Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 1 · Intertestamental history (2 of 7)
A Spring is also said to be neer that Temple, the water whereof is warm in the A strange water.morning, but waxing coole by degrees, it is very cold by noone, but at night it waxeth warm again; and so by degrees commeth to such heat, that by midnight it is very hot. Alexander being come to the Oracle, is first saluted thus by the chief Priest, Salve fili, & hanc à deo appetet: habe. Alexander answered, accipio pater, & tuus appellabor, modò imperium totius orbis mihi concesseris. Then a voice came unto him saying, that this god would most certainly effect that. Alexander then inquiring, whether the murtherers of his father were all cut off, it was answered, that none could hurt his father but the murtherers of Philip were all destroyed, and that none should ever be able to overcome Alexander, till he came amongst the gods. Lastly, to his followers, it is sayd, that a voyce came, saying, that from henceforth they should worship him, not as a man but as a god. And all this was done, sayth Justin, according to instructions given before by some sent by Alexander, he ambitiously seeking to turn that infamy which was upon his mother, Iustine.whom Philip had put away for suspition of adultery, into a glory, her being with child with him, being by this means taken to be by Jupiter, and he, if shee were adulterous, who was a bastard, for a god. For Philip, sayth hee, a little before his death, disclaymed him, as none of his son, and whilst by this means he sought to wipe away the infamy of bastardy, hee gave occasion to all men to hold him such and his mother an Whore. Orosius also sayth that when he came to that Temple, hee calling the chief Priest aside whispered unto him, what he would P. Orosius.have him say, which was accordingly, and thenceforth Alexander would be called the son of Jupiter. Then he returned to Memphis, and went to the marrish of Mareotis, where hee built a City of 80 furlongs compasse, upon all the ground betwixt that marrish and the Mediteranean Sea, and called it according to his own name Alexandria. Then he called many of the Jews thither to inhabit it, Ioseph. lib. 2. contra Appion.giving as much honour to them as to the Macedonians.
After this Alexander having set a Governour over Egypt, returned to Tyre, and from thence to Thapsacus a City of Syria by Euphrates, to which River when he came, Mazeus, who was set there with 3000 horse men to defend the passage, fled away. Wherefore hee without any trouble having conveyed over his army marched on towards Babylon, having Euphrates on the one hand, and the Armenian Mountains on the other, and within a few days hearing, that Darius was at the River Tygris, with an huge army hee marched thither. But comming hee found no resistance there, so that hee passed over that River also with his army without resistance, thence marching along having that River on the one hand, and the Sogdian Mountains on the other, through Assyria hee took some of Darius his horsmen, by whom he learned, that he was not far off, namely, at Arliela with an army of 40000 horse and 1000000 foot, and 200 Chariots barbed with iron, and 15 Elephants, whereas with Alexander were only 7000 horse, and 40000 foot. Then Darius sent Embassadours to him to thank him for his courteous usage of his wife and children, offering again all that part of Asia, which lyeth over the other side of Euphrates, unto him and his daughter to wife, and 10000 talents of Gold, and succession to all his dominions. This offer Parmenio hearing said, that if he were Alexander hee would accept of it, the King answered, so would I, if I were Parmenio, then turning to the Embassadours he bade them tell their Master, that the World could not beare two Suns, nor the earth two chief Princes, wherefore either wee must fight again for the Chiefty, or Darius must acknowledge Alexander to be his superiour, let him then either yield to day, or prepare to fight too morrow. Darius seeing then, that there was no remedy, kept many of his horsmen in arms all night, lest Alexander should come upon him unawares. And indeed Parmenio would have had him so to do, but hee said, that he would not overcome after the manner of thieves, neither get the victory, as if he were ashamed of it. And this turned not a little to his advantage, for by this meanes Darius his men were weary with watching, before they came to the fight, but Alexanders taking their rest all night, fresh and active. The next morning the fight begun, and the chariots greatly troubled Alexanders Army, making a part of it to begin to flee, as not able to endure the violence thereof, so that they peirced even to their carriages, which whilst the Macedonians endeavoured to save. Alexander fearing the losse of the victory by this meanes called them off to the fight. Then the battell being fought with all earnestnesse on both sides a long time, the chariot driver of Darius was slain, whereat the King being troubled fled, and so did all that part of his Army. But Parmenio fighting in another part, was oppressed by his enemies, in so much that the Macedonians in his part were ready to flee, wherefore he called to Alexander for help, and whilst he came to their rescue, Darius got so far that he was past pursuing, and fled into Media. In this battell were slain of the Persians side 40000, of the Macedonians 300. From thence Alexander went to Babylon, into which he entered without resistance, being saluted by the name of the King of Asia, and had all Darius his treasures brought forth unto him, and after 30 dayes he went to Susis, which was yeilded likewise: And leaving there the mother of Darius and his children with such as might teach them the Greek tongue, for his wife was dead before, he pursued after Darius into Media, travailing divers times day and night, but at length despairing to overtake him, he rested five dayes, and then word being brought him that Darius was taken, and carryed bound in a chariot by Bessus, who had been under him Lord of the Bactrians, but now tooke upon him to be King of those parts, he hastened thither, and when they that vvere about Darius heard of his approach, they first mortally wounding the King fled, and of those wounds he dyed, before that Alexander came at him, when he had reigned six years, when he came to the place where he was he wept over him, and covering his body with his own coat, which was before clad in vile clothes, that he might not be known, caused him to be carryed to Susis to his mother to be royally buried, and always after used Darius his mother as his own, and his children likewise, and a brother of his, and such as being in great place, that had been faithfull to him, he continued in their honours, but pursued his murtherers to be revenged on them.
