The Annals of the World, History 2 · 6 (continued) (7 of 15)

The Annals of the World · History 2 · 6 (continued) (7 of 15)

p. 519foreign,

foreign.

Hic peregrina jacet gens, circum littora Deli

Quae pugnans animas perdidit in pelago.

Here lies 'ith'sea, a forreign nation neer

The shoars of Delos; which dy'd fighting here.

foreign,

foreign.

Insula Cecropid…m quum devastata tumultu est,

Illis Cappadocum juncta ubi turma fuit.

When those of Athens spoil'd the holy Isle,

The Cappadocian King receiv'd a foyle.

Methrophanes sent by Mithridates with another band of souldiers, Year of the World 3917 made great depopulations in Eubaea, and the Country of Demetrias, and Magnesia: Cities extremly averse to the Kings faction. Bryttius (or Brutius Sura, Sentius, Praetor of Macedonias, Legate, as Plutarch shewes) with some small forces which he brought out of Macedonia, set upon him, and encountered him at sea: and having sanke one great ship, and one friggot called Hemiolia, put to sword all the men that were in them, Metrophanes standing by and looking on. But the spectacle seemed so dreadful to him, that he hoysted sail and made away with all speed: Bryttius after him as fast as he could drive, but the wind so befriended Metrophanes, that Bryttius was glad to give over the chase, and fall upon Sciathus an Island which was the common receptacle for the Barbarian theeves and robbers. As soon as he became Master of the place, he hung up all the slaves that were found therein, and the free-men he punished with the losse of their hands, [Appian.]

Of the sons of Mithridates, one of them held that ancient kingdom in Pontus and Bosphorus, as far as the waste above the Lake of Maeotis: not one body offering to appear against him. The other Ariarathes, proceeded in the conquest of Thracia and Macedonia. The several Generals which Mithridates sent forth with armies domineered also in other quarters: Archelaus the chief of them having with his Fleet got the command almost of the whole sea, brought the Islands Cyclades under his jurisdiction, and as many others as did lie within Malea, [Plutarch in Sylla.] Eretria, Chalcis, and all Eubaea coming in, and siding with Mithridates, [Memnon cap. 34.]

Lucius Sylla (L. Cornelius Cinna the Consul, The Julian Period. 4627 pressing forward his march) went as Proconsul into Greece with 5 legions, Year before Christ 87 and some other companies, to manage the Mithridatick war, [Plutarch, in Sylla, Dio. in Excerpt. Valesii, pag. 642. Appiaa. in Mithridatic. pag. 390. & lib. 1. Civ. Bell. pag. 399.] Mithridates at that instant resided at Pergamus, where he was very busie in distributing amongst his friends, his wealth, principalities, and places of command. Amongst the many prodigies which presented themselves to Mithridates whilest he abode at Pergamus, it is said, that at the same instant, that Sylla put to sea with his Fleet from Italy, the Pergamenians in the Theatre were letting down with an engine a Statue of victory, bearing a Crown upon Mithridates his head: but it chanced, that when the Crown was just come to his head, it fell to the ground, and was burst in peices. This accident being no good omen, struck the people with a strange kind of horrour, and Mithridates himself was in great amazement thereat, although at that time, all things had succeeded well to him, [Plutarch in Sylla.]

Amongst the other strange visions which appeared to Mithridates upon his first designing his war against the allies of the people of Rome, these are recited; at the time of the Consulship of L. Sylla, and Q. Pompeius, by Julias Obsequens, these following. At Stratopedo, where the Senate usually sat, the Crowes killed a Vulture, with their beakes; The form of Isis seemed to assault with thunder an huge Star fallen from heaven upon the same place. At what time Mithridates was busie in firing the Grove dedicated to the Furies, a great laughing was heard, but no body found to whom it might be ascribed as the authour: and when by the advice of the Soothsayers, he would have sacrificed a Virgin to the Furies, a sudden fit of laughing burst forth from the throat of the Damosel which disturbed the sacrifice.

M. Cicero, at Rome, applied himself close to Molon the Rhodian, who was both p. 520the most eminent for pleading of causes, and the best instructer. [Cicer. in Bruto.] this was that Alabandensian Oratour out of Caria, as hereafter shall be declared out of Strabo, in the year of the World, 3927.

Sylla, being entred Attica, having sent away part of his forces to oppose Aristion in the City, marched in his own person straightway to Piraeum, where Archelaus, Mithridates his Generall, had retreated within the walls. [Appian.]

Winter season drawing on apace, Year of the World 3918 Sylla encamped near Eleusine, where he drew a deep trench from the mountaines to the sea; and wanting ships, he sent to Rhodes to fetch them. [Id.]

Sylla, at last, took Athens, having been a long while pinched for provision, and that in the Calends of March, as he himself relates in his commentaries, foreign, as Plutarch hath it. Comparing that day with the beginning of the monethmonth Anthesterion, of which time the memory of Ogygis his floud is celebrated by the Athenians. But howsoever the Athenians lunary Anthesterion in Plutarchs time, may sometimes answer the Julian March, yet in the false computation of the year, observed at this time by the Romans, the Kalends of March might seem rather to fall out upon the Attick Posideon, and the Julian December,

The Rhodians, finding it alltogether impossible for them to bring supplies to Sylla by sea, The Julian Period. 4628 in regard that Mithridates fleets lay straggling about, Year before Christ 86 advised L. Lucullus, a man of great repute amongst the Romans, and one of Silla's Ambassadors, to saile privately into Syria, Egypt, and Libya; and from the Kings and Cities there, which used the art of navigation, to gather together what ships he could, and so joyn that fleet with their Rhodian fleet: He in the midst of winter, not at all dismayed at the present difficulties at sea, with three Grecian banks, and as many Rhodian Frigats, put himself upon the hazard of the wide sea, and the enemies ships, which (in regard they were masters at sea) lay straggling thick up and down the main; yet for all this, he arrived at Crete, and got that Island to side with him. [Appian. Mithridatic. pag. 192. Plutarch in Lucullo.]

Aristio the Tyrant, and others, who upon taking of the City, retreated into the fort of Athens, after they had been a long time besieged by Curio, were forced at last to resigne up for want of water. And upon the same day and moment, on which Curio brought the Tyrant out of the fort, the Skie over-cast on the sudden, whereupon issued such a violent storm of rain, that the fort was supplyed afresh with water. Sylla proceeded by Capitall punishment against Aristion and his company, and all such who had borne any office amongst them, or had any manner of wayes violated the constitutions which the Romans setled amongst them, after their conquest of Greece: to all the others he granted his free pardon. [Appian ibid. pag. 195. 196. Plutarch in Sylla. Strabo. lib. 9. pag. 398.] Pausan reports, That upon Aristions flying to the Temple of Minerva for sanctuary, Sylla commanded him to be dragged thence, and put to death. [in Attic. pag. 18.] Others say that he was poysoned by Sylla. [Plutarch. in Sylla.]

Magnesia, which was the onelyonly City in all Asia, which remained loyall, valiantly defended it self, and held out against Mithridates. [Liv. lib. 81.]

Lucullus, observing how that the Cyrenians were alwayes infested with Tyrants, and continually embroyled in war, setled the affaires of their Common-wealth, and enacted laws, whereby to secure the peace of the State for the future. [Plutarch in Lucullo.] For after their infranchisement by the Romans, which was ten years before, they had been grievously oppressed by Nicocrates and his brother Leandri, and lately eased and relieved from under that pressure by the industry of Aretaphila, Nicocrates his wife, as Plutarch shews in his litle book of womens vertues. And another ten years after, Cyrene was made a province by the Romans, as shall hereafter be made to appear out of Appian, ad annum Mundi 3928. But Josephus affirms, out of the books of Strabo his Histories, that Cyrene was at this time disturbed by a mutiny of the Jews, and that Lucullus was dispatched thither in all hast by Sylla to pacifie it. [lib. 14. cap. 12.]

As Lucullus was bending his course from Cyrene, into Egypt, he very neer lost all his ships, by a sudden incursion of Pyrates: yet he himself escaped safe in person to Alexandria, where he was received with a great deal of honour; for the whole fleet gloriously trimmed, and adorned, went to meet him, as their custom was to do unto their King, when he at any time returned from sea. Ptolemei also (Lathurus, whom Plutarch very unfitly in this place calls a youth) treated him very courteously; for he appointed him his lodging & his table at Court, which was never before known to be done to any forreign Commander, and for the discharge of his expeences, and defraying p. 521his cost he allowed him not as usually he did to others, but four times as much: yet did not Lucullus admit of any thing but necessaries, neither did he receive any presents, although some of them were worth 80 talents. It is said, that he neither went to Memphis, nor stept to see any of the famous wonders of Egypt; those things being sights for some idle spectatour, or one that travels for pleasure, and not for such as he, who had left his General in the open field marching against the Garrisons of the enemy, [Plutarch in Lucullo.]

Aurelius Victor writes, that Lucullus wrought Ptolemei King of Alexandria, to side with Sylla the Consul, [de. vir. illustr. cap. 74.] But at that time, neither was Sylla Consul, but Proconsul: neither would Ptolemei then be brought to admit Sylla into his association, for fear he should draw a war upon his own head. Yet did Ptolemei grant unto Lucullus ships to convoy him into Cyprus: and when he was upon his imbarquing, saluted him, and courted him, and tendred him an Emerald set in gold; which Lucullus at the first profer refused, but when as the King shewed him his own picture cut upon it, he dared not but take it; lest, if he should be thought to depart in some discontent, he might chance to be way-laid at sea, [Plutarch, ut supr.]

Lucullus with those ships he had gathered from amongst the port Towns as he sailled by, renouncing all such as had been engaged in piracy, crossed over into Cyprus: upon intelligence that the enemy lay lurking under the promontories to catch him, he thrust his Fleet into harbour, and wrote to the Cities there about to provide him Winter quarters, and provisions, pretending he would abide there with his Fleet till Spring. But as soon as ever the wind served, he put to sea again. In the day time he sailed with low sailes, in the night he spread all the canvas he had, and by that stratagem arrived safe with his Fleet at Rhodes, [Id. ibid.]

