiopians, P. Petronius being generall, who was of the order of Knighthood, and governour of Aegypt; he overcame their Townes, which he only found, in the same order that we shall speak of; Pselchis, Primnis, Aboccis, Phihuris, Cambusis, Attena, Stadisis, where the inhabitants loose their hearing by the noyse of the fall of the river of Nile, he sacked also Napata. The farthest that he went from Syena was 870 miles, neither yet did the Romans make an utter desolation.

Phraates the III was restored into his Kingdome by the great aid of the Scythians, of whose coming Tiridates hearing, he flies to Caesar, with a great number of his friends desiring that he might be restored into that Kingdome, promising that Parthia should be subject to Rome, if he would give him that Kingdome, when Phraates knew this he presently sent Embassadours to Caesar, desiring that he would send him back his servant Tiridates, and his own son, whom he had delivered as hostage to Caesar. [Just. lib. 42. cap. 5.]

When Tiridates and Phraates Embassadours were come to Rome, Augustus brought them both into the Senate, and then taking the knowledg of the difference from the Senate to himself, he heard the demands of either party, but then told them that he neither would yeild up Tiridates to the Parthians, neither would aid Tiridates against the Parthians, but least they at last, should seem to obtein nothing of their requests, he commanded a very large allowance to be given to Phraates, as long as he would tarry at Rome, and sent back Phraates his son, that in leine of him he might recover the Captives, and ensignes that were lost in the overthrowes of Crassus and Antonius. [id. ibid. Dio. lib. 53. pag. 519.]

Whenas there were mutuall grudges began to shew themselves between M. Agrippa and M. Marcellus the nephew and son in law of Augustus, because one thought the other to be more respected by Augustus than the other, he, fearing that contentions would grow higher between them if they continued both in one place, immediately sent away Agrippa into Asia, to govern those provinces beyond the sea in his stead. Agrippa left the City, but sending his Lieutenant into Syria, he himself tarried at Mitylenae in the isle of Lesbos [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 518. cum Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 93. Jos. lib. 15. cap. 13. Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 66.]

When Augustus resigned the eleventh Consulship, and made Lucius Sestius the great favourite of Brutus Consul in his room, the Senate decreed these honours to him, That he should be perpetuall Tribune of the common people, that he might call the Senate as often as he would, although he were not Consul, that he might make ordinances concerning whatsoever things he pleased, that he should have alwaies proconsulary power, and that he should not lay it down when he came within the walls, or have need to renew it, and that he should alwaies have greater power in the provinces, than the very governours. [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 518. 519.]

Aelius Gallus returning from the expedition of Arabia, Year of the World 3982 left the village Negra in the Kingdome of the Nabataeans, and in eleven daies space wafted his army into the haven of Muris: hence passing Coptum, he came to Alexandria with those forces that were p. 775able to bear arms, for he had lost the rest, not in war, (wherein only seven were lost) but by famine, labour, diseases, and the badnesse of the way. [Strabo. lib. 16. pag. 782.] Some of his medicinal compositions are related by Galen, [in lib. 2. de Antidotis,] among which there is triacle that he gave to Caesar, with which he had preserved many of his Souldiers.

Marcus Marcellus, the Son of Octavia, the sister of Augustus, and the husband of Julia, the daughter of Augustus died. [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 93. Dio. lib. 53. pag. 517. & 519.]

Augustus restored to the people Cyprus and Gallia Narbonensis, The Julian Period. 4692 because they needed not any forces, and for them received Dalmatia. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 523. with lib. 53. pag. 504.]

The dancing of Anticks, and Stage-playes, was first brought up in Rome, by Pylades Cilices, and Bathyllus; Pylades was the first that ever had a Quire to play unto him. [Euseb. Chronic. cum Scaligeri Collectan. Graec. pag. 390. & Animadversion. pag. 155, 156.]

Herod having now built Sebaste, began to build most magnificently, another City, in a place by the sea side, where the Town of Straton stood, which he called Caesaria, with the addition of an Haven of admirable work, equal in greatnesse to the Haven Piraetus, all which he finished in twelve years space, sparing neither labour, nor cost. [Joseph. lib. 1. bell. cap. 16. & lib. 17. Antiquit. cap. 13.] Whereupon Eutropius speaking of Caesar, saith lib. 7. The name of Caesar was so beloved by the Barbarians, that Kings that were friends of the people of Rome, built Cities in honour of him, and called them Cesarea; as … Mauritania by King Juba, and in Palestine which is a most famous City.

Herod sent his sons Alexander and Aristobulus (which he had by Mariamme the Asmonaean) to Rome to Caesar, to be there brought up: for whom their lodging was prepared at Pollios his house the great friend of Herod. Caesar entertained the young men very curteously, and gave Herod power to make which of his sons he would heir of his Kingdom, and gave him also Trachonitis Batunaea and Auranitis, [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 13.]

After Herod had received Trachon, Year of the World 3983 he took guides and went to the Dens of the theeves, restrained their villanies, and gave peace to the inhabitants: but Zenodorus being moved, partly thorough envy, and partly with the losse of his possessions, went to Rome to accuse Herod, but could effect nothing, [Id. ibid.]

Herod having saluted his chiefest friend Agrippa at Mitylene, returned into Judea, [Ibid.]

Some Citizens of Gadara go to Agrippa to accuse Herod, whom not vouchsafing so much as to hear, he sent them bound to Herod; but Herod spared them, who although he was inexorable towards his own people, yet he willingly contemned and forgave injuries received from strangers, [Id. ibid.]

Augustus went into Sicily, that he might settle that, as also all other Provinces even to Syria, [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 524.]

Augustus sent for Agrippa (who he wished had had more patience, The Julian Period. 4693 because for a light suspition of harshnesse under colour of the chief office had gone, Year before Christ 21 leaving all things, to Mitylene) to come to him out of Asia into Sicilia, and commanded him to leave his wife, although the daughter of Octavia, Augustus his own sister; and to marry his daughter Julia the widow of Marcellus, and sent him presently to solemnize the Marriage, and to undertake the government of the City, [Id. ibid. pag. 525. Velleius Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 93. Sueton, in Octavio, cap. 63, 66.]

Zenodorus, counting his estate desperate, had farmed out Auranitis a part of his Country to the Arabians for fifty talents yearly rent. This part although it was contained in the grant that Caesar gave Herod, yet the Arabians hateing Herod would in no wise suffer it to be taken from them; Sometimes laying claime to it by intodes and force, and sometimes contending for the right of possession before the Judges. They drew also unto them certain needy souldiers, who according to the custom of wretched men, hope for better fortunes by innovations: which although Herod knew well enough, yet he had rather prevent it by good reasons, than by armes, least he should give occasions of new commotions. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 13.]

Augustus having ordered things in Sicilia passed over into Greece, when he took from the Athenians, Aegina and Eretria, because as some report, they had favoured Anthony. [Dio. ut supra. pag. 525.]

Petronius going with succour prevented Candace the Queen of the Ethiopians, who with many thousands set upon the garrison of Premnis, and having entred the Castle, strenghthened it with much provision; and compelled the Queen to accept conditions of peace, [Strabo. lib. 17. pag. 821. cum Dion. lib. 54. pag. 524.]

Petronius commanded the Embassadours that were sent unto him, that if they would demand any thing they should go unto Caesar, and they denying that they knew p. 776whether there were a Caesar, or where they should meet with him, he commanded some that they should conduct him. [Strabo. ibid.]

Augustus having perfected his affairs in Greece, sailed into Samos, and there wintered. [Dio, lib. 54. pag. 525.]

When as the people of Armenia accused Artabazes or Artaxis, or Artaxias, (the son of Artavasdes, that was taken by the treachery of Anthony, and desired that his brother Tigranes, who was then at Rome, might be their King. Augustus sent to Tiberius, to drive out Artabazes, and to make Tigranes King in his stead. [Id. ib. pag. 526. cum Tacit. Annal. lib, 2. cap. 3.]

The Embassadours of Candace coming into Samos, found Caesar ready to go into Syria, and sending Tiberius into Armenia; they easily obtained of him what they desired, and he remitted their tribute also. [Strabo, lib. 17. pag. 821.]

In the Spring Augustus went into Asia, M. Apuleius, and P. Silius being Consuls, and there, and in Bythinia also, he ordered all things, not therefore making lesse account of them, because that, as well these as those Provinces, that he had formerly passed through, were accounted to belong to the people, but he took so much care for all things, as if they had been his own, for he mended all things, where it was convenient; and to some he gave mony, and on others he imposed new sums, besides their ordinary tribute. But from the Cyzicenians, he took away their freedom, because that in a certain sedition they had put to death some Romans, after they had scourged them. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 525.]

Then he went into Syria, in the tenth year after he had been in that Province. [Joseph, lib. 1. bell. cap. 15.] But in the 17. year of the reign of Herod (from the death of Antigonus) [Id. lib. 15. Antiquit. cap. 13.] where he dispoiled the Tyrians and Sidonians of their liberty, because of their factions. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 525.]

Zenodorus had solemnly sworn to the Gadarens, that he would never leave off to do what possibly he could that they might be freed from the jurisdiction of Herod, and be annexed to Caesars Province. Hereupon many of them began to exclaim against Herod, calling him cruel and Tyrant, complaining unto Caesar of his violence and rapines, and for violating and rasing their Temples: with which Herod being nothing terrified, was ready to answer for himself: but Caesar used him courteously, and not at all alienated from him for all this tumultuous multitude. The Gadarens therefore perceiving the inclinations of Caesar and his friends, and fearing by certain conjectures, that they should be delivered into Herods hands. The next night after the meeting, some of them cut their own throats, others for fear of torments, brake their own necks, some also drowned themselves in the river: and thus whereas they seemed to fore judge themselves, Caesar immediately absolved Herod. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 13.]