Darius being dead, now began the Grecian Empire, so called, because Alexander a Graecian being Emperour before of Greece, now possessed the Empire of all Asia also, which before vvas the Persians, Anno mundi 3634, and in the sixth The Graecian Empire, Anno 3634.yeare of his reigne. Being come to this heighth of glory, his former most admirable continencie, brake out into most sordid luxury, for now he tooke him 360 concubines, as Darius had formerly, whereat his Macedonians vvere much vexed, and when he sought to pacifie them vvith gifts, but could not, he was forced to take up armes, and to leave that idle course of life again. And novv also an occasion vvas offered by Bassias, Prince of the Bactrians, vvho had murthered Darius, and tooke upon him to be Emperour of Persia, and Satibarzanes Prince of the Areans, to vvhom Alexander continued his place after the death of Darius, supposing that he would be faithfull to him, but having treacherously slain Anaxippus, Alexanders friend, together vvith 40 horse men, vvho vvere associated unto him, revolted to Bessus. Wherefore he vvent vvith an Army into those parts, and first came into the countrey of the Areans vvith such expedition, that Satibarzanes having not gathered an Army of above 2000 together, vvas soon made to flee, and could not for that time be overtaken by Alexander, but after a while, having gathered more forces together, he fought against Alexanders Captaines, neither vvould the Barbarians give in, till that he vvas slain by Erigius fighting vvith him hand to hand. Then Alexander vvent against Bessus, vvho vvith 7000 men fled before him, and having passed over the river Oxus, and burnt the ships, and vvasted the Countrey of provision before his passage, thought that he vvas novv safe, and in his cups mocked at the Macedonians. Alexander follovved after him by the mountain Camastus, vvhere all things vvere covered vvith frost and snovv, and so travelled on vvith his Army in great vvant, insomuch that they vvere constrained to kill of the beasts that vvere for carriage, and to feed upon them. And when he came to the river, having no other meanes to get over, they stuffed leathers full of straw, and so swam over upon them. When Bessus heard that they were come over, he fled, but Spiramenes his freind with two others, despairing now of his affairs, sent to Alexander to offer to deliver Bessus unto him. Then he sent Ptolomee the sonne of Lagus, who with great speed came and compassed the City, in which he was, with his horsemen, offering that if they would deliver Bessus unto him, they should have no harme. Then Spiramenes went in to Bessus, and told him feinedly, that those two who were his fellow conspiratours, did together plot his destruction, and if he pleased he would apprehend and bring them both bound unto him. But indeed they were so bound, that they might A plot of a conspiracie.loosen themselves when they would, and therefore when they were thus brought before Bessus, he looking with a cruell countenance upon them, commanded them to be put to a cruel death. But they loosing themselves, together with their bringers, layd hold upon Bessus, and bound him, and so delivered him to Ptolomee. Then his treachery to his Master Darius being objected to him, he was scourged, and carryed to Bactria, his eares being there cut off, and his nosthrils slit, then Diodorus.he was delivered to Darius his brother to be tormented at his will, who after much contumelious usage, cut him into small peeces.
But whilst this was in doing, the Macedonians rambling about to seeke food, the Barbarians to the number of 20000 came upon them, and slevv many, and tooke more prisoners, but they were soone overcome by the Macedonians, and the prisoners restored, and their City yeilded, although Alexander vvere novv greivously vvounded vvith an arrovv in his thigh, vvhichwhich brought heavinesse to his vvhole Camp. And now the Sogdians revolted from him, against vvhom he sent out Forces, but they by a stratagem vvere brought to destruction, to 2000 foot and 300 horse. Yet Alexander set his minde upon greater exployts, viz. to subdue the Scythians, and therefore sent before to build a City of 60 furlongs Arrianus.compasse, neare the river Tanais, that from thence he might with his Army goe against them, calling it after his own name, Alexandria, and it vvas built vvith incredible celerity, viz. in 20 dayes, that is, a vvall of that compasse, about the place vvhere the City stood. The King of the Scythians hearing of it, sent to beat it dovvn again, but Alexander being then almost recovered of his vvound, put on his armes, and so put such courage into his Souldiers, that presently passing over the river, and he vvith them, they put the Scythians to flight, and pursued them far, till they had slain 1000, and taken 150 prisoners. But novv also Alexander vvas again in danger of his life, by corrupt vvater vvhichwhich he dranke, vvhen he and his men had laboured vvith vvant of vvater, the vveather being very hot all that day. When the report of his victory over the Scythians, vvho vvere thought invincible, vvas spread abroad, other barbarous Countreyes also in the North submitted to him, and the Asians ready before to revolt, returned to his obedience. Then he sought to be revenged on the Sogdians, and returning against them, overcame and tooke many of them, amongst the rest, 30 of great stature being brought to Alexander to be slain, seemed greatly to rejoyce, and being demanded vvhy, they answered, because they should be slain by so great a King, Heathens not fearing death.vvho had subdued all Nations, and so be gathered to their faith. Alexander hearing this vvas so moved that he spared them, and for this they vvere alwayes after most faithfull unto him.