Cinna the Consul, sent his Collegue Lucius Valerius Flaccus with two legions into Asia, to govern the Province, and to manage the war against Mithridates. He was but a raw souldier, and therefore C. Fimbria, one of the Senatous went along with him, who was a man of repute amongst the souldiers. Livius, Aurelius, Victor, and Orosius, call him Flaccus his Legate, Dio his Lieutenant General, Strabo Quaestor, Velleius Paterculus, General of the Horse. When they took this imployment upon them, the Senate gave them in charge, that if they saw Sylla stood entire to the Senate, then they should assist him, but if they found him otherwise inclined, they should first fight him. But it happened that soon after they had put to sea from Brundusium, many of their ships were shattered and torne with a tempest; and a party also from Mithridates fired the ships which were upon the forlorn, [Memnon, cap. 36. Liv. lib. 82. Strabo, lib. 13. pag. 594. Vellei Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 24. Dio. in Excerpt. Valesii, pag. 650. Appian. lib. 1. Bell. Civil. pag. 396. & in Mithridatic. pag. 204. compared with Orosius, lib. 6. cap. 2.]

Taxiles, Mithridates his General, marching out of Thracia and Macedonia with 100 thousand Foot, and 10 thousand Horse, and 90 Chariots with sithes, sollicited Archelaus to side with him: these two uniting their Forces led under their colours 120 thousand men (Memnon acknowledgeth more than 60 thousand) consisting of Thracians, Ponticks, Scythians, Cappadocians, Bithyninas, Galatians, Phrygians, and others which came out of Mithridates his new Provinces. Sylla, taking along with him L. Hortensius, who had brought 6000 men out of Italy, engaged with Taxiles his forces near Chaeronea, although he had not at that time above 1500 Horse, and not lesse than 15000 Foot, as Plutarch gives up the tally: but Appian sayes, that his whole body was so small that it answered not to so much as the third part of the enemies. Yet Sylla wan the day, having killed upon the place 110 thousand of the enemy, (or 100 thousand, as in Livies Epitome) and pillaged their Camp. Archelaus made shift to escape to Chalcis with not many more than 10 thousand men. Sylla gives out, that he missed of his army at this bout, not above 14, (or as others, 15) men: and that two of those also, returned towards evening to the Camp, who were supposed to have been dead, [Memnon, cap. 34. Liv. lib. 82. Plutarch in Sylla. Appian. in Mithridatic. Eutrop. lib. 5. Oros. lib. 6. cap. 2.]

Sylla, having received intelligence how that Flaccus (who being of the other faction was made Consul) was sailing over the Ionian Sea with some legions, pretending that he came against Mithridates, but indeed against himself: marched into Thessalia to meet with him, [Plutarch.] Flaccus was a person very ill qualified, covetous, rigorous and cruel in punishing, which made him so detestable to the souldiery, that part of those which were sent by him into Thessalie, ran away to Sylla's Camp: and it is probable, the rest had followed, had not they been kept from revolting by Fimbria, who was reputed the better souldier, and of a softer temper. [Appian. pag. 204.]

Archelaus (in regard the Romans were unprovided of a Navy) roved about the Islands securely, making what havock he pleased all along the coast; and which is more: He adventured ashoar, and laid siege to Cerinthus; but being way-laid in the p. 522night by some Romans which were strangers in those parts, he made what hast he could to get aboard again, and so loosed from thence, and returned back to Chalcis, more liker an Archpyrate than a Warriour. [Appian.]

Mithridates was much apalled at the news of his parties overthrow, as well he might: yet was he not so much discouraged, but that he would make new levies out of all the nations under his dominion. And bethinking himself, how that there were not wanting such, who (seeing him once going down the wind) would either now, or upon some other occasion, designe his ruine; he thought it policy to secure all those he suspected, before the war brake out afresh. [Appian.]

He began with the Tetrachs of the Galatians, as well those of them which he had about him, as his friends, as those which were not as yet subdued unto him; killing them all with their wives and children, except three, which saved themselves by flight, of these, some he surprized by treachery, the rest he massacreed in one night at a revelling; being jealous that not any one of them, would remain loyall unto him, if Sylla should chance to come into those parts. And after confication of their gods, he thrust Garrisons into their Cities, and constituted Eumachus over the whole nation. But presently after the Tetrarchs, which escaped, having drawn together a band of their Clients out of the Country, ejected both him and his Garrisons out of Galatia; so that Mithridates had nothing out of that nation, but mony. [Idem.]

And being incensed against the Chyans, ever since that time a ship of theirs in the sea fight with the Rhodians, chanced unadvisedly to fall foul upon the Kings Vessel: he first set to sale the goods of all such Citizens, who were gone away to take part with Sylla: and after that, sent some persons, to take cognizance of the Roman faction amongst the Chians. At last, Zenolius (or as Memnon will have it, Dorylaus) arriving there with an army, under colour of passing into Greece, by night surprized the walls of the Chians, and their most considerable forts, and after he had placed guards at the gates of the City, he assembled the Citizens together, and compelled them to deliver up their arms, and the best mens sons for hostages, all which he sent away to Erithrae. After this, letters came from the King to the Chians, about levying an imposition upon them, of two thousand talents: to defray this, they were forced to take down the ornaments from their Temples, and make their women club their attyring implements, to make up the sum. Yet did Zenobius pick a quarrel with them, pretending that their mony was not down-weight: whereupon he ordered the men apart themselves, the women and children by themselves, to be carried a ship-board: and so after he had divided their lands amongst the Ponticks, pluckt the Chyans miserably from their native Country, and sent them into the Euxine sea, to Mithridates. [Id. Ib. compared with Memnon. cap. 35.]

But the Heraclians, (betwixt whom and the Chians, was great correspondence and friendship) set upon the Pontick ships, which carryed the captives upon the way, and brought them into their City, they not making any resistance at all, for indeed they were over-matched, and truly at that instant, they relieved the Chyans, and very freely supplyed them with necessaries: but in processe of time, they restored them to their own Country also, having first expressed a great deal of bounty towards them, by gifts and largesses. [Memnon. ut supra.]

The Ephesians commanded Zenobius approaching the City with his souldiers, to lay down his arms at the gate of the City, and to enter with a very small company. He was contented so to do, and went to Philopoemenes (father to Monima, one of Mithridates his concubines) from whence by a Beadle he summoned the Ephesians together. But they expecting no pleasant propositions from him, deferred that convocation till the next day: and at night, having met together, they exhorted one another to set upon Zonobius, so they cast him into prison, and killed him there. And then having placed their guards about the walls, they armed the common people, and drew them up into companies, fetched home the corn out of the fields, and secured the youth of the City from making any combustion. The Trallians, Hypaepenians, Mesopolites, and some others, (amongst whom the Smyrdeans, Sardians, and Colophonians, are reckoned by Orosius, lib. 6. cap. 2.) terrified with the sad disaster, that had lately befallen the Chians, hearing of the Ephesians exploits, followed their example. [Appian.]

Fimbria, Year of the World 3919 having out-ran Flaccus, and gotten a long way before him in his march, thought he had now lit upon a most convenient season, for some commotion or other: and therefore, that he might endeare the souldery unto him, he permitted them to make incursions into the Countries of their Allyes, and make what havock they pleased therein, and to take captive every one they met withall. The souldery very readily embraced this license, so that within few dayes, they had scrambled together abundance of wealth by their plundering. But those that had been spoiled of their p. 523goods, went to meet the Consul, and made bitter complaints to him of the injuries they had received: who being much troubled at the businesse, commanded them to follow him, and he himself would see restitution made to every one that had suffered: and with threats commanded Fimbria to return forthwith to the owners, whatsoever had been taken away from them. He laid all the blame upon the souldery, who did this without any commission from him, but covertly, he advised them not to regard the Consuls commands, not suffer that to be taken from them, which they had gotten by law of arms: upon this, when Flaccus commanded restitution to be made of their rapine, adding threatnings to his commands, the souldiers refused to obey; so that there followed a great mutiny in the Camp. [Diodor. Sicul. in Excerpt. Valesii. pag. 406, 409.]

When Sylla (upon his march to meet Flaccus) was come as far as the Town Melitea; intelligence was brought from sundry places, how that the Country which he left behind him was over-run with another army of the Kings, no lesse, than that which was there before. For Dorylaus (who had arrived at Chalcis with a great fleet, in which he carryed 80 thousand armed men, of the most exercised and best experienced of all Mithridates his souldiers) presently brake into Baeotia, and having gotten that coast, marched on-wards to fight Sylla. [Plutarch in Sylla.]

This Dorilaus, sonne to Philaetor, brother of that Dorylaus the Muster-master, (of whom mention was made at the year of the World 3879.) was brought up with Mithridates: And the King all that while was so taken with his company, that when he came to mans estate, he did not onelyonly advance him in particular, to the highest places of honour, and endowed him with the Priesthood of Comana in Pontus, but also invited his kinsmen, the sonnes of Dorylaus the Muster-master, and Sterota, a woman of Macetis, Lageta (whose daughter was mother to Strabo the Geographer) and Stratarcha, after their fathers decease, to come to him at Cnossus. [Strabo. lib. 10. pag. 477, 478. & lib. 12. pag. 557.]

Dorylaus with his 80 (as Plutarch and Appian, or with 70, as Eutropius and Orosius have it) thousand choice souldiers: and Archelaus (who in vain had disswaded him from the fight) with the ten thousand (which were the remaines of his former forces) falling upon Sylla near Orchomenus, lost 15000 of their men (as Appian and Orosius, or 20000 as Eutropius) amongst whom was slain Diogenes, Archelaus his son. Soon after, they had a second encounter, and in this, the whole residue of Mithridates his forces were cut off. For 20000 were driven into a moore close by, and there put all to the sword, they all the while crying quarter in their barbarous gibbridge, not understood by them that slew them, as many more of them were forced into a river, wherein they all perished: the rest, miserable wretches! were slain on all hands. [Appian, compared with Livy. lib. 82. with Eutropius, lib. 5. and Orosius, lib. 6. cap. 2.] Plutarch relates, how that the marshes were all overflown with the bloud of the slain, and that a pool was filled up with dead carkasses: In such wise, that in his time, though allmost 200 years after this fight, many of the Barbarians bowes, helmets, pieces of coats of males, and swords, were found buried in the mud.