Zenodorus also having his bowels burst through much bloud that came from him, ended his life at Antioch in Syria. [Id. ib.]

Augustus gave the Tetrarchy of Zenodorus to Herod. [Id. ibid. Dio. lib. 54. pag. 526.] Certainly no contemptible part, which being seated between Galilee and Trachona, conteined Ulatha Paneada, and the neighbour Countries, he made him also one of the Governours of Syria, and commanded the Governours of that Province to do nothing without his advice. [Joseph. lib. 1. bell. cap. 15. lib. 15. Antiquit. cap. 13.]

Herod begged a Tetrarchy of Caesar, for his brother Pheroras, on whom he also bestowed 100 talents, out of the revenues of his own Kingdom, to the intent, that if he should happen to die, Pheroras estate might be assured, and not subject to Herods children, [Id. ibid.]

Claudius Tiberius Nero was sent by Augustus, his father in law, with an army to visit and order the Provinces that were in the East; where having shewed all experiments of the chiefest virtues, he entred Armenia with the Legions; and having reduced it under the power of the people of Rome, he delivered the Kingdom to Artavasdes. Whereupon the King of the Parthians being terrified, with the fame of his great name, sent his sons Hostages to Caesar, this Velleius Paterculus, the great flatterer of Tiberius. [lib. 2. cap. 94.]

All Authours else mention, that Tigranes, the son of Artavasdes, was at this time made King of the Armenians: for Artavasdes, being led captive into Egypt by Cleopatra, and Antony, his eldest son Artaxius (whom Dio here calls Artabazes, by his Fathers name) enjoyed the Kingdom of Armenia: to whom Archelaus and Nero, having expelled him by force out of the Kingdom, now made his younger brother successour; (called by Velleius, after his fathers name, Artavasdes, but by all others p. 777Tigranes) Thus Josephus [lib. 15. cap. 5.] relates the story; meaning by the name of Archelaus, the King of Cappadocia, and by the name of Nero, Claudius Tiberius, although he were not yet adopted by Caesar, to whom part of that Narration in Horace belongeth. [lib. 1. epist. 12.]

Ne tamen ignores, qus sit Romana loco res:

Cantaber Agrippae, Claudi virtute Neronis

Armenius cecidit; jus imperiumque Phraates

Caesaris accepit genibus minor.

Know further too what places do partake

Roman affairs: Cant'ber t' Agrippa falls,

Claudius Armenia did by Nero take:

The younger brother Phraates hath all.

Caesars both right and rule imperiall.

With which agrees that of Ovid, in 3. Tristium.

Nunc petit Armenius pacem; nunc porrigit arcus

Parthus eques, timida captaque signa manu.

Th' Armenians sue for peace, the Parthian bow,

Horse, Arms, and Ensignes are resigned now.

Yet Dio affirms that Tiberius, or this Claudius Nero, Artabazes, or Arsazius, being put to death by the Armenians, before his coming, did nothing that was answerable to his preparation: [lib. 54. pag. 526.] Although concerning this businesse, he boasted that he had done every thing by his own virtue, and especially, because there then were decreed sacrifices, for it: which also that place of Tacitus seems to favour. [lib. 2. Annal. cap. 3.] Artaxias being slain by the treachery of his nearest friends, Tigranes is made King of the Armenians, and brought by Tiberius Nero into the Kingdom. Who leading his army into the East, restored the Kingdom of Armenia to Tigranes, and put the Crown on his head in the Tribunal, as Sueton hath it in Octavia. [cap. 9.]

Suetonius adds in the same place, that Tiberius recovered the Ensignes that the Parthians had taken from M. Crassus, when also the Parthians, at Augustus demand, restored the military Ensignes, they had taken away from Marcus Crassus, and M. Antonius; and moreover, offered hostages, as it is in the same Suetonius in Octavio. [cap. 21.] For when Augustus came into Syria, for the composing of the state of affairs in the East; Phraates, who had performed nothing as was agreed, fearing least Augustus should make war upon Parthia, sent back to him the Roman Ensignes, both which Orodes had taken, at the overthrow of Crassus, and which his son had taken, when Antonius was put to flight, he delivered also all the Captives that were in all Parthia, that were gathered up of the army of Crassus, and Antonius, except a few, who had killed themselves for shame, and some that tarried privately in Parthia. These things Augustus …ceived, as if he had conquered the Parthian in war. [Livy, lib. 139. Florus, lib. 4. cap. ult. Strabo. lib. 2. pag. 288. & lib. 16. 748. Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 91. Justin. lib. 42. cap. ult. Dio. lib. 54. pag. 525. Eutrop. lib. 7. Oros. lib. 6. cap. 21. & Cassiodorus in Chronico.]

Eutropius writes that the Persians, or Parthians, gave hostages to Caesar, which they never did before to any, and by delivering the Kings children for hostages, that they merited a firm league, with a solemn procession, writes Orosius. [ut supra.] And Strabo confirms, that Phraates, in the end of lib. 6. committed his sons, and his sons sons to Augustus Caesar, and desired with all reverence to deserve his friendship, by delivering hostages to him. And Justin confirms in the end of his 42 book, that his sons and Grand-children were hostages to Augustus: butyet Tacitus warns us in the beginning of the second of the Annals, that he shewed all duty and reverence to Augustus, and sent part of his children, for the strengthening of their friendship, not so much for fear of him, as for distrusting the disloyalty of his own Subject, for this was the businesse.

Thermusa, an Italian woman, whom of a Concubine he made his wife, thinking to get the Kingdom of the Parthians, for Phraates her son, whom she had born to the King, when she was yet his Concubine, perswaded the King her husband, with whom she could do any thing, to send his lawful begotten children in hostage to Rome. [Joseph. lib: 15. cap. 3.] Phraates, calling Titius to a conference, who was then governour of Syria, delivered his four lawful begotten sons for hostages; Saraspades, Cerospades, Phraates and Vonones, two of their wives, and four sons: for fearing a sedition, and least some treachery should be laid for him by his enemies, he sent his sons out of p. 778the way: perswading himself, that none should be able to do any thing against him, if he should have none of the race of the Arsacidae to be set up in his room, to whom the Parthians were so affectionate, [Strabo, lib. 16. pag. 748. 749.] in an old Roman inscription there joyned with Saraspadanes (for so he is there named) another son of Phraates, not mentioned by Strabo, Rhodaspes a Parthian the son of Phraates Arsaces the King of Kings. [inscript. Gruter. pag. CCLXXXVIII.]

Augustus in the East ordered his subjects according to the form of the Roman lawes, but suffered those that were in league with him to live after the lawes of their ancestours, neither determined he to take any thing from them, but to be content with what they had gotten, and so he wrote to the Senate, he therefore at this time made no war, but gave to Jamblichus the son of Jamblichus his fathers principality in Arabia, he gave also to Tarcondimotus the son of Tarcondimotus; his fathers principality in Cilicia. Except some sea Towns which he gave to Archelaus with the Kingdome of Armenia the lesse, King Medus who had that Kingdome before being dead, and to one whose name was Mithridates being as yet a child he gave Commagena, because the King had killed the father of this Mithridates. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 526.]

Herod having conducted Caesar to the sea side, returned into his Kingdome, and and there built a goodly temple, in honour of him of white marble, neer Panion, at the foot of which mountain are the fountaines heads of Jordan, then he also remitted to his subjects some part of their tribute, under colour, that they should have some ease after the dearth, but in very deed that he might appease the minds of his subjects, that were offended with such vast works of the King, which seemed to tend to nothing but the destruction of religion, and good manners, as it was commonly talked. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 13.]

Herod to prevent these things, Year of the World 3985 forbad all private meeting in the City, and too often feastings, he had also spies that should mingle themselves in companies, and marke what the people talked of, yea he himself would goe in the night in the habit of a private man, and mingle himself in the company of the people, to learn what the people thought of him, and as many as obstinately disallowed his doings, he punished them without mercy, the rest of the multitude he bound to him by oath, exacting an oath of them that they should depart from their fidelity and duty. [id. ibid.]

Herod required this oath of many followers of the Pharisees, as Pollo and Sameas, which although he could not get them to take, yet he punished not as he did the others, in respect of the reverence he bare to Pollio, neither did he impose this necessity upon the Esseans, whom he much esteemed for one Manahems sake who was a Prophet: who when he was but a private boy, saluted him King of the Jews, and had foretold that he should reign King above 30 years. [id. ibid.]

Caius is born to Agrippa by his wife Julia, there is a yearly sacrifice decreed on his birth day with some other things. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 526.]

Augustus returned into Samos and there wintered again, and for a reward of their hospitality, he grants the Samians liberty, thither came to him frequent Embassies, the Indians then by a firm league confirmed the peace which they formerly had desired by their Embassadours, (of whom it is spoken before in the year of the Julian period 4689.) amongst the presents that were sent by the Indian there were tygers, which creatures were never before seen either by the Romans or Grecians, and a certain young man who wanted his armes, (such as they use to feign Mercuries to be) who performed all things by the office of his feet, instead of hands, that he was said to bend a bow, and shoot an arrow, and sound a trumpet. [Id. ibid. pag. 527.]