Whilst the King was thus taking in countreys, two of his most faithfull freinds who also had been much advanced by him, were cruelly cut off, Parmenio and Clytus, the one whom he had preferred to be Prince of Media, he being incensed against him for the treachery of Philotas his son, who together with others had conspired the death of Alexander, wherefore he being cut off, he sent one The dangers of Kings Favourites.with such speed with Letters from Philotas to Parmenio his father, that he delivered them, before that he heard of his sonnes death, and withall thrust him through whilst he was reading them, as Alexander had given him in charge. The other whom he had set over another province he slew, when he was drunken at a feast which Alexander held with his Princes. For then Alexander extenuating the worth of Philips gests, extolled his own, but Clytus contrariwise extolled Philips, as wherein he and Parmenio had a part, and extenuated Alexanders, The rage of drunkennesse.saying, that Philip fought against men, but he against women, for such weaklings he counted the men of Asia. At this Alexander being inraged, tooke up a Javelin to thrust him through, but two of his Princes held him, and then two others tooke the Speare out of his hand. Hereupon the King cryed, that he was taken by his own men, as Darius had been, and called for his Souldiers to help him, then they fell down upon their knees, beseeching him to represse his rage, and to defer execution till to morrow. But he impatiently ran to the doore it being now darke, and taking a Javelin from a porter standing there, asked each one who he was, as he came forth, and when Clytus offered to goe out last of all others, asking him, and he saying, that he was Clytus, he presently thrust him through. But when he came to himselfe again, and saw what he had done, he tooke the same speare out of his dead body, and would have slain himselfe also therewith. But being held by his freinds, he cryed out most lamentably, desiring them not to suffer him to live, now that Clytus his freind was by his hands dead. Then finding no other way to come to his death, he refused to eate any thing for three dayes, till at the last being perswaded that Clytus had suffered justly, because he was so bold to oppose and contradict his King, to whom he owed all subjection, he did eat and drinke again, but came no more abroad for shame in ten dayes.
After this Alexander prepared to goe against the Indians, to subdue their countrey also, taking for pledges many young men with him of those countreys which he had conquered, that he might thus secure them in his absence. His whole Army consisted of 120000, which that they might be equall to the Indians in pomp, had targets plated with silver, and bridle bitts of gold. But whilst this army was in preparing, Alexander in great pride aspired after divine honour, as Alexanders pride.the sonne of Jupiter, and some sycophants there were, which sought to move the people to give it to him, praising this new Deity as greater then Hercules or Liberus. OnelyOnly Calisthenes a wise and grave man, sent by Aristotle to write his gests, shewed his dislike thereof. But this bred an enmity in the King towards him, insomuch that when Hermolaus and others conspired to kill Alexander, Veritas odium parit.which was in due time discovered, and some of them suffered death therefore, Calisthenes, although innocent altogether of that crime, was amongst them apprehended and put to death also. The cause of this conspiracie was, because Hermolaus one of the Princes sonnes that attended upon Alexander, killed a wilde Boare in Alexanders presence, which he had tho…ght to have smitten, and the King being offended at it, caused him therefore to be beaten. For Hermolaus The revenge of disgrace.tooke this so heinously, that having drawn Sostratus to him and some others, they layd wayt together to kill the King. But so it fell out, that upon the night wherein they had thought to have done it, Alexander continued drinking so long, that Epimenes who was one of them, suspected that they should have no opportunity that night, and by delaying there would be danger of discovering it, went and told his brother Eucilocus of it, and he immediately laying hands upon his brother, carryed him to the King, to whom when it was discovered, he well rewarded Eucilocus, pardoned Epimenes, and tooke and committed the rest the same Conspirators against Alexander punishtnight, delivering them the next day after some expostulation, to their own band, who to please Alexander cut them in peices,
Then Alexander leaving those parts to the government of Amyntas, departed towards India, where when he arived, many petty Kings came and submitted themselves to him, as the sonne of Jupiter. But against the rest he sent out Ephestion Curtius. Arrian…s.and Perdiccas, he in the meane time going against the City Nisa, which was soon yeilded. The people hereof boast, that they came of Liberus, whom Jupiter brought forth out of his thigh, but the truth is, Nisa signifieth a thigh in the Indian tongue, and because he was borne there, this fable was raised. From thence Alexander vvent against Masuga, in besieging vvhichwhich he vvas sore vvounded, Alexander wounded.and thereupon sayd, I am called the sonne of Jupiter indeed, but doe feele the pain of a sick body, yet vvhen they vvithin despaired of holding the City against the King, their Queene Cleope came forth unto him, and a number of Ladies following her vvith cups of gold in their hands, and so obteined favour to hold her royall dignity there still. Passing on from thence, he heard that divers peoples forsaking their Cities, fled to a rock called Aornon, vvhichwhich they thought to be invincible, because Hercules once attempted to take it, but could not. This stirred up Alexander the more to attempt it, and after the losse of many of his men, by Curtius.the incredible courage of the Macedonians, he tooke it, and built Altars there to Minerva and Victoria, and sacrificed. Then he vvent to the River Indus, vvhere he found Ephestion and Perdiccas, vvith all things ready to passe the river, boats being made vvhichwhich might be dragged from one river to another, because they must passe over many.