As for Archelaus himself, he having for two dayes (as Sylla saith in Plutarch) or three dayes (as Eutropius hath it in his fifth book) lurked in the Marshes of the Orchomenians stript and naked, at last, lit upon a little Vessel, and in it wasted over into Chalcis; and wheeresoever he met with any of Mithridates forces, he drew them hastily up together into a body. As for Sylla, he pilled and made what havock he could in Boeotia: It being used to revolt upon every fresh emergency: from thence he passed into Thessaly, and there took up his winter quarters, expecting Lucullus his arrivall with shipping. And because he heard no news of his coming, he builded other ships. [Appian.] Although Livy gives out, [lib. 82.] how that Archelaus delivered up himself and the Kings fleet unto Sylla; and Aurelius Victor writes, That by Archelaus his treachery, Sylla intercepted the fleet. [de vir. illustrib. cap. 76.] and that it was evident, that there was frequent entercourse privately betwixt Sylla and Archelaus, as well for other reasons, as for that he had given unto that Cappadocian, a certain piece of ground, consisting of 10000 acres in Eubaea (where Chalcis was) yet both Sylla endeavoured to wipe off all those suspicions in his commentaries. [Pluta. in Sylla, and Dio followed him. Legat, 33. or 34.] although some expressions in a letter of Mithridates to Arsaces intimates, That those suspitions were faster rivetted into mens judgements, than that they could be so easily taken off. [in the fourth book of Salusts Histories.] Archelaus the unworthiest of those that were under me, gave a check to my enterprizes, by his betraying my army. And what is delivered by Strabo, That same Archelaus, who waged war against Sylla; grew afterwards in high estimation with the Romans, and with Sylla himself, and the Senate. [lib. 12. pag. 558, & lib. 17. pag. 796.]

p. 524In the interim, Flaccus came to Byzantium, where Fimbria caused a mutiny against him: Flaccus had given command to his souldiers to abide without the walls, whilst he himself entred the City: wherupon Fimbria began to accuse Flaccus for receiving money of the Byzantins: boasting by way of obloquie, that he was gone to pamper his genius in the City, whilst they abroad in the field under their skins, endured the roughnesse of the Winter. These passages so highly enraged the souldiers, that they brake into the City, and killing some few which they met by chance on the way, they dispersed themselves into several houses, [D…o. in Excerpt. Valesii, pag. 650.]

L. Valerius Flaccus, passing thorough the confines of the Byzantins into Bithynia, encamped at Nicaea, [Memnon cap. 36.] whereof Cicero (in his Oration for Flaccus, this mans son) It was one and the same time when all Asia shut her gates upon L. Flaccus the Consul (or now rather Proconsul) but did not onelyonly receive that Cappadocian (Mithridates) into their Cities, but sent purposely to invite him to come unto them.

Upon some difference betwixt Fimbria and Flaccus his Treasurer, The Julian Period. 4629 Flaccus was chosen Umpire: Year before Christ 85 who had so small regard of Fimbria's honour, that Fimbria threatned (as Appian hath it, to return home to Rome) or (as it is in Dion) Flaccus threatned to to send him to Rome whether he would or not. Whereupon Fimbria so vilely reproached Flaccus, that Flaccus took away his command from him, and assigned another to succeed him, [Appian. pag. 204. Dio. in Excerpt. Valesii, pag. 650.]

Fimbria thus upon that variance cashiered, [Aurelius Victor, de vir. illustrib. cap. 70.] repaired to the souldiers at Byzantium; where he saluted them as if he were going to Rome, and desired letters from them to their friends there: complaining moreover of the great injury done unto him, and advising them to beare in mind the good turns he had done them, and that they should take heed and look to themselves; covertly hinting hereby, as if Flaccus had some design upon them. When he found his words had made some impression upon them, and that they wished him well, but were jealous of Flaccus: then he ascended the pulpit, and in plain termes stirred them against Flaccus: and amongst other things, he laid to his charge, that he received money to betray them, [Dio. ut supr.]

Fimbria, having again crossed the Hellespont, animated his souldiers to rapines and all kind of villanies, exacted monies from the Cities, and divided it amongst the souldiers: who having obtained an uncontrouled licence to do what they listed, and allured moreover with the hopes of a large income, loved Fimbria as one who had deserved extremely well of the whole army, [Diodor. Sicul. in Excerpt. Valesii, pag. 409.]

Flaccus being gone towards Chalcedon with his fleet, Fimbria took the advantage of his absence; and first began with Thermus who was left Propraetor, and took from him the Fasces, or Ensignes of his authority, as if he had taken that Magistracy upon him from the army: This put Flaccus into a chafe, and fetched him back again, but Fimbria made him ply his heeles, and take sanctuary at a private mans house: whence in the night he scaled the walls, and stole away first to Chalcedon, and thence to Nicomedia, and caused the gates to be shut. But Fimbria following him close at the heeles, made the Roman Consul (or rather one that had been Consul, as Velleius stiles him) and the Commander in chief in this war, to hide himself in a well, whence Fimbria dragged him and slew him. After he had cut off Flaccus his head, he threw it into the sea, but left the corps lying upon the ground unburied, [Appian. pag. 204, 205. compared with Memnon, cap. 36. and 42. Liv. lib. 82. Velleius, Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 24. Strabo, lib. 13. pag. 594. Aurelius, Victor, de viris illustrib. cap. 70. and Orosius, lib. 6. cap. 2.] As for Nicomedia, that became the souldiers booty by Fimbria his concession, [Diodor. Sicul. in Excerpt. Vales. pag. 409.]

Mithridates, having sent an army against those that had revolted from him, after he had reduced them, proceeded most rigorously against them, [Appian. pag. 202.] He forced all the Cities in Asia, and miserably pilled the Province, [Liv. lib. 82.] But fearing least others should prove disloyal: he made the cities of Greece free; promised by the publick Cryer to all debtours, a cancelling of their obligations: to all inmates enfranchisement in their several Cities they dwelt in: and to servants their liberty; hoping (which indeed happened not long after) that by these his acts of grace, he might engage all that were in debt, all inmates and servants, to stick close to him, and tooth and naile help to maintain that power he was now in, [Appian. ut supr.]

In the mean time Mynio, and Philotimus, Smyrneans, Clisthenes, and Asclepiodotus Lesbians, (every one of them the Kings intimate friends, but Asclepiodotus had also sometimes been Commander of his mercenary souldiers) conspired against Mithridates. Asclepiodotus himself was the first that revealed it: and that he might procure credit to what he said, he caused the King to lie under a bed, and hear what Mynion should say. The Treason being thus discovered, all the Conspiratours died upon p. 525the rack: yet many others were shrewdly suspected to have a hand in it. But when as 80 Pergamedians were seized on, as being complices in this conspiracy, and others in other Cities, then the King dispatched his Inquisitors into all parts, who executed about 1600 men upon this account: Every one of the Inquisitours, charging their enemies with treasonable engagement. The accusers themselves, not long after, were either punished by Sylla, or killed themselves, or accompanied Mithridates in his flight into Pontus. [Appian. ibid. & pag. 213. compared with Orosius, lib. 6, cap. 2.]

Amongst others, Diodorus, Mithridates his Praetor, who professed himself an Academick Philosopher, and a pleader of causes, and a Rhetorician, slew all the Senates of the Adramitteans, to please the King. And being gone with the King into Pontus, upon his being deposed, he starved himself to death, to prevent the disgrace which was likely to fall upon him, by reason of some great enormities, which were to be charged upon him. [Strabo, lib. 13. pag. 614.]

L. Lucullus, by the addition of some Rhodian ships, with that fleet which he gathered together out of Cyprus, Phoenicia, and Pamphylia, wasted all the enemies coasts, and now and then by the way, skirmished with Mithridates his fleet. [Appian. 207, 208.] He perswaded the Coans, and the Cnidians, to thrust out the Kings Garrison, and take up arms with him against the Samians, He drave the Kings party out of Chios. He relieved the Colophonians, and set them at liberty, having seized upon Epigonius their King. [Plutarch in Lucullo.] And by Marena his means in Asia, brought off Mithridates his fleet to Sylla. [Aurel. Victor. de viris illustrib. cap. 74.]

C. Fimbria, (having slain Flaccus in Bithynia, and being seized of his army) now saluted Generall (as it is in Velleius, lib. 2. cap. 24.] got the Cities under him: some voluntarily submitting themselves, whilst others were forced to stoop whether they would or not. Year of the World 3916 [Memnon. cap. 36.] But he put many persons to death, not out of any justice or demerit, but meerly to gratifie his passion, and out of cruelty. For, having on a time commanded some posts to be fastened to the ground, to which he was used to have men bound, and scourged to death: when he saw that there were more posts provided, than persons adjudged to this punishment; he ordered to lay hold on some of the compny that stood by, and bind them to the posts: lest otherwise they might seem to have been set up to no purpose. [Dio in Excerptis Valesii. pag. 653.]

The same Fimbria, being admitted into Cizicum, professing himself a friend to the place, as soon as he was got in, began to impeach all the wealthiest of them, and charged them with some crime or other: two of these, the principall men of the City, after he had passed sentence on them, he caused to be whipt with rods, to terrifie the rest, and afterwards struck off their heads, and set their goods to sale; forcing others out of fear to give to him all they had. [Diodor. Sicul. ibid. pag. 409.]

Mithridates, Mithridates his son, joyning with Taxiles, Diophantes, and Menander, three most expert Commanders, and being well provided with an army, marched out against Fimbra: And in regard they surpassed in multitudes of souldiers, Fimbria received some losse in the fight. But they being come to a river, which parted both armies: Fimbria in a great storm of rain (which happened somewhat before morning, passed over the river, and so surprized the enemy, as they lay asleep in their Tents, that they never perceived him: He made such great slaughter amongst them, that very few, onelyonly of the Commanders and Horse, escaped. [Memnon. cap. 36.]

Amongst them was Mithridates the Kings sons, chased out of Asia to Miletopolis, got safe from thence, to his father at Pergamus, with a company of Horse. But Fimbria making an assault upon the Kings ships, as they lay in harbour, drave him out of Pergamus: and after he had taken the City, pursued him as he was flying into Pitance, where he besiged him, and endeavoured to draw a trench about the place. [Id. ibid. Liv. lib. 38. Appian. pag. 205. Plut. in Lucllo. Aurel. Victor. de vir. illustr. cap. 70. Oros. lib. 6. cap. 2.]

Mithridates, being now driven clear out of the land by Fimbria, and penned up by him into a corner, looking seaward, summoned and called together all his fleet, from their severall quarters: being somewhat loath to engage in fight with Fimbria, who was both a smart fellow, and a Conquerour to boot. Fimbria observing this, in regard he was himself at present destitute of a fleet, sent in all hast to Lucullus, to desire him by all means, that he should bring his fleet, and joyn his hand in taking him, who of all the Kings was the most bitter and cruel enemy of the people of Rome. And to speak truth, they had snapped him, if Lucullus would have preferred the weal publick, before the gratifying of some private animosities, and would have straightned him at sea, by driving up with his fleet against him, but he not yielding to that advise, gave oppertunity to Mithridates to escape by sea, and occasion to Fimbria to delude his army. [Plut. & Oors. ibid.]

p. 526Mithridrtes being gone with his Fleet to Mitylene: Fimbria went up and down the Province, clapping fines upon the heads of those that were of the Cappadocian faction, and wasted the grounds of such that had shut their gates against him, [Appian. ut. supr.] And by reason of the sundry revolts of Cities to the Romans, he recovered a very great part of Asia, [Memnon, cap. 36. Liv. lib. 83.]