Nicholas Damascene reports that he saw these Indian Embassadours at Antioch by Daphnis. The letter they brought makes mention of more, but he saith only three were alive whom he saw, the rest being the greater part died through the length of the journey, that the letter was in Greek written in parchment, in which was signified, that it was Porus that wrote it, who although he commanded 600 Kings, yet he did much esteem Caesars friendship, that he was ready to give him a meeting in what place soever, and that he would aid in any thing that was right. He saith these things were conteined in the letter, moreover that the presents were brought by eight servants that were naked, only having breeches on, and besmeared with persumes, those were Herman, he (of whom we have spoken) who had his armes cut of from his shoulder being a child, huge vipers, a serpent of ten cubits long, a river tortoyse of three cubits, and a partridg bigger than a vulture, [Strabo. lib. 15. pag. 719.]

Among these was Zomarus or Zomanochegas, one of the wisemen of the Indians, who for vain glories sake, or for old age according to the lawes of his Country, or that he might shew himself to Augustus and the Athenians, (for he had come into Athens) and was made a Priest of the Grecian gods, although (as they report) in an unlawfull time, yet in favour of Augustus; thinking that he must die, and least some adversity p. 779should happen to him if he tarried longer, then smiling and naked and annointed, he gave himself into the funeral-fire: and this inscription was written on his Sepulchre. Here lieth Zarmanecheg as an Indian, of Barbosu, who according to the custom of his Country, led himself out of life, [Id. ibid. pag. 719. Dio. lib. 54. pag. 527.]

Augustus being returned to Rome, entred the City on horseback in a kind of Triumph, and was honoured with a Triumphal Arch that carried his Trophies, [Dio. ibid. pag. 526.]

Augustus did account it a matter of high praise to him, that he had recovered those things that were formerly lost in war, without any fight at all: and therefore he commanded that it should be decreed that there should be sacrifices for that cause, and a Temple of Mars the revenger (in imitation of Jupiter Feretrius) in the Capitol, where the Ensignes should be hung up: and did also perform it, [Id. ibid.]

This Temple he had formerly vowed to Mars before the Victory at Philippi, but now proclaiming that he had received another like benefit from him, he performed his vow at the twentieth years end; imitating Romulus, who having killed Acro the King of the Ceninenses, hung up his armes in the Temple that he dedicated to Jupiter Feretrius: he built a Temple to Mars the twice revenger, and then laid up the Military Ensigns that he had recovered from the Parthians, and also instituted Circensian playes to be solemnized every year in memory of these things. Of which Ovid in 5 Fastorum.

Nec satis est meruisse semel cognomina Marti:

Persequitur Parthi signa retenta manu.

Gens fuit & campis & equis & tuta sagittis;

Et circumfusis invia fluminibus.

Addiderant animos Crassorum funera genti;

Cum perit miles, signaque, duxque simul.

Signa decus belli Parthus Romana tenebat;

Roman aeque aquilae signifer hostis erat.

Isque pudor mansisset adhuc, nisi fortibus armis

Caesaris Ausoniae protegerentur opes.

Ille not as veteres & longi dedecus aevi

Sustulit: agnorunt figna recepta suos.

Quid tibi nunc solitae mitti post terga sagittae,

Quid loca, quid rapidi profuit usus equi?

Parthe refers aquilas, victos quoque porrigis arcus:

Pignora jam nostri nulla pudoris habes.

Rite Deo templumque datum, nomenque Bis-ultor:

Emeritus voti debita solvit honor.

Solemnes ludos circi celebrate Quirites:

Non visae est fortem scena decere Deum.

It doth not Mars suffice once name t'have gain'd

He prosecutes the Parthian Ensigns yet retain'd.

A Country fenc'd with store of horse, bows, plains,

For Rivers inaccessible remains.

Oth' Crassi yet much sp'rited by the fall,

At once of Army, Standard, General.

The Roman Ensigns did the Parthian bear,

And, whilst an enemy, their Eagle wear.

This blemish still had stuck; But Caesar's might,

Better defended Latium's ancient right:

He took the Ensigns, cancel'd that disgrace,

And made the Eagle know her proper place.

What profits shooting back, thy inviou… Land,

Thy swifter steed, O Parthian? thy hand

Delivers back thy Ensigns, and thy bow:

Thou canst no Trophies of the Roman show.

A Temple duly vote Bis-ultor thy

Honour receiveth most deservedly.

More Honourable Romans celebrate

His Playes: no Scene supplies Bellona's State.

p. 780To which may be added that of Horace, lib. 4. Ode ult.

—tua Caesar aetas

Fruges & agris rettulit uberes,

Et signa nostro restituit Jot:

Direpta Parthorum superbis

Postibus.

—(Caesar) thy age

Affordeth plenteous fruits unto the fields,

And to Joves Capitol our Ensignes yeelds

From Parthian pillars snatcht—

and many pieces of his coine having the inscription, SIGNIS RECEPTIS, for the Ensignes recovered.

Herod in the 18 year of his raign (being reckoned from the death of Antigonus) propounded his intent to the Jews, of building the Temple at Jerusalem: whom he saw that they were troubled, lest if he demolished the old, he could not finish the new. He certified them that the old Temple should remain whole as it was, and not be pulled down, until that all materials that were necessary for the new fabrick should be prepared, Neither did he deceive them; he provided a thousand waggons to carry stones, and he picked out of all the multitude of Artificers 10000 that were most expert, and also a thousand Priests that were cloathed with Priests garments at his own cost, that were not altogether ignorant of the Masons and Carpenters art: and that they should fall to work, seeing the materials were ready, [Joseph. lib. 14. cap. 14.]

When Augustus his first ten years was almost at an end, Year of the World 3987 he prolonged the Principality to himself for five years longer, The Julian Period. 4696 and gave to M. Agrippa for the same five years, Year before Christ 18 as well some things almost the same with himself, as also the Tribunical power; for he said that so many years was then sufficient, although that not long after he accepted of more years of the Imperial Power, as that his Principality might be made decennal, [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 529.]

And because now the bookes of the Sybills thorough age were worn out of date, Augustus gave charge to the Priests, that with their own hands they should write them out; that none other should read them, [Id. ibid. pag. 532.]

Augustus restored Pilades the Cilician Player, that thorough factions was cast out of Rome, because he reconciled the favour of the people to him, and because Augustus reproved him, for that he was alwayes quarrelling with Bathyllus one of his own profession, and also a friend of Mecenas, he is reported to have answered thus to Caesar, It is convenient for thee, O Caesar, that the people should spend their time being intent upon us, [Ibid. pag. 533.]

All necessary materialls for the setting upon the work being provided in two years space, The Julian Period. 4697 Herod began to build the Temple of Jerusalem, Year before Christ 17 46 years before the first Passeover of the Ministery of Christ: as it appears out of those words of the Jews, John 11. 20. spoken at that time. foreign. This Temple hath been built fourty and six years hitherto: as that Aorist is rightly expounded by our Country-man Lydiat.

And indeed the building of this Temple under Zorobabel, began in the first year of the Monarchy of Cyrus, and for some time interrupted, was after twenty years time finished, in the sixth year of Darius the son of Hystaspes; and the magnificent building of the same begun by Herod at this time, was finished in the space of nine years and an half: but in accounting the time spent in building this most magnificent Structure, we must take into consideration not onelyonly the labour of these two, but of their Successours also: whenas in the perfection of it many ages and all the holy treasures, that were sent to God from all the parts of the World thither were spent: as Josephus notes in the sixth book of the wars of the Jews, and sixth chapter; for neither the riches of Herod alone, (being wasted especially with such profuse gifts, such buildings of so many Palaces, Temples, and Cities, one whereof was the City and Port of Cesarea, and which was most costly of all, did then lie upon him, when he laboured in building the Temple) a Temple of immense riches; (as Tacitus calls it in the 5 of his Histories, chap. 9.) were sufficient for the finishing of it; and that this great building of the Temple begun by Herod, was continued even to the beginning of the war of the Jews under Gessius Florus, by great gifts that were consecrated to God, that place of Josephus shews in the 20 book of his Antiquities, chap. 8. Now was finished the building of the Temple; and the people when they perceived that more than 18000 workmen would be idle, who were wont to get their living by their work in the Temple, and being loath that the holy treasure should be laid up, for fear it should become a prey to the Romans, and withal willing to provide for the workmen; because if one had wrought but one hour, he was presently paid his wages: they perswaded the p. 781King (Agrippa the younger) that he would build the easterne Porch, which inclosed the outwardmost parts of the Temple.

Agrippa had Lucius by his wife Julia, whom, together with his brother Caius, Augustus, that he might be the freer from treachery, immediately adopted, and made heirs of his Empire. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 533.]

In Cyprus, many parts of Cities are thrown down by Earthquakes. [Euseb. in Chronic.]

Marcus Agrippa, Year of the World 3988 after he had exhibited Quinquennall playes (which were the fourth from the battle of Actium) is again by Augustus sent into Syria. The Julian Period. 4698 [Dio. lib. 4. pag. 534.] Year before Christ 16

Herod set saile for Italy, to salute Caesar, and to see his children at Rome, [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 1.] and passing by Greece, was not only present, but also judge at the Olympick exercises, in the CXCI. Olympiade, in which Diodorus Tyaneus got the prize) who observing that those exercises did not answer the resort that was to them, through the poverty of the Elidenses, he bestowed towards them annual revenues, whereby their sacrifices might be made the more splendid, and other things that might belong to the gracing of so great a meeting; for which bounty he is declared perpetual judge of those exercises. [Id. lib. 1. Bell. cap. 16. lib. 16. Antiquit. cap. 9.]