Taxiles the King of those parts fearing the power of Alexander, sent to submit to his will, and meeting him with a great company, gave him for a present 56 Elephants, 3000 Buls, and Chains of gold for him and all his friends, besides 80 talents of silver. And Alexander gave to him 30 horses trapped, and 1000 talents. From thence he went to the River Hydaspis, beyond which were two Kings, Abiasares and Porus, the one of which presently submitted by his Embassadours, but Porus being sent unto to do the like, and for that end to meet Alexander at the entrance of his borders, he answered that he would meet him, which hee did indeed with 85 Elephants, 300 Chariots, and 30000 foot, but to fight, not to yield, as he expected. And he met at the River Hydaspis which was so broad that it was like a Sea, four furlongs over, to hinder his passage, yet Alexander by his policy, when he had by sending forces another way, as if he would get over there, drawn away Porus, passed over, & having fought long doubtfully, at length obteined the Valour in an enemie honoured.victory, & took Porus having nine wounds given him in the battle, & used him for his great valour withal curtesie, taking care of his healing, as if he had fought on his side, and taking him to the admiration of all about him, into the number of his friends, gives him also a large Kingdom, wherefore he was always faithfull to him afterwards. Alexander then marched into the furthest parts of India, all Countries Q. Curtius.yielding unto him, except the Cathaeans a most warlike & stout people. But after a sharp fight, wherein 17000 of them, & 100 Macedonians were slain, and 1500 Macedonians wounded, he wan the City and raced it to the ground, now thinking upon a return into his own Country. Yet his ambitious minde desirous to leave no parts unsubdued would not suffer him, untill that being constreined by his Souldiers resolute deniall to go any further with him, and urging him to give fighting over, with which they had been already over-wearied, hee unwillingly after a while condescended to return. For having made Oration after Oration unto them to go on with him, but in vain, he at length sacrificed, and by the Wizards beholding the entrails of the beasts forewarned of ill successe, if he proceeded, he caused it to be proclaimed through the Campe, that they should prepare to return to the great rejoycing of all their hearts, as their acclamations then made did declare. But first he would have twelve altars built like towers for a monument of his conquering Alexanders piety. His Monument. Curtius.so far, upon which he sacrificed to his Gods for his preservation and victories hitherto obteined. There also he caused beds to be made five cubits long, and a trench three times as great as needed for the compassing in of his to deceive posterity. These things being done, he returned to the River Hydaspis, preferring Porus over all the Countreys of the Indians, which hee had conquered, being seven, and the Cities being 2000. And here he prepared a Navy to passe down the River to the Ocean, in which passage he took more Cities of the Indians, some by force, and some by yielding. Then hearing of a people called Malli and Oxidrates he hastened to them, before they should unite their forces together, because they were the most warlike of all the Indians, and comming neere them within five dayes, hee hardly escaped drowning. But comming on land, he went with the third part of his Army against the Malli, appointing another third part under Ephestion, to go by water, and another third to follow that three dayes after. Then he comming suddenly upon the Malli, slue many and put the rest to flight, vvho in great multitudes came to a certain strong City, which he therefore besieged, and in a short time brake in. Then the people betaking them to the tovver, Alexander set up scaling ladders, and came first up to the top of the Walls thereof, making those that kept them to flee, after that he had slain some of them, then he leaping from the Wall to the tovver, fought alone some time against them and slue their Captain, vvhichwhich caused, that none of the rest durst come neer him any more, but only darted and shot at him a far off, and such of his men, as by this time vvere come to him, of whom some being slaine, Alexander himselfe at length was mortally vvounded in his brest vvith a forked arrow, insomuch, that his spirits failing and his eyes darkned, hee fell upon his shield. But his Macedoniams seeing it slue all that they could come neer, and then bare him out of the battle, upon the shield. The Physician beholding the wound with the arrovv sticking in it feared greatly, till that being animated by Alexander, hee opened the wound wider, and took out the forked arrow, hee sitting still and patiently bearing it all that time. But then so much bloud came forth; that his spirits again failed him, till that the bloud was flenched, and within seven days he recovered so, that he shevved himself again to his army, vvho exceedingly rejoyced at it. Then those peoples submitted unto him and sent him gifts, receiving Philip, whom he appointed to rule over them, and giving 1000 pledges After this many other peoples vvere by Alexander subdued, but not without great losse of his men and beasts, by reason of the dry and barren places through which they passed. Finally, Death joyfully undergon.his navy being prepared, hee returned into Persia, where Calanus one of the Wisemen of the Indians, who had hitherto accompanied Alexander, fell sick, but would not after the manner of other men lye by it, but desiring of Alexander that a fire might be made, and he might be brought unto it, that therein he might end his life, because he would not continue here to go from the felicity, wherein he had formerly lived, Alexander at the first disswaded him, but seeing his resolution, hee gave way to him, and so a fire being prepared, he was brought unto it, and being deckt after his Countrey manner, hee joyfully leapt into the flames, the trumpets sounding and the souldiers shouting, as he desired.