But making the like attempts upon the Trojans, they posted away to Sylla; who after he had engaged himself to come to their relief, and warned Fimbria not to meddle any further with those that had submitted themselves to him, he commended them for returning to that alliance they formerly had with the people of Rome: Yet he told them, it was not much matter to whether of them two they submitted themselves, in regard, that both of them were Roman Citizens, and alike descended from the Trojans. For all this, Fimbria stormed the City, and entred it upon the eleventh day, vapouring how that he, within the space of eleven dayes, had reduced that City, under his power, which Agamemnon, though provided with a Fleet of a 1000 ships, and the whole power of Greece, had much adoe to take in ten years years time. The reason is plain, replied a certain Trojan: Because there was not amongst us an Hector, who would stand stoutly to maintain the City. He killed all he met, making no difference at all: and fired almost the whole City: Those that were imployed upon the Embassie to Sylla, he tormented to death. Neither did he forbeare the holy things; no, nor from such who had fled unto the Temple of Minerva for sanctuary; but burnt them and the Temple together. Moreover he pulled down the walls, and the day following surrounded the City, espying whether he could find an thing that had escaped his fury: neither did he suffer either any fair court or consecrated house, or statue, to be left in the City, [Liv. lib. 83. Strabo, lib. 13. pag. 554. Appian. pag. 205. Dio. in Excerpt. Valesii, pag. 653. Oros. lib. 6. cap. 2.]

Although Fimbria commanded Troy to be fired, because they were something slow in opening the gates to him: yet Aurelius Victor writes, how that Minerva's Temple stood untouched, [De viris illustrib. cap. 70.] Which as he saith, was without all doubt preserved by the Goddesse her self. But Julius Obsequens and Appianus, confirm, that both the Temple was then burnt, and that amongst the ruines thereof the Palladium that ancient Image, which was supposed to be taken away by Diomedes and Ulysses in the time of the Trojan war, was found safe and entire: Which Image at that time found out by Fimbria, as Servius upon the second book of the Aeneid, hath noted, was afterterwards carried to Rome. Notwithstanding Strabo informs us, that several like Images of Minerva were shewen at Lavinium, Luceria, and Siritis, as though they had been brought from Troy, [lib. 6. pag. 264.] Appian writes that this destruction of Troy, happened on the CLXXIII. Olympiad, [pag. 206.] and that some compute 1050 years distance betwixt this and that former overthrow by Agamemnon: whereas according to Eratosthenes, Apollodorus, and Diodorus Siculus, accounts, there were 1099 years betwixt that former destruction of Troy, and the fourth year of the CLXXIII. Olympiad, in which this desolation happened.

Lucullus first routed the Kings Fleet about Lecton in Troas. Again at Tenedos, when he saw Neoptolemus making towards him with a greater provision than before: He rid at some distance, before, off his Fleet, in a Rhodian Frigot with five oares. Damagoras was Master of the ship; one who wished extreme well to the Romans, and was most expert at sea fights. Neoptolemus coming onwards very violently, and commanding the Pilot to direct his forecastle against the enemy: Demagoras fearing the bulk of the Kings ship, and the force of its brazen beake, dared not to close in the front, but gave order to the Pilot to stop the course of the ship by turning her hastily about: and so by breaking the blow off, the enemy running violently on, the ship was not hurt, in regard he struck onelyonly against such parts of the ship which were under water. But as soon as the residue of the Fleet came up to him, Lucullus commanded the Pilot to steere about: and then after sundry expressions of his valour, he compelled the enemy to hoyst sail, and drave as fast as he could in the pursuite of Neoptolemus, [Plutarch in Lucullo.]

Aretas, King of Coelosyria (invited by the Damascens to take the government upon him out of the ill will they ba…e to Ptolemei Mennaeus) being entred with an army into Judaea: after he had given the foile to Alexander Jannaeus at Adida, marched home again upon articles, [Joseph. lib. 13. cap. 23.]

When Cinna and Carbo began to play their pranks at Rome, proceeding violently against the most eminent persons of the City without controule, the greater part of the Nobility stole away first into Achaia, and afterwards into Asia unto Sylla; so that in a short time, there was in his Camp an appearance of a Senate, [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 23. Plutarch, in Sylla, and out of him Dio. in Excerpt. Vales. pag. 649.] All of them were instant suiters to him, that he would hasten to the relief of his own Country, which was at present not onelyonly in extream hazard, but in a manner lost already, [Eutrop. p. 527lib. 5. Oros. lib. 5. cap. 20.] Metella also his wife, having hardly escaped with her own life and her childrens, came to his house, telling him how that his house and the village pertaining thereto were fired by the enemy, and therefore beseeching him to come and help the City, [Plutarch.]

Mithridates, casting up with himself what a number of men he had lost (and in how short a time) since he first advanced an army into Greece, wrote Archelaus to make peace with Sylla, upon as honourable conditions as he could, [Appi…n. pag. 206.] Sylla was now in a great perplexity, neither enduring to desert his Country in that sad exigence it was now in, nor yet very well knowing how he could leave Asia, having not as yet compleated the Mithridatick war: whereupon Archelaus of Delos offered himself to negotiate the treaty, having brought along with him some hopes, and private instructions from Archelaus the Kings General. Sylla was so well pleased herewith, that he in all haste would go himself to conferre with Archelaus. They met at Sea near Delos, where Apollos Temple stands. Archelaus beginning his Speech, demanded of Sylla, that he would give over his Asian and Pontick Expedition, and go home to quench the civil war there: That the King, his Master, would supply him with what silver, ships, or men, he pleased. Sylla replying, advised him to disclaim Mithridates, and he himself should reign in his stead: That himself would call him an Ally and friend of the Romans, if he would resign up the Kings Fleet to him: Archelaus seeming to detest so treacherous a motion; at last Sylla propounded some conditions of a peace to be concluded with the King, [Plutarch in Sylla.] Amongst which, this was one: That the King should draw out all his Garrison souldiers from all places, except those in which he had souldiers before the violation of the peace. Archelaus hearing this, forth with cleared the Garrisons. Concerning the other Articles, he wrote unto the King to know his pleasure therein, [Appian. pag. 207.]

The Articles agreed on, Sylla draws off, and comes to Hellespont, passing thorough Thessalie and Macedonia: having Archelaus in his company, who was very civilly treated by him: for Archelaus, falling into a most dangerous disease near Larissa, Sylla stopt his march; and took no lesse care of him in his sicknesse, than if he had been one of his own Commanders or Pretors: which thing increased the suspition that lay hard upon Archelaus; how that he shewed none of the fairest play in the battle at Chaeronea, [Plutarch, in Sylla, and out of him Dio. Legat. 33. or 34.]

Ambassadours from Mithridates came hither to Sylla: their errand was to desire of him, that the delivery up of Paphlagonia and the ships, should not by any means be included in the Articles; adding withal, that they could obtain easier conditions from the other General Fimbria. To whom Sylla in a rage replyed, That Fimbria should smart for this, and that he himself would see, as soon as he came into Asia, whether Mithridates stood in greater need of peace or war. But Archelaus interceded to Sylla, and taking him by the hand, allayed his fury with his teares: And at last intreated, that he might be sent to Mithridates; engaging, the Mithridates should either conclude a peace upon Sylla's own terms, or else if he refused to sign those Articles, he would either be the death of Mithridates, or else (for the Greek copies vary in this particular) dispatch himself, [Plutarch, and out of him Dio. Legat. 34. or 35. Appian. pg. 207.]

Alexander Jannaeus, Year of the World 3920 after the concluding of a peace with Aretas, (in the sixth year before his death) leading an army against the neighbouring people, took the City Dia by storm, [Joseph. lib. 13. cap. 23.]

Archelaus being returned from Mithridates, met with Sylla at Philippi in Macedonia: telling him, how that all things fell out according to his hearts wish; but withal, that Mithridatis desired by all means that he would give him a meeting. Whereupon Sylla marched thorough Thracia to Cypsela: having sent Lucullus (who was now come with his Fleet to him) afore to Abydos. Lucullus afforded him a safe pasport out of the Chersonesses, and helped him much in transporting the army, [Plutarch, in Sylla, & Lucullo. Appian. pag. 207. 208.]

Sylla met with Mithridates at Dardanus, a Town of Troas. Mithridates had there with him, 200 ships with oares, 20000 of land Forces, 600 Horse, and a great strength of Chariots, armed with sithes. Sylla 4 Regiments of Foot, and 200 Horse. There they parled, both of them being gone aside into the field with a small Retinue: each army looking on. Mithridates coming up to him and reaching forth his right hand, Sylla asked him, whether he would accept of a peace upon Archelaus his condition? The King demurring a while, and each of them casting complaints and accusations in one anothers teeth, at length Mithridates scared thereunto by Sylla's passionate Oration, consented to those Articles of peace which were tendred to Archelaus. After which, Sylla saluted him, embraced him, and kissed him. [Memnon, cap. 37. Plutarch, in Sylla, and out of him, Dio. Legat. 35. or 36. Appian. pag. 208, 209, 210.]

The Articles of peace were these. That Mithridates should content himself with p. 528what was his fathers, that is, with what command he had in Pontus, and should not have any thing to do with Asia, or Paphlagonia. That he should resign Bithynia to Nicomedes, and Cappadocia to Ariobarzanes. That he should release all Commanders, Legats, Prisoners, Runnagadoes, Fugitives, the Chians, & all such as he had carryed away captives with him out of the Cities into Pontus. That he should pay to the Romans two, or (as Memnon hath it) three thousand talents. That he should deliver up to Sylla 70, or (as Memnon hath it) 80 ships, pointed with brass, with all their ammunition. And lastly, That the Cities now under the Roman Jurisdiction, should not be questioned for their revolting to the Romans side. Yet did the Romans soon after, bring many of them under slavery, and bondage, contrary to the tenour of the articles for peace. [Memnon. and Plutarch ut supra, and Dio transcribing Plutarch, Legat. 33. or 34. Appian. pag. 207. Liv. lib. 83. Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 23.] And thus was the first Mithridatick war, (begun four years before) ended by Sylla, who in lesse than three years space, slew 160 thousand of the enemies, recovered Greece, Macedon, Ionia, Asia, and severall other nations which Mithridates had seized on, took the Kings fleet, and confined the King himself to the strait tether of his fathers kingdom. [Appian. lib. 1. Bell. Civil. pag. 396. cum Mithridatic. pag. 206. & 209. & 210.] Nor was there any one thing in all Syllaes several atchievments more remarkable than that, allthough Cinna and Marius his faction were up in Italy for three years together, yet did he not conceal his intention of coming against them to fight them, nor did he lay aside the businesse he had now in hand, adjudging it the right Method, first to crush in pieces an enemy, and then to avenge a Citizen: First, to secure from fear abroad, by getting a conquest on a forreigner, and afterwards to represse a rebellion at home. [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 24. compared with Plutarch in Collat. Syllae & Lysandri.]