Caesar having courteously entertained Herod at Rome, delivereth to him his sons, sufficiently instructed in the liberal sciences, [Id. lib. 16. cap. 1.] goes himself into Gallia. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 533.]

Aemilius Macer, a Poet of Veronn, dieth in Asia. [Hieronym▪ in Chronico] of whom Tibullus.

Castra Macer sequitur; tenero quid fiet Amori?

What shall poor Amor now do all alone,

Since sweet song'd Macer to the Camp is gone?

At Jerusalem, by the endeavour of the Priest, the building of the Temple, properly so called, because it conteined the Holy, and the Holy of Holies, was finished in a year and an half space; in all which time, it is reported, that it never rained in the day time, but only in the nights; then in the eight following years, the Porches, the Ranges, and the rest of the buildings about the Temple were all finished. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. ult.]

There is extant a twofold description of this Temple, one by Josephus, (who himself did the duties of a Priest in it) in the 15 Antiquit. cap. 14. and lib. 6. bell. cap. 6.) Another by R. Judas, (almost 120 years after the destruction of it) in a tractate of his Mischna, which is intituled foreign a Map of the former we have from Ludovicus Capellus, at the end of his short History of the Jews; and of the later from Constantine Lempereur, prefixed in his Commentary upon the book of M…ddoth, in the Preface of which he sheweth that the constant opinion of the Jews was, that the Temple of Zorobabel, and this of Herod, were rightly accounted for both the same: as likewise he shews out of the fifth book of Tacitus his Histories, that it was thought to be the same Temple that was wonne by Pompey, that was then besieged by Titus.

When Alexander and Aristobulus were returned into Judea, Year of the World 3989 and had gained all mens loves. The Julian Period. 4699 Salome, Year before Christ 15 the sister of Herod, and her followers, fearing that they would some time or other revenge their mothers death, cast out words among the people, that they hated their father, because he had caused their mother to be slain: but Herod as yet suspecting no ill, used them with all honour, as they deserved; and because they were now grown to mens estate, he provided them wives, for Alexander Bernice, the daughter of Salome, and for Aristobulus Glaphira, the daughter of Archelaus, the King of the Cappadocians. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 1, 2.]

Augustus restored liberty to the Cycizenians, he gave also mony to the… Paphians (in Cyprus) that had been afflicted with an Earthquake, and permitted by a decree of the Senate, that their City should be called Augusta. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 539.]

Herod hearing that M. Agrippa was again come into Asia, he goeth to him, he begged of him that he would vouchsafe to come into his Kingdom, as to his friend and guest. [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 2.]

Herod entertained Agrippa in all the Cities that he had newly built, Year of the World 3990 and shewing him the buildings, presented both to himself and friends, all kind of delights and magnificence, at Sebaste, and the Port of Caesarea, and in the Castles that he had built, as at Alexandrion, Herodion, and Hyrcania. He brought him also into the City of Jerusalem, where all the people met him in their best and festival attire, and with joyfull p. 782acclamations. Agrippa also having sacrificed an Hecatombe to God, feasted the people: and although he would willingly have stayed longer there, yet for fear of storm, the Winter now drawing on, he made haste to saile into Ionia, both he and his friends being honoured with great presents. [Id. ib.]

Asander, being made King of Cimmerian Bosphorus, by Augustus, dying, left the Kingdom to his wife Dynamis, the daughter of Pharnaces, and wife of Mithridates, her own son Scribonius feigning himself to be the Nephew of Mithridates, married, and seized upon the Kingdom. Agrippa hearing this, sent Polemon, the King of that Pontus, which is scituate by Cappadocia, to make war upon him. [Dio. lib. 14. pag. 538.]

The Bosphorans, as soon as they knew this deceit, killed Scribonius, and resisted Polemon that came against them, fearing that he should be made their King, whom he conquered in battle, but yet did not subdue them. [Id. ibid.]

As soon as it was Spring, The Julian Period. 4700 Herod hearing that Agrippa was going with an army to Bosphorus, Year before Christ 14 made haste to go to him; and taking his course by Rhodes and Chios, he came to Lesbos; thinking he should there find him; but being driven back by the contrary North winds, he tarried at Chios: where many coming privately to salute him, he bestowed upon them many princely gifts; and when he perceived the gate of the City, that was thrown down in the war against Mithridates, as yet lying ru…nate, and that it could not be repaired to the former beauty and greatnesse, by reason of their poverty, he bestowed upon them so much mony as was abundantly sufficient to finish it, and exhorted them to adorn the City as soon as they could, to the former beauty and greatnesse. [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 3.]

As soon as the wind changed, Herod sailed first to Mitylene, and then to Byzantium; and there understanding that Agryppa, was already past the Cyanean Rocks, he followed him with all speed, and overtook him at Sinope, a City in Pontus: who contrary to Agryppa's expectation, arrived there with his Navy. His coming was very grateful to him, and they embraced each other with singular affection, because it was an evident argument of his fidelity and friendship, that the King leaving his own occasions, would come to him in so convenient a time. Wherefore Herod still abode by him in the army, and was his companions in his labours, and partaker of his counsels. He was also present with him when he meant to be merry, and was the only man that was used in difficult matters, for the love he bare him, and in mirth for honours sake. [Id. ibid.]

Agrippa overcame the Bosphorans, and having recovered in war those Roman Ensignes, which they long since had taken under Mithridates, by conquest compelled them to yield. [Oros. lib. 6. cap. 81.]

When Julia, the daughter of Augustus, and wife of Agrippa, went to Ilium by night, it happened that Julia and her servants that waited on the Coach, were in great danger in passing the river of Scamander, which was much swelled by sudden flouds, the people of Ilium being altogether ignorant of her coming: but Agrippa being angry that they had not helped her, fined them an 100000 Drachmes of Silver. [Nicol. Damascen. lib. de vita sua. in Excerptis ab Henrico. Vales. edit. pag. 418.]

The Embassadors of the Ilienses, not daring to gainsay any thing to Agrippa, they entreated Nicholas Damascen, (who by chance was there) that he would get King Herod to speak for them, and to help them; which he for the ancient renowne of the City undertook, and told the King the whole story, how that Agrippa was angry with the Ilienses without a cause, seeing he had given them no notice of his Wifes coming, and that they could not perceive any thing of her coming, because it was in the night: and Herod undertaking the cause of the Ilienses, got their fine taken off. [Id. ibid.] and reconciled Agrippa, being angry with them. [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 3.]

The Bosphorans at length laying down their arms, are delivered to Polemon, who also marries Dynamis, with the approbation of Augustus: for this there was a procession, in Agrippa's name; but neither did he triumph, although it was decreed, neither wrote he to the Senate any thing at all concerning his affairs; whose example after age… imitating, they also did not certifie by letters concerning their doings, neither did they accept of a tryumph, though offered, but were content only with the triumphal ornament [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 538.]

The trouble of Pontus being ended, Agryppa and Herod came by land to Ephesus, through Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, and the greater Phrygia, and there again taking ship, they came to Samos. [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 3.]

The Iliense… being now returned into their Country, because they had lost all hope of obteining pardon, and Herod being about to go into Paphlagonia to Agrippa, p. 783gave a letter to Nicholas Damascene concerning the remission of their fine, who went to Chios and Rhodes, where his sons tarried; Nicholas therefore loosing from Amisus, came to the Port of Byzantium; thence failing to Troas, he came to Ilium, where when he had delivered his letters of the remission of their fine, both he, but especially Herod, received great honours from the Ilienses, [Nichol. Damascene, ut supra.]

Agrippa in his whole journey thorough many Cities, gratified Herod in many things, at his intreaty relieving the necessities of many; if any one had need of an intercessour to Agrippa, he could obtain his suite by none more easily than by him. Herod also paid the money for the Chians that they were indebted to Caesars receivers, and got the man immunity. He also assisted others in whatsoever they had need of, [Ioseph. lib. 16. cap. 3.]

After they were come into Ionia, there was a great multitude of Jews, that inhabited that Country; who having got an opportunity, complained of the injuries they received of those Country-men, that they would not permit them to live after their own laws, and that upon their Festival dayes, they haled them before the Tribunals, and forbad them to send holy money to Jerusalem; and that they compelled them to do publick businesses, and interverted the holy money for those affairs, contrary to the privledges granted them by the Romans. Herod took all care that Agrippa should hear their complaints, and allowed them Nicholas Damascene, one of his friends (now returned from Troas) to plead their cause: which when he had largely performed before Agrippa, (many of the most honourable Romans, and some Kings and Princes sitting with him) the Grecians denied not the thing, but onelyonly excused themselves, that the Jews that dwelt among them were troublesome unto them; but they proved that they were free-born Citizens, and that they lived in their own laws without injury to any. Therefore Agrippa answered, That both for his friend Herods sake he was ready to gratifie them, and also because they seemed to demand what was just; He therefore ordered that the priviledges that were formerly granted them, should remain inviolable, and that none should molest them for living after their Country laws. Then Herod rose up and gave him thanks in the name of them all; and then after mutual embraces, they took their leaves each of other, and departed from Lesbos, [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 4. & 5.]

Herod in few dayes after, having a prosperous gale, arrived at Caesarea: and from thence went to Jerusalem; where calling all the people together, he gave them an account of his journey, and how he had gotten an immunity for the Jews that lived in Asia, and then to gratifie them the more and to make them the more friendly to him, he professed that he would remit to them the fourth part of their tribute: with which bounty they being exceedingly taken, wished all happinesse to the King, and departed with great joy, [Ibid. cap. 5.]