Then Alexander came to Susis, and there marryed many of his Macedonians, to 80 of the daughters of the most noble families of the Modes and Persians, giving to every one gifts, and to 10000 others also of his Countreymen, that marryed in those parts, he gave gifts. He for his own part marrying, besides Roxanes, whom he had before, only Parasitis the eldest daughter of King Darius, and the youngest daughter of Ochus. And he added this to his Kingly magnificence, that he payd all the debts of his souldiers, amounting to 20000 talents, yet his Macedonians were not satisfied, because he did so much for those of Asia. After this, having dismissed many of them, who for age or other infirmities were unfit to follow the wars any longer, paying for their charge of return, and providing, that they might be honourably used in Greece, hee also gave liberty to all the banished to return whereunto all other States of Graecia obeyed, but the Athenians would not, whereby the King was much moved against them, and thought to be revenged. But he was herein soon prevented by death, touching which hee had beene forewarned by his Wizards, if he went to Babylon. Their warnings he at the first regarded, thinking therefore not to come there, but when many Embassadours from forreign parts were come thither, he went to welcome them, and by excessive drinking amongst them day after day, both day and night hee fell into a fever, and so into a phrensie and dyed. But some say that he was poysoned, and that by Antipater, sayth Naucler: fearing otherwise such cruelty, as other worthy men had suffered at his hands, which Plutarch confuteth, because no signes of poysoning appeared after that he was dead. And this his death hapned soon after the death of his dearest friend Hephestion, for whom he sorrowed excessively, and raged against the Physicians under whose hand hee dyed, insomuch that hee slue them and against the place, casting it to the ground, and was most profuse in his cost about his funerall. He dyed, when he had been King of Macedonia 12 yeers, and Monarch six yeers, neyther did any thing more worth the remembring happen Anno aetatis s…ae 32.to the Jews in his time, but only, that when hee was in Babylon, and would have all men to help build the Temple of Belus being faln down, they refused and …. lib. 1. …pio….were therefore punished, but afterwards pardoned and sent into their own Province, where they beat down Idols houses and Images, for which they were also compelled to pay great sums of money.
Next after Joannes, of whom about the beginning of this History, Jadduah vvas High-Priest 27 years, beginning Anno 5 of Duke Hircanus, so that he atteined Jadduah High-Priest.to Alexanders reigne, and continued till his fifth yeare, or rather his sixth, then he dying, Onias succeeded in the High Priesthood, Anno 7 of Alexander, and continued 27 years. But Duke Hircanus being dead a little before. Joseph became Onias High Priest. Ioseph Duke. Punctius. Josephus, antiq. lib. 12. c. 1.Duke of Iudah seven years. The death of Alexander, according to Funccius, fell out Anno mundi 3640. So soone as he was dead, sayth Iosephus his Kingdom vvas divided into divers, as into the Kingdom of Asia under Antigonus of Babylon under Seleucus, of Hellespont under Lysimachus, of Macedon under Cassander, Egypt under Prolomee the son of Lagus. And by this means great contentions arose, and many men were slain, especially in Syria by Prolomee, falsly called Soter. He also came cunningly into Ierusalem upon a Sabbath day, when the Jews rested suspecting nothing, as if he came onelyonly to their sacrifices, and then ceased upon the City, and hardly handled the Jews, and carryed many of them away into Egypt, commanding them to abide there. And when he understood how constantly they stood to their Oath made to Alexander, he set divers of them over his Towers, dividing the trust equally betwixt them and the Macedonians. Then many other Jews also came into Egypt, and being taken with the fruitfulnesse of the Countrey, setled themselves there. But at home great contentions, and often fightings arose betwixt the Jews at Jerusalem, and those of Samaria, the one affirming that all Sacrifices ought to be brought to the Temple Two Temples occasion much strise.at Jerusalem, but the other to the Temple at Mount Gerizim, hitherto Iosephus. But others writing the same History more fully, say that Alexander was desired by his Princes to name his successour in the Kingdom, to whom he answered, let the most worthy man take it, but before he dyed, he gave his ring to Perdiccas, whereby all were moved to looke at him, and offered the Kingdom to him. But whilst he, immodestly for a time refused it, one Meleager drew the people to Philip the brother of Alexander, as to whom, by the Law of Nations, the Kingdom belonged, and he was immediately saluted as King. But the Princes determined, that for so much as Roxane the Queene was with childe, it, if a sonne, should be King, and Perdiccas and Leonatus. who were of the bloud Royall should be Governours. Philip hearing this was terrified, and so was Meleager, but the people proceeded to set Philip in the Throne, and to put Alexanders garment upon him, Meleager then meditating nothing, but how to destroy Perdiccas and the Princes adhearing to him, to which whilst he was intent, Perdiccas gathered Forces, slue 300 of his followers, and he fleeing to a sanctuary was slain there. Then the Kingdom, sayth Ierom, was divided into foure, according to the Prophosie of Daniel, who set forth Alexander under the similitude of a Dan. 8. 