Mithridates, having resigned up his ships to Sylla, and 500 archers, with other things due upon covenant; he sailed with the remainder of his ships into his fathers kingdom, into Pontus. [Memnon. ut supra. Strabo. lib. 13. pag. 594. Plutarch, and out of him Dio. Legat. 36. or 37. Appian. pag. 210.] But Sylla, (perceiving this peace was not very toothsome to the souldiery) who thought it hard, to see the King, who was the most bitter enemy they had, and who had slain in one day, so many thousands of such Roman Citizens, who lived in Asia, now with his treasure, and the spoiles he had got in the war to saile away out of Asia, which he had allmost exhausted for some years together, by plunder and imposition, cleared himself, telling them, he was glad to be rid of Mithridates upon any condition, for fear he should have joyned with Fimbria, and then he should have been too weak, to grapple with them both. [Plutarch & Dio. ibid,]

From thence Sylla removed within two furlongs of Fimbria, who lay encamped about Thyatira. Sylla demanded of him, that he would deliver up the armies to him, in regard he took that command upon himself against lawes. Fimbria in a flout replyed, That he himself, did not come very well to the command he was in. Upon this, Sylla laid siege, and beginning to draw his trench, Fimbrias souldiers came running out of their Garrison, to salute Sillaes men, and were very serviceable to them in helping them to cast up the trench, [Plutarch ibid. Appian. pag. 210. Oros. lib. 6. cap. 2.]

Fimbria, admiting at this sudden alteration, assembled the residue of the souldiery, and desired them to stick to him: but they relusing to be brought by any means to fight against their fellow Citizens, he rent his garment, and shook every one of them, by the hand begging of them not to desert him. But when that did nothing prevail, and observing, how that very many were stealing away to the enemy, he went about to the Colonels Tents, and having corrupted some of them, summoned the souldiery again, and pressed upon them an oath of alleagiance. And when the Venetians cryed out, that every souldier ought to be called by name to the oath: he commanded the Cryer, to name onelyonly such as he had by his bounty made his own creatures, and afore all, Nonius was cited one, who had been his Camplice in all villanous attempts. But he also resusing to swear, he drew his sword at him, and threated to kill him, but was glad to desist, because the souldiery by a joynt shout, seemed to resent it. [Appian. ut supra.]

After this, Fimbria suborned a slave, tempting him with monies and hopes of his freedom, to go to Syllas Camp, making show, as if he had been a runnagado, and there to stab Sylla: but his heart beginning to faile him in the enterprize, and being suspected by his trembling, that he came upon no good errand, and thereupon being laid hold on, he confessed the whole businesse. This filled Syllas army with anger and scorn; so that they standing about Fimbrias trench, by way of reproach, called him Athenio, which was the name of one, who was King for a few dayes over the sugitives in Sicily. [Id. ib.]

p. 529Fimbria, seeing this plot would not take effect, and now past all hopes, betook himself to a strong Fort, and from thence invited Sylla to a parley. Sylla would not go himself, but sent Rutilius in his stead. This went to Fimbria's heart, that Sylla should not vouchsafe that to him, which was never wont to be denyed, even to common enemies. And after he had craved pardon, if happily he had offended by reason of the rawnesse of his years: Rutilius replyed, That Sylla was willing he should passe safe to the sea side, upon condition he would quit Asia (of which he was the Proconsul) to him, and saile away. Fimbria told him, he knew a better way than that, and so returning to Pergamus, went into Esculapius his Temple, and stabbed himself with his sword. But finding the wound was not mortal, he desired his servant to do so much for him, as to dispatch him; who first killed his Master, and afterwards killed himself. Sylla gave his body to be interred by his chief servants. [Id. pag. 211. compared with Livy, lib. 83. Vellei Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 24. Plutarch in Sylla Aurel. Victor. de vir. illustribus cap. 70. and Oros. lib. 6. cap. 2.]

Fimbria's army came and tendred their service to Sylla, who entertained them, and joyned them to his own body. Soon after, he sent Cuno with command to settle Nicomedes and Ariobarzanes in their kingdoms. He sent also a full narrative of all occurrences unto the Senate, taking no notice at all how that they had voted him an enemy to the State. [Appian. p. 21.]

Sylla rebuilt Troy, The Julian Period. 4630 which was demolished by Fimbria. Year before Christ 84 [Oros. lib. 6. cap. 2. compared with Strabo. lib. 13. pag. 594.] He also settling the affairs of the Province of Asia, Enfranchized the Trojans, Chians, Rhodians, Lycians, Magnesians, and several other people, and entolled them among the Allyes of the people of Rome, either as a remuneration for their assisting him in the wars, or to chear them up after those great calamities they had undergone out of the great affection they bare to the people of Rome. But to all other Towns he sent Souldiers to see proclamation made, requiring all slaves whosoever had received their freedom from Mithridates, to return immediately to their masters respectively. This edict was sleighted by many, and many Cities revolted also upon it, so that there ensued hereupon great bloudshed, both of the slaves, and free born, promiseuously, upon sundry occasions. The walls of many Towns in Asia were demolished, and some of the inhabitants were sold under the spear, and what men or City soever were found to be of the Cappadocian faction, were severely fined; especially the Ephesians, who through a base obsequiousnesse had in a scorn taken down out of their Temples, the Roman offerings. [Appianus, pag. 211.]

After all was quiet and hushed again, Cryers were sent throughout the Province, summoning the chief persons of all the Cities in Asia, to appear before Sylla at Ephesus, upon a set day; who when they were met together, made a speech to them upon the judgement seat; wherein he recited how well the Romans had deserved of the Asians, and what ill requitals the Asians had returned them, and in the close, pronounced this sentence upon them. I amerce you a while five years tribute, which I charge you presently to pay down upon the naile; and moreover, you shall disburse the monies spent upon this war; and what other sum the present state and condition of the Province shall require, I shall lay the tax upon the Cities proportionally, and fix a time for the bringing of it. Such as I shall find to make default herein, I shall look upon them as enemies. Thus said, he distributed the mulct by portions to the Liutenants, and assigned persons also to levy it. [Id. pag. 221, 213.] And to that end was that division of Asia made by him into 44 regions, which Cassindius in his Chronicle makes mention of, at the fourth time of L. Cinna's Consulship, and the second of Cn. Papyrias. For as Cicero in his first epistle of his first book, Q. Frateus confirms his laying an impost upon all parts alike, so doth he also in his oration, to Flaccus avouch, That he laid it proportionally upon all the Cities of Asia.

Plutarch writes how that Sylla besides this amercement of 20000 talents which he levyed generally upon the whole; he plagued them severally also by quartering insolent and unruly souldiers in their private houses: Ordering every Landlord to pay to a souldier quartered in his house, 16 Drachmas a day: and that he should find him not onelyonly his supper, but provid also for as many friends as he would bring along with him. A Captain was to have 50 drachmas a day, and two suits of cloaths, one to weare at home, and another abroad, [Plutarch in Sylla.] The care of collecting the general Taxe of 20000 talents, and of coyning the money, was intrusted to Lucullus: which seemed to the Cities of Asia some alleveation and easement of Syllas hard usage: in regard he had alwayes demeaned himself, not onelyonly harmelessely and uprightly, but mercifully and mildly, in such a sad and pensive Province as this was at present, [Id. in Lucullo.]

But the Cities being extreamly empoverished, and over head and eares in debt, some of them pawned their theaters to the Usurers, others their places of receipt, or p. 530their arsenals, or their ports, or something or other which belonged to the Publick: So importunate were the souldiers with them, and pressing for their monies. After payment was made, they carryed the monies to Sylla: Asia in the mean while bemoning the sad calamities she lay under, [Appian. pag. 213.]

At this same time also, the Pirats were busie in all parts of Asia, and they appeared so openly, as if they had been so many true and lawful Fleets. They were first put to sea by Mithridates, who being likely to lose all he had gotten in those parts, was resolved to do what mischief he could: but now they were encreased to so great a number, that they were not onelyonly dangerous to such as sailed at sea, but grew formidable to the very Ports, Castles, and Towns. It is certain, that Jassus, Samu…, Clazomenae, and Samothrace, were taken when Sylla himself resided in these parts: and it is generally reported, that they took out of the Temple at Samothrace, as many ornaments, as were in estimation worth 1000 talents. But Sylla, either because he thought them unworthy to be protected by him, they having carried themselves so basely towards him: or because he hasted to Rome to quell the commotions there, wasted over into Greece, [Id. ibid.]

When as Sylla proferred to carry home again with him P. Rutilius Rufus, who lived an exile at Mitylene: he continued in banishment, lest he might do any thing which was not consonant to law; and from thence he removed to Smyrna, [Valer. Maxim. lib. 6. cap. 4. Seneca, epistle 24. Quintilian lib. 11. cap 1. Dio in Excerpt. Vales. pag. 638.] He was made a free Denison of that City, [Cicero, pro Bibli.] and there spent his years in study, [Oros. lib. 5. cap. 17.] Nor could ever be brought to return home to his Country, [Dio ut sup.] Of whom Seneca in lib. de providentia, cap. 3. Is Rutilius to be looked upon as unfortunate, because those that condemned him will plead his cause in all ages? because he more contentedly suffered himself to be pluckt from his Country, than to part with his banishment? because he onelyonly of all the rrst, dared to deny Sylla the Dictator something, and when he was called home, did not onelyonly give back, but flew farther off? And Ovid in Pont. lib. 1. Elea. 4.

Et grave magnanimi robur mirare Rutili,

Non cui reditus conditione dati:

Smyrna virum tenuit—

Rutilius his fortitude admire,

Who being call'd home, had rather still retire;

In banishment at Smyrna than return;

For Sylla's profer he alone did scorn.