Augustus now at length took upon him the High Priesthood, Year of the World 3991 Lepidus who was in times past of the Triumviri and Priest, The Julian Period. 4701 being now dead, Year before Christ 13 but would never take it from him during his lifetime, [Sueton, in Octavio, cap. 31. Dio. lib. 54. pag. 540. fin.] the day before the Nones of March, as Ovid shews in lib. 3. Fastorum.

He being made High Priest, whatsoever books either of Greek or Latine, that went about under no Authors name, or not a substantial, he got together and burnt above two thousand: and kept onelyonly the books of the Sybills, and of those he picked out some, and laid them up in two golden lattches under the foot of the pillar where the Image of Apollo stood in the Palatine hill, [Sueton, ut supra.]

There was a Colony sent to Berythus [Euseb. Chronic.] that was very much honoured by the favour of Augustus, [Vlpian. c. Sciendum est D. de Censibus.] in which were two Legions placed by Agrippa, [Strabo, lib. 16. pag. 756.]

Herod being incensed by the false accusations and artifices of his sister Salome and his brother Pheroras, against his two sons that he had by Mariamme, Alexander and Aristobulus, to bring down their haughty spirits, he began to entertain more neerly, and publickly to put in hopes of the kingdom, his eldest son Antipater (but whom he begat when he was a private man, and his mother also was of mean parentage) whom he had banished the City, in favour of his two other sons, (onelyonly giving him liberty to come thither on Festival dayes) and writing often to Caesar for him, privately gave him very great commendations: and being overcome by the intreaties of Antipater, he brought also his mother Doris, who being a woman of Jerusalem, whom he had put away when he married Mariamme, [Ioseph. lib. 1. bell. cap. 17. & lib. 16. Antiquit. cap. 6.]

Agrippa after his ten years government in Asia (to be reckoned from the time, Year of the World 3992 in which being sent by Caesar into Asia and Syria, he tarried at Lesbos) being now to depart; Herod failed to salute him, taking with him of all his sons onelyonly Antipater, whom he delivered to Agrippa with many gifts, to be brought to Rome, p. 784and to be received into Caesars favour. [Id. lib. 16. cap. 6. fin.]

Agrippa being returned from Syria, The Julian Period. 4702 was sent by Augustus to make war in Pannonia, Year before Christ 12 having the Tribunitial power granted him for five years longer; at whose arrival the Pannonians being terrified, left off their rebellion, and Agrippa in his returne died in Campania, and his body being brought in the market-place at Rome, Augustus commended him in a Funeral Oration. [Livy, lib. 139. Dio. lib. 54. pag. 541.]

Antipater was much honoured at Rome, being commended to all his friends by his fathers letters; and although he was absent, yet did he not desist to whet his father by letters against the sons of Mariamme, as seeming very careful of his fathers safety: but indeed by his bad practises, making himself away, to the hopes of the succession of the Kingdom. [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 7.]

Augustus took against his will his son in law Tiberius to be his partner in the government in the room of Agrippa; when his grandchildren C. Caius and Lucius, were but yet children, therefore he betroathes his daughter Julia (the widow of Agrippa) to Tiberius forcing first him to leave his wife Agrippina, (the daughter of Agrippa the daughter of Pomponius Atticus) not without great vexation of his mind, which did then nurse her child Drusus, and also was with child again. [Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 63. & Tiberio. cap. 7. Dio. lib. 54. pag. 543.]

Herod now being become an enemy to his sonnes Alexander and Aristobulus, sailed to Rome with them to accuse them before Caesar, [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 3.] and carrying with him Nicholas Damascene in the same ship, with whom he studied Philosophy. [Nicoll. Damascen. in sua vita in excerptis Henric. Vales. pag. 421.]

Herod not finding Augustus at Rome, Year of the World 3993 followed him as far as Aquileia, The Julian Period. 4703 before whom he accused them of treachery against him, Year before Christ 11 and whenas the young men satisfied all that were present by their clearing of themselves, and praiers and teares, they are at length reconciled to their father. Then after thanks given to Caesar they departed together, and Antipater also, feigning that he was glad that they were received again into favour. [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 7. & 8.]

A few daies after Herod gave Caesar 300 Talents, who was now setting forth shews and giving gifts to the people, and again Caesar gave him half of the revenues of the mettall mines of Cyprus, and the other half he committed to his oversight, and having honoured him with other gifts of hospitality, he gave him leave to choose which of his sons he would for to be his successour, or if he had rather of dividing his Kingdome amongst them, which when he was ready to do, Caesar denied that ever he would suffer, but that he should have the Kingdome during his life, in his own power aswell as his sons. [id. ibid. cap. 8.]

In the absence of Herod there being a rumour spread that he was dead, the Tracon…tes revolting from him fell to their old theiving; but by the means of the Captaines that he had left in the Kingdome they are subdued and made to be at his command; but forty of the chief of these theives, being terrified by the example of those that were taken, leaving their Country fled into Arabia Nabataea, where they were entertained by Syllaeus (that was an enemie to Herod, because he denied him his sister Salome to wife,) who granted them a certain place well fortified. [Id. ibid. cap, 13.]

Herod and his sons sayling home, when they came to Eleusa a City of Cilicia, which the name being changed was called Sebaste, they met there with Archelaus King of Cappadocia. He having very curteously entertained Herod, rejoyced much because his sons were reconciled to him, and that Alexander had fairly answered the crimes that were objected against him, and giving royall gifts each to other they parted. [Id. ibid. cap. 8.]

Herod being returned into Judea, called the people together and told them what he had done in his voyage, and declared unto them that his sons should reign after him first Antipater, and then Alexander and Aristobulus, that he had by Mariamme. [ibid.]

Agrippa the first King of the Jews, Year of the World 3994 of that nickname is born, The Julian Period. 4704 he died when he was 54 yeares old being strucken by an Angell, Year before Christ 10 [Acts. XII. 23. Joseph. lib. 19. cap. vlt.] about which time that lame man was born, who being above fourty years old was healed by Peter, at the beautifull gate of the temple. [Acts. IV. 22.]

Augustus married his daughter Julia to Tiberius, to whom before times he had betroathed her. [Dio. lib. 54. pag. 546.]

Cesarea Stratonis was finished, in the 28 year of Herods reign, (beginning from the death of Antigonus,) in the CXCII Olympiade, (to wit in the 3. year of the Olympiade) for the dedication of which there was great solemnity, and most sumptuous preparations, for Musicians were brought thither to strive who could do best, p. 785and wrestlers who wrestled naked; and a great number of sword-players, and wild beasts, and whatsoever was in account of this kind either at Rome, or in other nations, these sports were consecrated to Caesar, and were to be renewed every fifth year, all this preparation the King provided to be brought hither at his own cost and charges, to shew the greatnesse of his magnificence. Julia the wife of Caesar (for so alwaies Josephus calls Livia) gave many things towards the sports, so that all being cast up together they amounted to 500 talents, a great multitude being gathered together to see these sports, he entertained all Embassadours that were sent unto him from divers nations to thank him for the favours they had received, he lodged, feasted, and sported them, all the day he spent in seeing the sports, and the night in banquets. [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 9.]

After the solemnity and feasts, Herod began to build another Town, in a field called Capharsala, Year of the World 3995 (or Capharsuluma, I Maccab. I. VII. 31,) which he called Antipatris, after his fathers name; and a Castle also which he called Cyprus, after his mothers name: in honour also of his dead brother, he built in the City of Jerusalem, a fair Town, not inferiour to the Pharo…, and called it Phasaelus, and afterwards a Town of the same name, in the Valley of Jericho, from whence the Country thereabouts is called Phasaelus. [Id. ib.]

The Jews of Asia and Cyrene complain by their Embassadours to Augustus, The Julian Period. 4705 that the Greeks would not suffer them to use their Country… rites, Year before Christ 9 and immunities that were granted them by the Romans, and obtein of him letters pattents for the conservation of their priviledges. [Id. ib. cap. 10.]

Herod having wasted his wealth by his great prodigality, and now wanting mony, after the example of John Hyrcanus, by night, without the knowledge of the people, opened Davids Sepulchre; in which indeed he found no mony, but great store of precious attire, and ornaments of gold, which he took away: for the expiation of which fact, he built a most sumptuous Monument at the entrance of the Sepulchre, of white Marble. Nicholas Damascene mentions this Monument, but not the Kings descent into the Sepulchre, who wrote the Acts of this King Herod in his life time. [Id. ib. cap. 11.]

Antipater involving his bretbren, Alexander and Aristobulus, by other mens false accusations, often seems to take upon him their defence; that making a shew of good will unto them, he might more easily oppresse them; and by these subtilties he so wrought upon his father, that he thought him to be his only preserver: wherefore the King commanded his Steward Ptolomeus unto Antipater, and communicated all his counsels with his Mother Doris, so that all things were done at their pleasure, and made the King displeased with those, whom it was their profit that he should be angry with. [Ibid.]

Pheroras fell so madly in love with his own servant, that he refused the marriage with Cypros, Herods daughter, that was offered him by his brother; although, being perswaded by Ptolomy, the Kings Steward, he had promised to put away his servant, and to marry Cypros within thirty dayes: he also accused Herod to his son Alexander, that he had heard of Salome his sister, (which yet she denied) that Herod was greatly in love with his wife Glaphyra; for both which he was highly in the Kings displeasure. [Ibid.]