8.gate having one great horne, but that being broken off, foure hornes towards the foure parts of the world came up in stead thereof: For Ptolomee obtained the Kingdom of Egypt, which was Southward, Philip the Kingdom of Macedonia, which was Westward, Seleucus Nicanor the Kingdom of Syria and Babylon, which was Eastward, Antigonus the Kingdom of Asia and Pontus, which was towards the North. So none of his posterity had his Kingdom, as Daniel sayth, for the childe that was borne of Roxane called Alexander, was together with his mother poysoned by Cassander, another son which he had by Barsine, called Hercules was slain at 17 years of age, by Polisperchonte, being hereunto allured by the sayd Cassander, when he was seeking to make him King, And his brother Philip, otherwise called Aridaeus, although he had the Kingdome of Macedonia, yet he was rather a shadow of a King then a King, as Plutarch speaketh, because Plutarch.although he were King, yet Antipater ruled, and he was by Olympias the mother of Alexandria, together with Eurydice his wife cruelly slain, and then shee having a while reigned was slain by Cassander the sonne of Antipater, who also poysoned Funccius.young Alexander and his mother Roxane, and so he reigned over Macedonia 19 years. Of all these foure Kings before spoken of, Ptolomee and Philip were the first that became Kings, and although Philip were soon cut off, yet Ptolomee continued King 40 years. Antigonus came not to his Kingdom of Asia till six years after, and he reigned 18 yeers. He made war upon Ptolomee and Cassander, and afterwards Ptolomee made war upon him. Antigonus dying left his Kingdom to Demetrius his son, who reigned 17 yeares, and then yeilded up his Kingdom to Seleucus King of Syria, and so the Kingdom of Asia was extinct, comming under the King of Syria. But he first obteined the Kingdome of Macedonia, Anno 7 of his reigne after Alexander, and Antipater who had reigned foure years next to Cassandar. This History is related by Nauclerus thus. Demetrius having by Nauclerus.treachery circumvented Alexander, the sonne of Cassander, and slain him, called together an Assembly of the Macedonians, and declared unto them that this Alexander was worthily cut off, as being the off-spring of Cassander, who had VponUpon Cassander revenge.cruelly murthered the children and such as were neere to Alexander the Great. But his father had always been a deare freind and fellow Souldier unto him, and therefore his royall off-spring being now extinct, he might most justly of all others lay claime to the Kingdom of Macedonia, and so he was received for King. But when Ptolomee and Seleucus, and Lysimachus, joyning all their Forces together, came against him, and he knew not how to escape, he yeelded himselfe to Seleucus, who spoyled him of the Kingdom of Asia, so that it ceased to be a Kingdom any more, there remaining now no more of the foure before mentioned, but two, that is, the Kingdom of Egypt, and the Kingdom of Syria, being called from him Regnum Seleucidarum ever after. But it is reckoned to have begun 12 years after Alexanders death, it being so long before that Selcucus, called also Nicanor, came to be King. Neither indeed did Ptolomee of Egypt take upon him the title and ornaments of a King, as long as any of Alexanders children lived, but when they were murthered, as hath been already shewed. And it is to be noted that Antigonus of Asia, and his sonne Demetrius, first of all others tooke upon them to be called Kings, and their Kingdom had first an end put unto it. The occasion which Antigonus tooke to proclaim himselfe King, and his sonne Demetrius also, was the good successe of Demetrius first in Greece, whereat Athens and divers other places, he restored the people, who were kept under by Cassander, to Ptolomee, to their ancient liberties, and therefore was over honoured by the Athenians: Then in Cyprus against Ptolomee, whom he overcame, killing many of his men, and taking many prisoners, so that Ptolomee fled away with a few ships onelyonly into Egypt. For when Antigonus heard the news hereof, he would thenceforth that both he and his son should be called Kings▪ and when Ptolomee heard this, he being nothing dejected in minde for his former overthrow, would be called King also, and the like did Seleucus, Cassander, and Lysimachus of Helespont. And this was about the 18 yeare after the death of Alexander the Great, to which time almost, Alexander the sonne of Roxane living, and Cassander thinking it high time to make him away, that he might continue absolute in that Kingdom, found means to effect it, and shortly after wrought so with Polyspercentes, who had Hercules his other sonne with him, that he was murthered also, as hath been before shewed. But the wretched murtherer Cassander, had both an hell in his conscience after this (for comming where Alexanders image was, he was An evill conscience.taken with so great feare, that he was ready to fall down dead) and his children enjoyed his Kingdom but foure years after him, being then treacherously slain by Demetrius, as he had slain the children of his Master Alexander; But of the revenge taken upon him and his family, Pausanias sayth, that when he had reigned in much trouble 17 years, soon after that he had committed the foresaid Pausanias.horrible murthers, he fell into the dropsie, worms being bred hereby, and breaking Murther punished remarkably.out of his skin, and so being consumed with misery he dyed. After his death his eldest sonne Philip dyed also forthwith of a consumption, his second sonne Antipater observing that his mother Thessalonica favoured his brother more then him, slew her with his own hands, but was soon himselfe slain therefore by his father in Law Lysimachus. Then his third