But Alexander, son of Ptolemei Alexander, late King of Egypt, who fleeing from Mithridates (to whom he was delivered up by the Choans) to Sylla, was entertained by him, and admitted amongst those of his more familiar acquaintance; and went along with him out of Asia into Greece, and from thence to Rome, [Appian. lib. 1. Bell. civil. pag. 414. Porphyr. in Graec. Euseb. Scaliger, pag. 225. fin.]

Alexander Jannaeus led his army against Essa or Gerasa, where Theodorus, son of Zeno, had secured whatsoever he thought most precious, and he esteemed of greatest value. After he had begirthed the place with a triple wall, at length he became Master of it, [Joseph. lib. 13. Antiquit. cap. 23. compared with cap. 21. and lib. 1. Bell. cap. 3. & 4.]

L. Muraena with the two Fimbrian (or Valesian) Legions, was left behind by Sylla to settle and order matters in Asia, [Appian. pag. 213.] To which is to be referred that passage of Julius Exuperantius concerning Sylla. He left Murana his Lieutenant over the Province, and appointed him over the Valesian Souldiers, whose fidelity as to civil wars he somewhat suspected: and with the other moiety of the army in a passion he marched away to suppresse the Marian faction, which was up. Although that Author writes this passage as happening before Sylla commenced the war with Mithridates, at which time there was no Valesian or Fimbrian Legions, and not after the war was ended.

L. Lucullus was left Quaestor in Asia with Munaera the Praetor; who carried himself so discretly whilst he had the command of the Province, that he got abundance of credit by it, [Cicero in Lucullo.] So that by reason of his employments in Asia, he was not engaged in the commotions of Sylla and Marius in Italy, [Plutarch. in civi. Vita.]

Sylla, putting off with his Fleet from Ephesius, arrived the third day at Pyraeeum; and having discarged the Rites of Religion, he took to himself the Library of Apellicon the Teian, wherein were many books of Aristotles and Theophrastus which yet were very rare to come by, [Plutarch in Sylla.] For Apellicon having a good purse p. 531and well lined, had purchased Aristotles Library, & many other good Libraries beside. He got also into his clutches by stealth out of Metroum (the Temple of the Phrygian Goddesse) the Originals of the Decrees which were published by their ancestors, and out of other Cities he scraped together whatsoever was either ancient or secret, and kept close as a rarely, [Athenaeus, lib. 5. cap. 1. ex Posidon. Apameno.] For all this, he was a person which was more taken with the sight of the books, than the study of them: for, having purchased of the heirs of Nileus Scepsius, with a great sum of money Aristotle and Theophrastus their books, many whereof were spoiled with wet and worm-eaten, out of a desire he had to repair those places which were gnawn out, he transcribed the books afresh, but was mightily out in filling up the void places; so that the books he set forth abounded with Errata's. Upon the decease of Apellicon Sylla took his Library to himself, [Strabo, lib. 13. pag. 609.] and enriched his own Library at Rome therewith, [Lucian. in. lib. adversus indoctum.]

Mithridates, being returned unto Pontus, reduced in a very short time many of those Nations which, when he was in his low ebbe, revolted from him, [Memnon, cap. 37.] beginning first with the Colchi. But they, when they saw him marching towards them, desired of him that his son Mithridates might be appointed King over them: which was no sooner granted, but they returned to their obedience. The King being jealous that his sons ambition was the cause of that motion, called him to him, and bound him with fetters of gold for a while, and not long after put him to death: Notwithstanding the singular good service he had done him in Asia against Fimbria, [Appian, in Mithridatic. pag. 213, 214.]

When Sylla lay at Athens, a benumming distemper fell into his feet, which made him saile to Adipsus, and there he used the hot baths, keeping holyday all the while, spending his time at stage-playes. [Plutarch in Sylla.]

Sylla arrived with his army at B…u…dusium, Year of the World 3921 in the CLXXIV. Olympiade. [Appian. Bell. Civil. lib. 1. pag. 401.] L. Scipio and C. Corbanus being Consuls. [Liv. lib. 83. Julius Obsequens de prodigiis, Eutropius, lib. 5.] returning into Italy, on the fourth year after his putting out thence, and not after the fifth year, as Julius Obsequens hath delivered it.

The Thebans having revolted from Ptolemei Lathurus, he waged war against them. [Pausan. in Attic. pag. 8.]

L. Lucullus was very desirous to bring the Mitylenians, who had openly revolted from Sylla's side, to acknowledge their fault, and to submit to some easie punishment for following Manius. But when he saw they grew more furious upon it, he set upon them with his Fleet, vanquished them, and forced them to retire within their walls. Whilest he beleagured the Town in the day time he sailed openly towards Elea; but came back again privately in the night, and cast anchor, having placed an ambuseado near the City. The Mitylenians came tumbling out of the Town in great disorder, and very furiously, with an intention of seizing of the Camp, supposing it had been deserted by the enemy: but Lucullus came upon them ere they were aware, and took a great number of them prisoners: of those that resisted he slew five hundred; led away six thousand slaves, and took with him a huge booty, [Plutarch in Lucullo.]

Mithridates provided a Fleet and a great army to go against the Bosphoranes, who had shaken off their alleigeance to him. The preparation he made was so considerable, that most thought (as Cicero intimates, in Oratione prolege Manilia) he never intended to make use of it against the Bosphorans, but against the Romans: for neither had he as yet, resigned to Ariobarzanes the whole and entire possession of Cappadocia, but reserved some places thereof to himself; and did also suspect Archelaus, as if (when he was in Greece) he had granted more to Sylla than was meet, in the Articles of peace, [Appian, in Mithridatic. pag. 214.]

Archelaus posted away in a fright to L. Muraena: and by his instigation prevailed with him to be before hand with Mithridates, and to war upon him first: as Appian hath it in his Mithridatick. And that Archelaus revolted to Sylla (whose Deputy Muraena was in Asia) Dio writes in his 39 book: and that he and his wife and children went to the same Sylla, Otosius delivers, [in lib. 6. cap. 2.] So that small credit in this particular is to be given to Memnon, who hath delivered, that Archelaus, did not onelyonly abide all the while with Mithridates; but that he did also stand stoutly to him in the last Mithridatick war, [Vid. supr. ann. Mundi. 3919.]

L. Muraena, out of an itching desire he had to ride in Triumph, renewes the war with Mithridates, [Liv. lib. 86. Appian. in Muthridatic. pag. 213.] For passing thorough Cappadocia he made an invasion upon Com…na the greatest City under Mithridates his command, and famous for the Religion and costly Temple that was therein: and besides this, he killed some of the Kings Cavaliers, [Appian. ibid. pag. 214.

p. 532Mithridates dispatched some Ambassadors to Murena; who, being Grecians by birth, and Philosophers by profession, did rather condemn, than commend the King. Upon their pleading the articles of peace concluded with Sylla; Murena denyed that he ever did see any such covenants: for Sylla never wrote any, but contenting himself with the execution of what was agreed betwixt them, left the Country. Thus said, Murena falls presently to plundering, not sparing the monies which was consecrated for holy uses; and so taking up his winter quarters in Cappadocia, he made the kingdom thereof surer to Ariobarzanes, than ever it was, and built the City Ecinina upon the frontires of Mithridates his kingdom. [Memnon cap. 38. Appian. pag. 214.]

Seeing now by reason of the mutual enmity of the Seleucidae amongst themselves, The Julian Period. 4631 both the Kings and kingdom of Syria were quite exhausted by a deadly war; Year before Christ 83 the people thereof ran to strangers for succour, and began to look towards forreign Kings; some judging it most convenient to call Mithridates King of Pontus, others to invite Ptolemei out of Egypt, but considering again with themselves, how that Mithridates was engaged already in a war with the Romans, and that Ptolemei had ever been a professed enemy to Syria, they generally concluded upon Tigranes King of Armenia. who besides his own strength at home, was fortified with the Parthian association to boot, and an affyance with Mithridates. Upon this he was called into the kingdom of Syria, and kept it 18 years, [Justin. lib. 40. cap. 1. & 2.] until such time that Pompei deprived him of it, and laid it to the Roman Empire.

Fourteen of those 18 years, Magadates was over Syria, with an army, as Tigranes his Vice-Roy, until such time as he was forced to march away with that army to the relief of his King: But upon the defeating of Tigranes, the kingdom of Syria was by Lucullus given to Antiochus Asiaticus. [Appian. in Syriac. pag. 118, 119. & 133.] In the interim, Antiochus Pius (father to this Asiaticus) who was by Tygranes dispossessed of Syria, as far as from Euphrates to the sea shore, and by him dispossessed also of part of Cilicia, kept close a while in another corner of Cilicia, which as yet neither Tigranes nor the Romans had medled with. [Appian. in Mithridatic. pag. 243. Justin. lib. 40. cap. 2.] But his wife Selene, with her two sons, reigned in Phaenicia, and some other parts of the lower Syria; as we gather out of the 13 book of Josephus, cap. ult. and in the fourth of Cicero in Vetrem.

Mithridates sent both to the Senate and to Sylla, to complain of Murena, [Appian. pag. 214.] And both he and Murena sending Ambassadors one against the other, sollicited the Heraclians for supplies. But in regard the power of the Romans seemed dreadful to them on the one side, and that they feared the neernesse of Mithridates on the other side, they answered the Ambassadors; That in such a storm of war as this, they had much ado to secure their own houses, much lesse could they attend the relief of others. [Memnon. cap. 38.]

Alexander Jannaeus wan Gaulana and Seleucia. [Josephus, lib. 13. cap. 23.]

L. Murena, Year of the World 3922 having wafted over Halys, a great river of it self, and at that time swelled with violent rains, took 400 of Mithridates his Villages; the King making no opposition at all, expecting the returne of his Ambassadors from Rome. Murena, when he thought he had got booty enough, returned back again into Phrygia and Galatia; where Callidius, who was sent to him from Rome upon Mithridates his complaints, presented him indeed with no decree of the Senate, but denounced in the open audience of all, that he should forbear any farther to molest the King, who was a confederate with the Romans. This said, he took him aside, in the presence of others, and talked with him privately; yet for all this did not Murena abate any whit of his former violence, but at that instant made incursions upon the frontiers of Mithridates. [Appian, pag. 214, 215.]