He began to be diseased, Year of the World 3996 who lying at the Pool of Bethesda, The Julian Period. 4706 was after 38 years restored to health by Christ. Year before Christ 8 [John. V. 5.]

Alexander by the subtilties of his adversaries, being even driven to desperation, was reconciled to his father by Archelaus, the King of the Cappadocians, that came to Jerusalem. [Ibid. cap. 12.]

Archelaus being accounted one of Herods chief friends, and having received great gifts, departed into Cappadocia, whom Herod accompanies as far as Antioch; where having reconciled him to Titus, the president of Syria, he returns into Judea. [Ibid. cap. 12.]

Herod went the third time to Rome to Caesar. [Ibid.]

Herod being absent out of his Kingdom, those thieves of Trachonis, that had fled to Syllaeus, the Arabian, infested not only Judea with their inroades, but also all Coelosyria; Syllaeus affording them both impunity and security for their thievery. [Ibid. cap. 13.]

Augustus being High Priest, restored to the ancient account, the year as it was ordained by Julius Caesar, but afterwards, through negligence, much disturbed and confused. [Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 31.] For in 36 years there were intercalated 12 dayes, where there ought to have been but nine intercalated. Augustus therefore commanded that twelve years should passe without any Leap-year at all; that those three dayes, that had increased by …he overhastinesse of the Priests in thirty six years, should in the following twelve years be swallowed up without any Leap-year. [Pliny, lib. 18. p. 786cap. 25. Solin. cap, Macrob. lib. 1. Saturnal. cap. 14.]

In the ordering of the year Augustus called the month Sextilis after his own name August, rather than September though he was born in that month, because in that month he had been first Consul, and also had gotten many great victories, [Sueton. ut supra. Dion. lib. 54. pag. 552.] concerning which the very words of the decree of the Senate, are to be seen in Macrobius lib. 1. Saturnal. cap. 12. where also he mentions the decree of the people concerning the same matter, Pacurius the Tribune of the people proposing the law, but this was done C. Marcius Censorinus, and C. Asinius Gallus being Consuls, as Censorinus [in lib. de die. natali, and Dion. lib. 55.] doe confirm.

In their Consulship there was a second muster of the Citizens made at Rome, in which were numbred 4233000 Roman Citizens, as is gathered out of the fragments of the Ancyran marble, [Inscript. Gruter. pag. CCXXX.] in Suidas in foreign the number is far lesse of those that were mustered, 4101017. which yet very ridiculously obtrudeth upon us not for the muster of the City only but of the world.

Herod being returned from Rome, celebrated the dedication of the temple reedified by him within nine yeares and an half, on the very birth day of his Kingdome (first received from the Senate,) which he was wont to solemnize with great joy, when the King sacrificed to God 300 oxen, and others also an innumerable company of sacrifices according to their abilities. [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. vlt.]

When Herod had found that in his absence, Year of the World 3997 his people had received much dammage by those theives of Trachona, and seeing he could not subdue them because they were under the protection of the Arabians, neither could he digest this injury, wherefore entring Trachona, he destroyed their families, whereby they were the more incensed. (especially because they have a law by which they are commanded, not to suffer the slaughter of their families to go unrevenged) Wherefore contemning all dangers, they molested all Herods Country with continuall excursions and driving and carrying away their goods. [id. lib. 16. cap, 13.]

Whenas Augustus would seem to lay down his principality, another ten yeares coming towards an end, he took it up again as though against his will: and making war upon the Germans, he sent Tiberius against them, but he himself staied at home. [Dion. lib. 55. pag. 551.] he gave money to the souldiers also, because they would have had Caius along with them, being then first trained up in military exercises. [Ibid. pag. 552.]

Dionysius Halicarnasseus began to write the bookes of Roman Antiquities in the CXCIII. Year of the World 4077 Olympiade Claudius Tiberius Nero and Cn. Calphurnius Piso being Consuls, Year before Christ 7 as he shews in the preface to those books, who as he is accounted by Clemens Alexandrinus in lib. 3. cap. 1. amongst the Chronographers, so hy Quintilian in lib. 3. cap. 1. he is reckoned amongst the Rhetoricians.

Herod sending to the presidents of Syria that were appointed by Caesar, Saturninus and Volumnius (the agent) demanded that he might have the punishing of those theives of Trachona, who by their incursions out of the confines of Arabia and Nabathaea, had often wasted his Country, they when they heard of this, being increased to the number of a 1000 began to make sudden invasion and to wast both field and villages, and cut the throat of all that fell into their hands, wherefore Herod demanded those theives to be delivered over to him, and required the sixty talents that he had lent Obodas under Syllaeus security, but Syllaeus who had thrust Obodas from the government and now ruled all himself, denied that those theives were in Arabia, and he deferred also to pay the mony concerning which it was debated before Saturninus and Volumnius; at length it was determined by them that within thirty daies space both the mony should be repayed, and the runawaies of both Countries should be restored each to other, [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. 13.] Syllaeus also swo…e by the fortune of Caesar, before those presidents of Syria that he would pay the money within thirty daies, and also restore the fugitives to Herod. [Ibid. cap. 16.]

After the time appointed was come, Syllaeus unwilling to stand to the agreements, went to Rome: but Herod by the permission of Saturninus and Volumnius, who gave him leave to prosecute those obstinate people, entred Arabia with an army, and went in three dayes as far as they use to do in seven. And when he came to the Castle. where the theeves kept, he took it at the first assault: and demolished a fortresse called Raeeptu, without any more harme to the inhabitants of the Country. And when as a Captain of the Arabians came to their aid, they joyned battle; in which few of the Herodians, but there were killed 25 of the Arabians, with their Captain, and the rest were put to flight. Being thus revenged of the theeves, he brought three thousand Idumaeans into Trachona to restrain the theiveries committed there: and sent letters to the Roman Captains then being in Phoenicia, in which he certified them, that he had onelyonly used the power they had granted them against those obstinate Arabians, and nothing p. 787else; which also, they making inquiry, found to be true, [Ibid. cap. 14.]

But there were letters sent to Syllaeus post to Rome, that related the matter cleane otherwise, aggravating every thing after their manner; by which lyes Caesar is so incensed against Herod, that he wrote to him menacing letters, because he had marched with an army out of his own kingdom, and would not so much as admit at first his Embassadours that were sent to plead his cause, and they again petitioning to be heard he dismissed them, without any thing done, [Ibid. cap. 15.]

The Trachonites together with the Arabians taking hold of this occasion, did molest the Garrison of the Idumaeans that Herod had set over them, which thing Herod being terrified by the anger of Caesar, was compelled to beare. [Ibid.]

Obodas the King of the Arabians (of Nabathaea) being dead, Aeneas succeeded him in the kingdom, who having changed his name, was called Aretas. Syllaeus then being at Rome, endeavoured thorough false accusations to have him thrust from the kingdom, and to get the kingdom to himself, bestowing much money upon the Courtiers, and promising many great things to Caesar, whom he knew to be offended with Aretas, because he durst venture upon the kingdom without his consent [Ibid.]

Caius and Lucius, The Julian Period. 4708 the sons of Augustus by adoption, Year before Christ 6 being brought up in the Principality, even out of that tender life were made more bold; insomuch as Lucius the younger of the two, without any command entring the Theatre, where being received with a general applause, and increasing by this his boldnesse, durst ask, That the Consulship might be given to his brother Caius, he being not yet come to mans estate: which when Augustus heard he wished, that there might never such a necessity of the times happen to him as he had found; that the Consulship should be given to one that was not 20 years old: but when his son did earnestly desire this of him, he then said, That this Magistracy was to be undertaken of one, that could both take heed that he did not himself offend, and that could resist the desires of the people: at the length he gave the Priesthood to Caius, and leave that he might go into the Senate, and to sit with the Senatours, both at the Playes and at Feasts, [Dio. lib. 55. pag. 554.] and also that both of them, not being yet seventeen years old, should be called Princes of youth, and designed Consuls, he most earnestly desired, but seeming to refuse, [Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 3.]

But that by some means he might make them more modest, and as it were privatemen, he granted to Tiberius the Tribunitian power for five years; and gives him also Armenia, which had revolted after the death of Tigranes (that was made King by Tiberius) This being done to no purpose by Augustus, offended them both; them because they thought themselves contemned, and Tiberius because fearing their anger he went not to Armenia, but went to Rhodes, [Xiphil. & Zonaras, ex Dion.] under colour that he might study the Arts, but indeed that he might with draw himself from both the sight and their actions, [Dio. ibid. & in Excerptis, ab Henric. Vales. edit. pag. 662.] lest his glory might dim the beginnings of the two rising young men, [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 99.] for thus some thought: that Augustus his children being now grown to mans estate, he now quitted both the place, and as it were the possession of the second degree so long possessed by him, after the example of Marcus Agrippa, who went to Mitylene, Marcus Marcellus being now admitted to publick offices, that being present he might not seem either to withstand, or to detract from them, which account he gave, but a long time after. [Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 10.]

But there want not some who think, he did this because of his wife Julia, whom he durst neither accuse, nor put away, and yet could endure her no farther. [Sueton, ibid. Dio. in Excerptis, pag. 662.] Others that he took it ill that he was not adopted Caesar; others that he was sent thither by Augustus, because he had used some treachery towards his sons, [Dio. ibid.]