and youngest son Alexander, calling Demetrius to help him to be revenged for his mothers death, whilst he devised how to cut him off, was by him prevented, and suddainly slain. The death of his mother was not indeed revenged upon Antipater before Demetrius came, yet when he came Alexander was much grieved, as suspecting him that had beene his fathers enemy, wherefore feigning love, he entertained him, but preparing a feast for him, he meditated the cutting of him off by treahery, when he should come unto it. This being discovered to Demetrius, he handled the matter so, that he avoyded the danger at that time, and inviting Alexander, caused him to be slain. As for Demetrius who thus atteined to the Kingdom of Macedonia, he had formerly made war upon Cassander, and brought him into great danger, when he restored liberty to many Cities of Graecia, but Cassander seeing the danger wherein he was, for Demetrius had so great an Army, that he could not resist, sent to Seleucus King of Syria, to Ptolomee King of Egypt, and to Lysimachus King of Helespont to consider their own case by his, and therefore to joyne together against the King of Asia, lest he comming upon them one by one, should bring them all under, and so make himselfe Monarch over all. They hearing this prepared to goe against Antigonus the father of Demetrius, being now a most aged King, viz. 80 years old. Wherefore he sent to call his son out of Greece, willing him to make peace with Cassander as well as he could. He being returned, a great battell was fought, and Antigonus was slain, and Demetrius fled into Greece, thinking to have ayd from the Athenians, by whom he had formerly The mutability of people.been unreasonably honoured, but now they shut him out of their City. Then Seleucus ceased upon Asia and Babylon, and Ptolomee upon some part of that Kingdom, Demetrius the sonne of Antigonus, being for his and his fathers pride and cruelty shut out. For upon former victories they waxed so proud, that they would have none called Kings but themselves, others onelyonly Presidents and Governours. And Antigonus did a most cruell and treacherous act against Cleopatra the sister of Alexander the Great, for which it was to be expected, that he should by the just judgement of God be cut off. For when the sonnes of Alexander were dead, both he and Seleucus and Ptolomee, desired each one to strengthen himselfe by a marriage with her; and when Antigonus in whose Kingdom shee was, perceived that shee tooke better liking to Seleucus then to him, he imployed some Cruelty revenged.to slay her as shee was passing towards Syria, but this being done, he dissembled griefe therefore, and tooke the instruments and put them to most cruell deaths, and then most sumptuously buried her. Thus he cunningly hid this wickednesse of Pride puld downd.his before men, but God found him out at length to be revenged upon him, and to expose his Kingdom to the dilacerating of others, whom he little feared in times past, when by warring upon them he brought some of them solow. Thus both the Kings Cassander and Antigonus that had imbrewed their hands in bloud seeking hereby to advance and stablish their own greatnesse, overthrew both themselves and theirs, and likewise whatsoever Kingdom is founded in bloud A Kingdom founded in bloud. Kindnesse in Kings a sure foundation.shall not long continue. Contrariwise Ptolomee is noted to have been kinde and loving, whereby he wan all mens hearts where hee reigned and so was Seleucus, and therefore they flourished and left their Kingdoms much increased to their posterities for many Generations.
To return to Demetrius, vvhen Alexander was slain, hee was soon accepted by the Macedonians for King, but Lysimachus, whose daughter Antipater had married held part of the Kingdom in the right of his son in law, yet Demetrius increasing in power, and he having also other enemies ready to fight against him, restored the part, which he held to Demetrius, to enjoy his friendship. Then his son Antipater complayning, that he had taken his Kingdome from him, slue him. But Dematrius enjoyed not the Kingdome of Macedonia above sixe or seven yeeres. For being puft up with his good successe in atteining it, hee now meditated the recovering of his Kingdom of Asia again, and to this end prepared an army of 100000 foot and 12000 horse. Seleucus hearing of this joyned with Ptolomee and Lysimachus, & these three kings altogether, wrote to Pyrrhus King of By the desire of more a Kingdom lost.Epyrus, a mighty man, to invade Macedonia promising him aid, moving him the rather hereunto, because his wife upon a dislike was gone from him, and married to Demetrius. Pyrrhus therefore invaded Macedonia, and Demetrius falling sick, wan it with it case, the people being in love with him for his great valour revolting unto him. Demetrius then disguized himself and fled, but afterwards gathering more forces he went against Seleucus, and when hee was not able to stand against him he yielded himself unto him, but not being admitted to his presence, he was yet royally maintained with a strong guard placed about him, as long as hee lived, which was three yeers after, Pyrrhus having gotten the Kingdom of Macedonia, held it not a whole yeer before he left it again to Lysimachus, because hee durst not trust the Macedonians, whom Lysimachus had sought to win from him by telling them, that it was a shame for them to be subject to the Epyrots, who were strangers, and always formerly under the Macedonians. Thus then that kingdome came to a fift alteration, since Alexanders death, 1 to Philip Aridaeus. 2 to Cassander, 3 to Demetrius, 4 to Pyrrhus, 5 to Lysimachus King of Thracia.