Some, The Julian Period. 4632 and those not a few, Year before Christ 82 advised Murena to invade Sinope, and attempt the getting of the Kings palace it self; for that being once taken, other places would be subdued without any difficulty. But Mithridates, having well fortified that place with garrisons, begins now to fall to the businesse himself. [Memnon. cap. 38.] And having commanded Gordius to fall upon the neighbonring Villages, he himself got together many cattle, and carriages, Countrymen as well as Souldiers, and pitched on the other side of the bank, opposite to Murena his Camp. Neither parties engaged, until Mithridates was come with a greater army, and then there followed a bloody fight betwixt them. There the King got over the river in spight of Murenaes teeth: having also got the better of Murena otherwayes, the King plyed him so hard, that he was forced to retreat to a hill naturally fortified, and make what hast he could through the mountains, to get to Phrygia, having lost many of his men, either in the flight, or in the fight. [Appian. pag▪ 215.]

p. 533This so famous, quick, and (as it were by the By got) victory, and bruited abroad by the nimble wing of fame, brought many to side with Mithridates; who having beaten, even out off Cappadocia, all Muraena's Garrison souldiers, made a great Bonefire on the top of a high Hill, after his country manner offered sacrifices to foreign, or to Jupiter powerful in war, [Id. ibid.]

L. Cornelius Sylla, Year of the World 3923 created Dictatour, that he might seem to continue still the ancient model of the Common-wealth, permitted M. Tullius and Cornelius Dolobella to be made Cossi by the people: although he being evidently sole Monarch over all, was above them too, [Appian. lib. 1. Bell. civil. pag. 412.] In the beginning of whose Consulship he triumphed gloriously over King Mithridates (as Eutrop us hath it in his fifth book) on the third of the Calends of February (as appears by the pieces of the Marble on which the Triumph was engraved) which day falls upon the Julian November. And although that Triumph was very great in regard of the stateliness of it, and rarity of the spoiles they had taken from the King: yet did the shew receive a greater lustre and splendor from the exuls. For the most eminent men and chief of the City, bearing Crowns on their heads, attended Sylla's Chariot, calling him their Deliverer, and their Father, in regard they were by his means brought back into their native Country, and had their wives and children restored unto them, [Plutarch in Sylla.]

This one thing of Sylla deserved commendation; that when upon the laying down the command he had in Asia, he rod in Triumph, he did not beare before him the name of any one Town belonging to the Citizens of Rome, as he did of many Cities in Greece and Asia, [Valer. Maximus. lib. 2. cap. 8.] Sylla transfer'd 30000 pound weight of Gold, and 7000 of Silver, under that account; which his son C. Marius had brought from the conflagration of the Capitol and other devoted places to Praeneste. He also the day before transfer'd of all the other spoiles of the Victory 50000 pound weight of Gold, and 150000 of Silver, [Plin. lib. 33. cap. 1.] From whence it is plain the Triumph held for two dayes space.

Alexander Jannaeus, having reduced under his power the valley (called Antiochus his valley) and the Fort Gamala, put Demetrius Lord of those places beside his command there, having received many accusations against him; and at the just end of the third year of that his Expedition, led his army home again: the Jews giving him a hearty welcome home for his good successe he had had. At this time the Jews kept many of the Cities of the Syrians, Idumaeans, and Plaenicians, near the sea coast. The Town of Straton, Apollonia, Joppe, Jamnia, Azotus, Gaza, Anthedon, Raphia, Rhinocorura. In the Mediteranean parts, in the Country of Idumaea, Adora, and Mansia, and Samaria: the mountains also of Carmel and Itabyr; besides these; Scythopolis, Gadara, Gaulanitis, Selucia, and Gabala; some Moabitish Cities also: Essebon, Medaba, Lemba, Oronas, Telithon, Zara, Aulon of Cilicia, and Pella: the last of which they demolished, because the inhabitants refused to admit of the Jewish ceremonies. They possessed also some other Cities of Syria, and those no obscure ones, all which they lately annexed to their kingdom, [Joseph. lib. 13. cap. 23.]

L. Cornelius Sylla Dictatour, adjudging it a great shame that Mithridates a confederate should be infested with a war, sent Aulus Gabinius, to charge Muraena in good earnest, to desist from his hostility with Mithridates: and that he should endeavour to reconcile Mithridates and Ariobarzanes one to the other. At that meeting, having given his son about 4 years old, as hostage to Ariobarzanes: and that under that pretence, keeping still to himself that part of Cappadocia which he had garrisoned, and something else over and above: made a general entertainment for the company: At which he designed a certain weight of Gold to those that should get the better at drinking, or eating, jeering, singing, and other solemn sports: Every body had a share herein, but onelyonly Gabinius, [Appian. in Mithridatic. pag, 215. 216.]

Thus was the second Mithridatick war ended, in the third year thereof, [Id. ibid.] In which Muraena after he had with a great deale of violences and vigilancy afflicted Mithridates, drew off from him, leaving him rather abated in something, than quite crushed in pieces. As Cicero speakes in his Oration for Muraena his son; whom the Orator addes to have been a help to his father in his difficulties, a comfort in his labours, and a rejoycer in his victories. Who also in his 1. lib. against Verres, teacheth how that the people of Milesia upon Muraena's order, built 10 ships out of the revenues of the people of Rome, as the several Cities in Asia did proportionably; which Fleet was by covenant to serve the Romans in all extremities at sea whatsoever: as Asconius Pedianus hath noted upon the same book, or the Oration against Verres.

L. Lucullus spent the time of his Quaestorship in the peace of Asia, whilst Muraena was waging war in Pontus, [Cicero in Lucullo.]

Sylla Dictatour, called Muraena out of Asia, [Cicero pro lege Manilia.] M. Thermus succeeded him in the Praetorship of Asia, [Sueton in Julio, cap. 2.] It is probable also p. 534that Liteullus was called back from his Praetership of the same time with Murena, upon this ground, because he sat upon the bench at Rome, with Aquillus Gallus, the Judge in Quintius his cause; which (as Aulus Gellius lib. 15. cap. 28. and Hierom. in Chronic. tells us) was pleaded by Cicero in the 26 year of his age, M. Tullius, and Cn. Dolobella Consuls.

Alexander Jannaeus, The Julian Period. 4633 as soon as he had a little respite from wars, Year before Christ 81 fell into a disease, a quartan ague which held him three whole years, he might thank his intemperance for it; yet for all this, did not remit any thing of his warlike imployments, [Joseph. lib. 1. Bell. cap. 4. & lib. 13. Antiquit. cap. 23.]

L. Murena, being come to Rome, triumphed very honourably; his son graced his triumph with some military presents; who served under him whilest he was General. and made his fathers victory and triumph, the onelyonly end of his taking up his arms. [Cicero pro Murena.]

Mithridates, being now at leisure, subdued Bosphorus, and appointed Machares, one of his sons, King over that nation. [Appian. pag. 216.]

Molo, the Rhetorician, coming Ambassadors to the Senate, concerning the rewards of the Rhodians, was the first of any strangers that had audience without an interpreter: He deserved that honour, in regard the Roman eloquence was beholden to him for that force and vigour, which it hath; at which time Cicero himself plyed under him. [Cicero in Bruto. Valerius Maximus, lib. 2. cap. 2.] as he had done also some six years before, as we have hinted in its due place.

Julius Caesar being sent by M. Thermus Pretor of Asia, sent into Bithynia to fetch the fleet, tarryed a while with Nicomedes: It was whispered abroad, how that he had prostituted his chastity for the Kings lust to tyre upon: and the bruit was improved by his going to Bithynia again in a very short time, under pretence of getting in some monies which were due to a certain free man, one of his clients. [Sueton. in Iulio. cap. 2.]

L. Cornelius Sylla, Dictator, wheresoever he found amongst the slaves of those persons he had prescribed a lusty young fellow, he made him one of the commons; and of these he made above 10000. first confering on them their freedom and enfranchisements, and called them Cornelians, after their Patrons name: the policy of this was, that he might be sure of a party of 1000 in the City amongst the commons, to side with him upon all emergencies whatsoever, [Appian. lib. 1. Bell. Civil. pag. 413. & 416.] Servius upon the tenth of the Eneiods, reckons Polyhistor, to be one of those which were made free Denizons by Sylla. And that Alexander Polyhistor lived in Syllaes time, was made free, and surnamed Cornelius (although he was so called from his Patron Cornelius Lentulus, to whom he was sold, and whose School-master he was made) is confirmed by Suidas in foreign. For he calls this Grammarian Cratetis his Scholler, Milesium: whom Stephanus Byzantinus avows to be the son of Ascl…piades of Cotyaeum, a City in the lesser Phrigia, and to have written 42 books of all kind of things. Concerning whom, Eusebius is to be consulted, [lib. 9. Euangelic. Praeparat. cap. 17.] where also he cites many passages out of the book he wrote concerning the Jews.

Ptolemei Lathurus, having reduced the Thebaeans in the third year of their revolt, fined them so extream rigorously, that whereas before they could outvye the richest Cities in all Greece for wealth; they had not now left them the least print of their former fortune. So Pausanias in his Atticks, [pag. 8.] relating this, as if it belonged to the Boeotian Thebes, and not to the Egyptians. Whereas we have observed out of Appians Mithridaticks, [pag. 190.] how that almost at the very same time in which the Thebans revolted from Ptolemei, that greater Thebes of Boeotia, fell off from Archelaus, Mithridates his General, to Sylla the Roman General.

But this Ptolemei Lathurus, dyed not long after. [Pausanias ut supra.] 36 years and six moneths, after the decease of his brother Philometor. His daughter Cleopatra, wife of Ptolemei Alexander (who was younger brother to Lathurus, and had killed his mother, who was compartner with him in the throne) succeded him; she reigned six moneths. [Porphyr. in Graec. Euseb. Scaliger. pag. 225.] Pausanias avows that of all Lathurus his issue, Berenice was onelyonly legitimate, [ut supra] who dying before his father, her Bastard issue, Ptolemeus, seized the kingdom of Cyprus, Cleopatra, and after her Novus Dionysius, or Auletes the kingdom of Egypt, unlesse happily she whom Porphyrius calls Cleopatra, be the same with her whom Pausanias names Berenice.