Then also dissembling the cause of his intent, asked leave of Augustus who was father in law to him, both in respect of himself and his wife, [Vellei, Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 99. Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 10.] Neither did he yeild to his mother that humbly besought him, or his father in law complaining that he also was forsaken by the Senate; but yet they resolutely detaining him, he eat nothing in four dayes: at lenght having got leave to go, he went down presently to Ostia, not speaking a word to them that went with him, and kissing very few at the departing, [Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 10.] but yet at his departure, he brake open his will, and read it before his mother and Augustus, [Dio. in Excerptis, Valesii, pag. 665.]

From Ostia he sailed along the coast of Campania, where hearing of the weaknesse of Augustus, he stayed a little; but the rumour increasing, as if he tarried for an occasion of greater hope, he sailed to Rhodes almost in foule weather, [Sueton, in Tiberio, cap. 11.] going his journey even like a private man, except that he compelled the p. 788Pharians, to sell him a statue of Vesta, which he dedicated in the Temple of Concord. [Dio. in Excerptis, pag. 662.]

But being come to Rhodes, he contented himself with no great house there, and not much larger in the Country, he lived a most retired life: he walked sometimes into their places of exercise, without either Serjeant or pursuivant, and both giving and receiving courtesies from the Greeks, almost upon an equal account. [Sueton. ut supra.] Neverthelesse, all Proconsuls and Lieutenants going into forreign Provinces, coming thither to visit him, alwayes submitted their boundles of rods to him, although in this privacy, and professed that this retirement of his was more honourable than his living in the principality: [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 99.] and in that retirement he was a diligent Auditour of Theodorus the Gadarean, a Rhetorician, who desired to be called the Rhodian. [Quintil. lib. 3. cap. 1.]

There was a great conjunction of the Planets, and such an one as is wont to happen but once in 800. years.

Aeneas, who is called Aretas, the new King of the Arabians of Nabathea, sent letters and gifts to Caesar, and in them a Crown worth many talents: in his letters he accused Sylaeus, as well for other crimes, as also that being a most wicked servant, he had poisoned Obodas, whose principality he had invaded, even whilst he was alive: but Caesar vouchsafed not so much as to hear his Embassadours, and also contemned his presents, and dismissed them without any thing done. [Joseph. lib, 16. cap. 15.]

Herod compelled by the mischiefs and insolencies of the Arabians, sent Nicholas Damascene to Rome, to see if he could get any justice from Caesar, by the mediation of his friends. [Id. ibid.]

The discord of Herod with his sons that he had by Mariamme, is greatly heightened by the Artifices of Eurichus, a Lacedemonian, the same (except I be deceived) that followed 25. years before Anthony, as he fled from the battle of Actium, and now being entertained by Herod, and lodged at Antipators house, he had insinuated himself into the favour of Alexander: for the betraying of whom, when he had received 50 talents of Herod, he goes to Archelaus, the King of Cappadocia, and brags how he had reconciled Alexander into his fathers favour again, for which having received mony of him also, he returned into his own Country again, where, when he had used the like tricks, he was banished from Lacedaemon. [Id. ibid. cap. 16.]

Herod making inquiry into his sons, put to death, by the vehemency of tortures, many both of his own, and of his sons friends: neither yet found he any ill, but onelyonly some too free complaints of improvident young men, concerning their fathers immoderate cruelty, and of the dishonest easinesse of his giving ear to base pick-thanks, of the impiety and wicked deceits of their brother Antipater, and of the faction that was combined against them; and that they might free themselves from the mischief they were said to have thought of flying to Archelaus, which thing they did not deny: nevertheless Herod, cast into prison, as being convicted of treason against their father, & said that he would punish them accordingly as his affairs went at Rome: and concerning this businesse he sent letters to Caesar by Volumnius, (the General of his army) as Josephus calls him, [lib. bell. 1. cap. 17.] and Olympius (his friend) whom he also commanded, that as they sailed, they should touch at Elewsa, a Town of Cilicia, and should expostulate with him, because he was a partner of their designs. [Ibid.]

At Rome Nicholas Damascene joyned himself to the Arabians that came to accuse Syllaeus, professing that he was his accusar before Augustus, and not Herods defender, least he should have been repulsed, as were others before him; and when he had laid open many of his crimes, he also added, that Caesar was circumvented by his lies in the cause of Herod: which when he had so openly disclosed, and had confirmed by certain and authentick records, Caesar having condemned Syllaeus, remanded him into the Province, that he, when he had satisfied the debt, might be punished. [Ibid.]

From this time Augustus is ceconciled to Aretas and Herod, and then received his presents so often rejected, and confirmed by his authority the Kingdom of the Arabians upon him. He advised Herod also by letters, that he should call a Council at Berytus, and joyning the presidents of Syria, with Archelaus the King of the Cappadocians, and other of his friends and noble men should determine concerning the whole businesse. [Ibid.]

In the Isle of Coos, many things are over turned by an Earthquake. [Euseb. Chronic.]

The Angel Gabriel (who had in time past foretold to Daniel the coming of the Messias, by a definite number of Weeks) appeared at the right side of the Altar of incense to p. 789Zachary the Priest of the course of Abia as he was offering incense in the Temple of the Lord, according to the custom of the Priests office, [Exod. XXX. 7, 8.] telling him that there should be born to him being now old, and to his wife Elizabeth, who was striken in years, and barren, a son called John, a Nazarite, and the forerunner of the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elias: which promise Zacharias not believing, is made dumb, [Luke, 1. 5, 22.]

The dayes of his ministery being finished, Year of the World 3999 Zacharias returned home, and his wife Elizabeth conceived by him, and hid her self five moneths, saying; Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the dayes wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men, [Ibid. 23, 24, 25.]

Herod having received Augustus his letters rejoyced exceedingly, both because he was returned into his favour, and for the true power granted him to do what he would with his sons, he convened by messengers all those that Caesar had appointed to Berythus, except only Archelaus, he kept his sons not far from the City, in Plaran a City of the Sidonians: there first of all Saturninus one that had been Consul, and had run through all honours, spake his opinion, but moderated with circumstances, that indeed the sons of Herod were to be condemned, but not to be put to death. After him his three sons who were their fathers Lieutenants were of the same opinion. On the other side Volumnius pronounced that they were to be punished with death, who were so impious toward their father, whose opinion the major part followed. Then the King took them with him presently to Tyrus, whither also Nicolaus arrived as he came from Rome, with whom he conferred concerning the cause of his sons, and commanded him to sail with him to Caesarea, [Joseph. lib. 16. cap. ult.]

Here whenas a certain old souldier named Tiro smartly reprehended him for the wickednesse determined towards his sons, and told him that he and 300 Captaines. were of the same opinion, Herod commanded him to be cast into prison. Trypho the Kings Barber taking this occasion accused him and said, that he had been often sollicited by Tiro that he should cut the Kings throat with his razour, as he was trimming him, and immediately both the Barber and Tiro and his son were tortured: who seeing his father so cruelly handled, that he might free him from the tortures, being unadvisedly merciful, accused him of intending to murder the King. Then Herod bringing those 300 Captains together with Tiro and his son and the Barber, accused them before the people, against whom the people throwing any thing that came next to hand, slew them every one, [Id. ibid.]

Alexander and Aristobulus were led to Sebaste, and there strangled by the fathers command: and their bodies buried in the Castle Alexandrion, where Alexander their Grandfather by their mothers side, and many of their Progenitors were buried, [Id. ibid. & lib. 1. bell. cap. 17. fin.]

Augustus having taken upon him the twelfth Consulship, The Julian Period. 4709 brought Caius into the Court, Year before Christ 5 being come to mans estate, and designed him Prince of Youth, and made him Praefect of a Tribe. [Sueton, in Octavio, cap. 26. & Zonar. ex. Dion.] But that this Title of Prince was given him by all the Roman Knights, that gave him Silver Spears, Augustus shews in the breviary of his acts; where he mentions also the Consulship that was then decreed both to Caius and Lucius. In respect of doing me honour, the Senate and people of Rome designed them Consuls, they being yet but fifteen years old, that they might enter upon that office after five years time, to be reckoned from that day that they were brought into the Court. Thus the Ancyran Marble in Gruter. Inscript. [pag. CCXXXI.] Whereas in another Roman Stone it is said, That the people created Caius Consul, being but fourteen years old, (where for created is meant designed; for at this time his fourteenth year was ended, and he was entred on his fifteenth.)

Antipater, his brethren being dead, intended also to remove his father, and whereas he knew he was hated by many in the kingdom, he endeavoureth by bribes to get the good will of his friends, both at Rome and in Judea; but especially Saturnius the President of Syria, and Pheroras and Salome the brother and sister of Herod, [Joseph. lib. 17. cap. 1.]

Herod sent home Glaphira the widow of his son Alexander, to Archelaus her father the King of Cappadocia; giving her also a Dowry out of the Kings Treasury, for fear there should some controversie arise concerning it: and he took great care of the young children of Alexander and Aristobulus: which when Antipater took heavily, fearing that when they were come to age they would hinder his power, he plotted their destruction; and he so overcame Herod by his intreaties, that he would suffer himself to marry the daughter of Aristobulus, and his son the daughter of his Uncle Pheroras, [ibid.]

Herod invited Zamaris a Babylonian Jew, and gave him a Country in Trachonis to inhabite, that he might be a guard to that Country against theeveries. He coming with 500 Horse, and an hundred of his kinsmen, erected divers Castles in divers p. 790places about Trachonis, as also Bathyra, by which he gave security and safe conduct, to the Jews that came from Babylon to the feasts at Jerusalem, against the theiveries of the Trachonites and others. [ibid. cap. 2.]