Sylla Dictator, sent Alexander son of that Ptolemei Alexander, who killed his mother (whom he had admitted to his own familiar acquaintance, and brought along with him out of Asia) to the Alexandrians, to be their King: their issue male failing, and the women being forced to have some of their own blood for their husband: Sylla's drift was, the hopes he had of getting together a good hord of gold out of that wealthy kingdom. [Appian. Bell. Civil. lib. 1. pag. 414.]

p. 535C. Julius Caesar in the gaining of Mitylene was rewarded by M. Thermus, with corona civica, [Sueton in Julio cap. 2.] Mitylene was quite demolished to the ground: It was the onelyonly City which kept up armes after Mithridates was defeated, [Liv. lib. 89.] And so that noble City by the law of War, and right of Conquest, was brought under the jurisdiction of the people of Rome, [Cicero in Agraria. 2.]

Alexander, Year of the World 3924 having taken to wife Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, after he had resided 19 dayes with her, killed her, [Porphyr. ut supr.] Appian writes how that this King, being very domineering and insolent upon presumption of his interest in Sylla, was by the Alexandrians on the 19 day of his reign, dragged out of his Palace into the place of exercise, and there put to death. But it will appear out of Suetonius and Cicero, that he reigned 15 years after the death of his wife; against the common errour of Historians and Chronologers; who begin the reign of Ptolemei Auletes here, and confound his years with the years of Alexander.

Mithridates, making attempts upon the Achaeans, neighbours to the Colchians, who were (as some phansie) reliques of those who, returning from Troy, came thither upon mistake of their way, lost two moieties of his army; partly by being circumvented with an ambush: partly in plain fight, and the hardnesse of the weather, [Appian. pag. 216.]

Mithridates, at his return home, sent some to Rome to copy the articles of the League betwixt him and Sylla. Ariobarzanes also sent others, either voluntarily, or by the instigation of others, to inform that Cappadocia was not entirely resigned unto him, and that Mithridates did keep back the greater part of it to himself. But Mithridates was commanded by Sylla to quit Cappadocia, before the Articles should be enrolled, [Id. ibid.]

After the Province of Cilicia was setled, Cn. Dolobella was sent thither to be Proconsul: Cicero affirms, that there was added to this Province, besides the three Teritories of her own, the Pamphylian, Isauric, and the Cilician, three other Teritories of Asia; the Cibyntic, Synnadensian, and Appameensean, situate in the Regions of Phrygia, Pisidia, and Lycaonia. But when Dolobella bringing along with him C. Malleolus his Quaestor, and C. Verres his Lieutenant, was come as far as Delos: Verres there caused some ancient images in the night time to be taken covertly out of the Temple of Apollo, & to be put aboard the ship that was appointed to carry burthens. Upon the sudden there arose such a violent tempest, that Dolobella could not onelyonly not possibly lance forth, when he would, but had much adoe to abide at anchor in the haven, so monsterously did the waves beate against the ships. The ship which was fraught with the images being driven and cast out by the violence of the waves, is split; those images of Apollo are found floating upon the shoare: by Dolobellas order they are layed up again in the Temple, the tempest abates, Dolobella looses from Delos, [Cicero act. 2. in Verrem, lib. 1.]

The same Verres carryed away very neate images from Chios, Erythrae, and Halicarnasus. He took also from Tenedos (to the great grief of the City) the Statue of Tenes, a very curious piece. It is said that he built the City, and that it was called Tenedos from his name, [Id. ibid.]

Verres, having by his importunity prevailed with Dolobella, that he might be sent to the King, Nicomedes of Bithynia, and Sadala of Thrace, Allyes of the people of Rome, came to Lampsacus in the Hellespont: where, upon Rubrius his Pages attempting to carry to Verres the daughter of one Philodamus, a most eminent Citizen: the Lampsacens by the perswasion of Themistagoras and Thessalus, came flocking together in the night to protect the Virgins chastity: in the hurly burly Cornelius, Verres his lictour, was slain outright, and some of his servants, whereof Rubrius was one, received some cuts: They had much adoe also to save the Lieutenants house from being fired. Dolabella upon Verres his suite, giving over the war (which at that time was by him managed in Cilicia) and marching out of that Province into Asia, obtained of C. Nero (who succeeded M. Thermus in the Praetorship of Asia) that Philodamus and his son might after judgement passed upon them, be beheaded, [Id. ibid. compared with Asconius Pedianus upon the same.]

Charidemus, Year of the World 3925 Captain of a ship at Chius, being commanded by Dolabella to attend Verres departing Asia, came with him as far as Samos: where Verres assaulted the most ancient Temple of Juno of Samos, and carryed from thence the Pictures and the Images. The Samians went to the Chians and charged Charidemus with the sacriledge: but he made it evidently appear, that what was done, was none of his doings, but Verres his. Upon this, Embassadors came from Samos to C. Nero into Asia, to complain of him: who received this answer; That such complaints as these, which concern the people of Rom's Legate, ought not to be carryed to the Praetor, but to Rome, [Cicero ibid.]

p. 536The Milesians had a fleet, which upon covenant the people of Rome were to make use of upon any occasion at sea. Verres demanded of them one of those ships to attend him as a convoy to Myndus; they immediately furnished him with a gallant ship, the choicest of ten, and well trimmed. Verres, as soon as he arrived at Mindus, commanded the Souldiers and the Saylers to return to Miletum on foot by land, and sold the ship to L. Magius, and L. Fannius, who left Marius his army, and came to live at Mindus, but afterwards they sided with Sertorius and Mithridates. He that had the command of the ship, declares what Verres had done: the Milesians caused the Declaration to be entred into the publick regestrye. But Cn. Dolobella, upon Verres his request, did his best to have him, that made the Declaration, puished, and besides that, gave strict charge to have the Declaration taken out of the rolls again. [Id. ibid. compared with Asconius Pedianus upon him.]

C. Malleolus, C. Dolobella's Questor, being slain in the war, Verres forthwith obtained the office of Questor-ship from Dolobella, who, having gotten the guardianship of a Ward, began to finger his goods. [ibid.]

When the Provinces were allotted to the Consuls; Cilicia fell to Servilius, Macedonia to Appius, Claudius Servilius having gone to Tarentum to visit his Collegue, who lay sick there, took his journy to the City Corycum, [Salust. Histora. lib. 1. apud Priscian. lib. 15.] being ordered to go to quell the Pirates, who, under the conduct of Isidorus, roved about in the next sea, (betwixt Crees and Cyrenae, Achasa, and the creck of Malea) which from the spoyles was called the Golden Sea. [Flor. lib. 3. cap. 6.] Julius Caesar served under Servilius, but it was for a very short time, [Sueton. in Iulio, cap. 3.] and L. Flaccus was Tribune of the Souldiers. [Cicero pro Flacco.]

Cn. Dolobella, being called home from his province of Cilicia, and accused of extortion at Rome, by a young fellow, M. Emilius Scaurus, was condemned, and sent away unto banishment. The Action was estimated at thirty hundred thousand sefterces, meerly upon those particulars. This his Quaestor C. Verres had exacted above measure from the Cities of Lycia, Pamphilia, Pisidia, and Phrigia, corn, hides, hair-cloaths, sacks and such wares: and that he did not receive them in kind, but exacted mony for them. Verres himself, who was the main actour in the businesse, and a complice, gave strong evidence against him. For Verres was unwilling to give account of his Liutenants-ship, and his questor-ship, til such time that Dolobella (who onelyonly knew where to find fault with them) was condemned and ejected. [Cicero, act. 2. in Verre lib. 1. Vid. Pighii Annal. Rom. tom. 3. pag. 280, 281. & 286. 287.]

Alexander Jannaeus, Year of the World 3926 tyred out with his quartan ague, and on that consideration, engaging himself in an unseasonable warfare, at length being quite spent, dyed in the confines of the Gerasens, having reigned 27 years. At that instant he was besieging Ragaba Castle, which is situated beyond Jordan. Upon his death-bed, he advised his wife Alexandra, to conceale his death for a while from the knowledge of the Souldiers: and that after she were returned in conquest to Jerusalem in great state, she should give the Pharisees a little more freedom than ordinary; in regard that those kind of people had a great influence upon the Jews, when they had a mind, either to do a shrewd turn to an enemy, or to pleasure a friend. For the common people did place a great deal of confidence in them, though prone through envy to appeach any man whatsoever: and that he himself got the ill will of that nation for no other cause; but that he had given some offence to that sect. He perswaded her therefore, that she would give way, that they might have the disposal of his corps, and that she would not act any thing in state-administrations, but upon their determinations, and good liking; and so it would fall out, that both he should be the more honourably interred, and she and her son should reign without molestation. [Joseph lib. 1. Bell. Judaic. cap. 4. & lib. 13. Antiquit. cap. 23. compared with lib. 20. cap. 8.]

Queen Alexandra (callled also Selena, The Julian Period. 4636 by Ecclesiastical Writers) having taken the Castle Ragaba, Year before Christ 78 according to her husbands intimations, left all things concerning either his Corps, or the kingdom to the discretion of the Pharisees, and thereby reconciled them so to her, that they became her friends, who before were her most implacable enemies. Hereupon did the Pharisees assemble the common people, and made a speach to them, crying up the famous exploits of Alexander, and bemoaning what a good King they had lost. They so wrought upon the people, that they sadded all their hearts, and caused them to put finger in eye: neither was there any King before him, for whom they made so stately a funeral. [Id. lib. 13. Antiquit. cap. 24.]

It seemed, that Alexander drawing on towards his end, had in his last will and testament both left the administration of the kingdom to his wife Alexandra, and also the election of the High Priest to her discretion. She declared Hyrcanus her p. 537eldest son High Priest, not so much for the prerogative of his years, as for that she saw he was a meer slug, one that had no metal in him, and so lesse fear of his attempting any thing against that power she had gotten into her hands. As for her younger son Aristobulus, she was very well contented that he should live a private life, in regard he was of a more fiery and sprightly disposition than his brother. She governed the kingdom nine years, her son Hircanus holding the High-priesthood all that while. She was very gracious with the people, both because of the favour she was in with the Pharisees, as also because she seemed to be much troubled at her husbands exorbitances. To speak truth, she was onelyonly honoured with the bare title of Queen: the Pharisees had the managing of all State-affairs, to whom also, the people were expressely charged to give obedience: So that, if it appeared that Hircanus her father in law had abrogated any of the ordinances, which the Pharisees had brought in according to the traditions of their Elders, whatsoever it was, she caused it forthwith to be restored, and put in force again: the Pharisees also gave order for the calling back of exiles, and for the release of prisoners. Yet some things there were which the woman her self ordered and disposed: and besides she maintained a great number of hired souldiers, and did so mightily improve her strength, that she was formidable to the neighbouring Princes, and took hostages of them, [Id. ibid. compared with lib. 26. Antiquit. cap. 8. & lib. 1. Belli. cap. 4.]