Antipater working treason against his father, joyned his unckle Pheroras with him, and some of the Kings women that were most addicted to the sect of the Pharisees, except Salome, who constantly adhered to her brother Herod, the Pharisees were a crafty kind of people, arrogant, and enemies to Kings, whereupon whenas the whole nation were to swear fealty to the King and Caesar, they only would not swear; and they were above 6000. Who being fined by the King for this cause, the wife of Pheroras paid their fine for them, to whom in requitall, because they were beleived to foretell things to come from their communications with God, they foretold, that it was decreed that the Kingdome should be taken from Herod and his children, and should be transferred upon her and her husband, and their children, these things Salome made known to Herod, and that they had solicited and corrupted many of his courtiers with bribes, in which fault having taken some of the Pharisees he put them to death, as principall authours of this advice, and with them the Eunuch Dagoas, and his darling Carus that was commended to him for his handsomenesse, and besides these whosoever he had found of his family that had conspired with the Phari…ees. [ibid. cap, 3]

Herod having convicted the Pharisees and punished them, called a councell of his freinds, and before them begins an accusation against Pheroras his wife, and whenas Pheroras would not forsake her in favour of his brother, he forbad Antipater Pheroras his company. [ibid.]

Antipater that he might remove all suspicion of his father from him, he by his friends that lived at Rome, provided that he should by his father be sent immediately to Augustus. Which being done Herod sent him with great presents, and his will, in which he declared that Antipater should be King, but if he died then Herod his son by Mariamme the daughter of Simon the High-Priest. [ibid. cap. 4.]

In the sixth month after John was conceived, the Angell Gabriell is sent by God to Nazareth in Galilee, to the most blessed Virgin Mary, that was betroathed to Joseph, of the same tribe with her namely of Davids stock, who having saluted her, declared unto her that she should bring forth the son of God, and should call his name Jesus, and she being more fully taught by the Angell of the admirable manner of her conception, to be performed by the power of the Holy Ghost, overshadowing her, with great faith said, be it to the handmaid of the Lord, according to thy word. [Luke. I. 26. 38.]

Christ being thus conceived, the mother of the Lord went into the hill Country with hast into a City of Juda, (viz. Hebron a City of the Priests scituate in the mountaines of Judea, [Josh. XXI. 10. 11.] where when she entred into the house of Zacharias the Priest and had saluted her cousin Elizabeth, she perceiving the child to spring in her womb, was filled with the Holy Ghost, and declared that Mary was blessed, which beleived, and confirmed that those things should be performed that were told her of the Lord: to whom for an answer the blessed Virgin, (imitating that song of Hannah. [I. Samuel, II. 1.] rehearsed that divine hymn, My soul doth magnifie the Lord. &c. and Mary tarried with her about three months. [Luke. I. 39. 56.]

Syllaeus the Arabian going to Rome, but performing none of those things that were commanded him by Caesar, Antipater accused him before Caesar of the same crimes, whereof Nicolaus Damascene had before accused him; there was also present another accuser of him even Aretas (the King of the Nabathaeans) objecting against him the murder of many honourable men committed by him against his will, but especially that of Sohemus, a man most famous in all vertue, and there was objected against him the murder of Fabalus also Caesars agent. [Joseph. lib. 1. bell. cap. 18. & lib. 17. Antiq. cap. 4.]

Herod banished his brother Pheroras into his Tetrarchy, because he so obstinately persisted in the love of his wife, which he willingly did, swearing that he would never return till he heard of Herods death, so that a little after Herod falling sick and often sending for him, to receive some private instructions from him as he lay on his death bed, refused to come for his oaths sake. [Joseph. lib. 1. bell. cap. 19. & lib. 17. cap. 5.]

When the time of Elizabeth was come that she should be delivered, she brought forth a son, who when he was to be circumcised the eight day the standers by would have had him called Zachary, after his fathers name, but his parents signified that they would have him named John, and Zachary, the use of speech being restored, was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, &c. [Luke I. 57. 68.] Joseph finding his betroathed wife Mary with child, was p. 791willing to put her away privily, but being warned of God in a dream, that she had conceived by the Holy Ghost, and should bring forth her Son Jesus, which should save his people from their sins, he taketh his wife. [Matth. l. 18, 24.]

Pheroras falling sick, Herod his brother, beyond hope being recovered, came and visited him, and very kindly sought help for him, but he died within a few dayes after; whose body was brought to Jerusalem, and there buried by Herod, who honoured him with publick mourning. [Joseph. lib. 1. Bell. cap. 19. & lib. 17. cap. 5.]

Two of Pharora's freed-men and most dear unto him, (who were Taphenites) declared unto Herod, how he had been killed with poison by Doris, the mother of Antipater; which villany when Herod inquired into, by fortune, he by little and little found out greater villanies, and manifest treasons of his son Antipater; how that Antipater going to Rome, had delivered a deadly poison to Pheroras, that was sent by Antiphilus, one of Antipators friends, out of Egypt, from Theudon, the brother of Dor…s, for to make away his father; that the suspicion of the Parricide should not lye upon the Sonne, being absent. [Id. Ibid. 17. Antiquit. cap. 6.]

Hereupon Herod puts Doris, the mother of Antipater from the Pallace, and takes from her her Jewels, that were worth many talents: he also put from him his wife, another Mariamme, the daught…r of the High Priest, as a partner of all these secrets, and blotted her son out of his Will, where he was appointed successour: he also deprived his father in law of the High Priesthood, and substituted in his room Matthias, the Sonne of Theophilus, that was borne at Jerusalem. [Id. Ibid.]

On the day of expiation, on which there is a solemn Fast of the Jews solemnised, the new High Priest Matthias could not performe Divine Service, because he had suffered nocturnal pollution; wherefore Joseph, the Sonne of Ellemus was appointed to be his assistent and substitute, by reason of his alliance, and the same day he entred into the Holy of Holies. [Id. lib. 17. cap. 8.]

Bathyllus, the free man of Antipater coming from Rome, being tortured, confessed that he had brought poyson, which he gave to his patrones Mother, and to Pheroras, that if the first were too weak, they should be sure to dispatch him with this. There came also letters from his friends, that lived at Rome, to the King, written by the perswasion of Antipater, in which Archelaus and Philip, Herods …ons, were accused, that they often rubbed up the …ore of the murder of Alexander and Aristobulus, and pittied the misfortune of the…r innocent brethren: for the young men were at that time at Rome to study, and now their father had commanded their returne: whereupon he corrupted those friends with great gifts, that they might make them, who might be some hinderances to his hopes, suspected to his father, whereas he himself, when he wrote to his father concerning them, as it were excusing them, would impute their speeches to their age. [Idem. lib. 17. cap. 6. lib. 1. Bell. cap. 20.]

There came forth a command from Augustus, that all the Roman World should be taxed, which taxing was first made, when Cyrenius was Governour of Syria. [Luke II. 1.] Out of which a li…le book was made by Augustus, in which all the publick riche… were conteined, a how many Citizens, and All…es in Armes; what Navies, how many Kingdoms and Provinces, what Tribute and Customs there was, what necessary charges, and what Pensions. [Tacit. lib. 1. Annal. cap. 11.]

This here called by the Gereks foreign and foreign is P. Su…picius Qui…inius. who had been Consul at Rome seven years before, of whom St. ab… in l…b. 1…. pag. 569.] speaking of the Modonenses, a people of C…licia, Those Qu…rinius overcame by famine, and took 4000. men, and distributed them into the neighbour Cities. And Tacitus, [lib. 3. Annal. cap. 48.] He was a valiant Warr…our, and forward in all his charges, and had the Consulship under Augustus; of famous memory: then having wonne the Castles of the Homonadensians by assault, he obtained the Ensignes of Tryumph. For it was ordained by Augustus himself, that Mag…strates should not be sent into Provinces, as soon as they had laid down their …onour. [Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 36.] But in the fifth year compleatly ended from their being Magistrates. [Dio. lib. 53. pag. 505.]

Hereupon Quirinius obtaining the Proconsulate of Cilicia, might be sent into Syria that was neer; either as Censour with an extraordinary power, or as Caesars Governour with ordinary, and so he is as yet holding the P…o…onsulship of Cilicia, and Sextius Saturninus of Syria: for we have often heard Volumnius and Suturninus by Josephus in like manner called foreign, or Presidents of Syria, when as Vo…umnius, was only foreign, (as we see him called in lib. 1. …ell. cap. 17.) as a little after p. 792Quintilius Varus is made successour to Saturnius in the Proconsular dignity. So nothing hinders but that Quirinius may be said to have succeeded, or rather to have been added to the office of administration of Caesars affairs, as King Herod was, whom Josephus notes to be foreign, the Governour of all Syria, [lib. 1. bell. cap. 15.] and was so constituted by Augustus, that he was so adjoyned to the Governours, that all things should be done by his appointment, [lib. 15. Antiquit. cap. 13.] and so both will stand together, both that which Tertullian hath, [lib. 4. contra. Marcion. cap. 9.] that there was a tax raised under Augustus in Judea, by Sentius Saturninus, and that that the words of the Evangelist do relate, that the same taxing was made, when Cyrenius, or Quirinus, was governour of Syria, of whom he had rather make mention, than of the government of Saturninus, because he would compare together this taxing, with another that was made by the same Quirinius, made ten years after, Archelaus being sent into banishment, declaring that of the two taxings, that was the first that was joyned with the Nativity of Christ.

And when this first taxing was acted, Joseph went up from Galilee, from the City of Nazareth into Judea, into the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and linage of David, that he might be taxed with Mary his wife, being great with child. [Luke II. 4, 5.]