In this time Joseph Prince of the Jews being dead, Abner Semei succceded him, The Princes of the Iews. Anno 3662. Simon High Priest Funccius chron. Josephus, antiq. lib. 12. c. 3.and ruled 11 yeers, and after him Mattathiah 12 yeers. And after Onias was Simon High-priest 13 yeers, and after Simon, Eleazar his brother 20 yeers, so Funccius, because although Simon left a son called Onias, yet he was but a child, when his father dyed. In the beginning of Eleazars High-priesthood, Selencus the king of Syria removed many of the Jews to certain Cities, which he had built, as to Antioch, Laodicea, Seleucia, &c. to the number of 120000 of them, making them equall with the Macedonians, in so great favour were they with him for the good and faithfull service which they had done him in his wars. To return Plutarch.again to the kings, Pyrrhus having left Macedonia to Lysimachus, lived after this in quiet in his own kingdom, till that he had war with the Romans, but Lysimachus made war vvith Thracia and Heraclea, Ptolomee Lagi having first made Ptolomee Philadelphus his son king, dyed, after that he had held Egypt 40 yeers. Then reigned his son 40 yeers also, being called Philadelphus per antiphrasin, because he had slain both his elder brethren. He being king grew to greater power, then ever his father did, for he had 200000 foot, and 20000 horse, 2000 chariots, and 400 Elephants, 1500 long ships, and 1000 others to carry provision for his army. He also received out of Egypt yearly, 14800 talents of silver, and of come, 5000000 Arrabs, being a measure that containeth three bushels, and a third part, thus Jerom, who therefore applyeth that of Daniel, touching a Prince of large dominion to him. By his desire was the Bible translated out of Hebrew into Dan. 11. 5. The Septuagints translation.Greeke, which translation is called the Septuagints, because 70 of the Elders of the Jews, sent by Eleazar the High-Priest to Ptolomee, did severally translate it, neither was there any difference amongst them all in any thing, see Josephus, more at large upon this Lib. Antiq. 12. Cap. 2. About the same time that Ptolomee Lagi dyed, hot wars grew between Seleucus and Lysimachus, Lysimachus being 73, and Seleucus 77 years old, and these two were the longest livers of all Alexanders Captains, and now the desire of glory in their old age, brought them into the feild against one another, the one being King of Asia and Syria, and the other of Macedonia and Graecia, yet neither of them content with his own most large Dominions, but ambitious of all. In this battell Seleucus prevailing, Lysimachus was slain, as he was well worthy, for his unnaturall murthering of his own sonne Agathocles, who had with good successe fought many battels for him, but Tyrants soone cut off.at length caused by him to be poysoned, and so were many of his sonnes more, being 15, insomuch that he had scarce a sonne left him when he dyed, and the like tyranny he exercised towards many of his Nobles, which made many of his subjects to revolt from him to Seleucus, to his great disadvantage in this his last battell. Seleucus had but short joy after this victory, for within seven moneths he also was slain by Ptolomee Cerannus brother to Lysimachus his wife, who thus came to enjoy the Kingdom of Macedonia, and Antiochus Soter the Kingdom of Syria, by the death of his father. Ptolomee having atteined to the Kingdom of Macedonia, was much troubled about the establishing of himselfe therein, for he feared in respect of Antiochus, whose father he had slain, of Lysimachus his children, whose it had lately been, and of Pyrrhus, and the sonnes of Demetrius whose it had been before. But Pyrrhus being now to make warre against the Romans, he made his peace with him, by ayding him with men and horses for that expedition. For the family of Lysimachus, he sought a marriage with his Iustin.widdow Arsino, being his own sister, promising to be a tutour and father to her children. But contrariwise having prevailed in his suit, he slew her children, and drew her out of her City Cassandria; banishing her into Samothracia. But this treachery went not long unrevengsd, for before that he had continued a year in his Kingdom, the French comming against him, overcame and slew him, and cutting off his head, carryed it about upon a Spear. So God never suffereth bloudshed Murther punisht.and treachery to goe unrevenged. And the like may be observed of Arsinoe, when shee was forced to see the death of her children, for shee before was the instrument, whom Lysimachus her husband had used so unnaturally to poyson his Sin punisht in the kind.worthy sonne Agathocles, and some other of his children also, to whom shee was step mother, and therefore forward to make them away, that hers might be the more favoured. Ptolomee being dead, the French proceeded to waste and spoyle the Countrey of Macedonia, but one Sosthenes a Macedonian, gathering forces together, set upon the French, and drave them away, and so having saved the Iuslin.Countrey from spoyling, obteined that Kingdom. About this time the Jews whilst Eleazar was High-Priest, came into such favour with Ptolomee Philadelphus, by meanes of the Bible, which by 72 Elders was translated into Greeke at his Ioseph. lib. Antiq. 12. c. 2.request, that they being 120000 of them dispersed in his Dominions, were set at liberty, and so returned home into their own Countrey. And whereas many of them were in bondage, and so without injury could not be taken from their masters, without paying their redemption money, he frankly payed for them all 460 talents of silver. But to put him on to this, God by his providence first stirred up Demetrius Phalerius the keeper of the Kings Library, when the King upon a time asked him how many books he had gotten together, and he answered 200000, and that he hoped ere long to make them up 500000, to tell the King that there were certain excellent books which the Jews had in their own tongue, moving him to send to Eleazar the High-Priest for them, and six Elders of every Tribe, who had skill both in the Hebrew and Greeke Tongues to translate them. And Friends to Gods people amongst the heathen.when the King liking well the motion, prepared to send one Aresteus a good man, and in great estenme with the King, moved him to set these men, whose God he acknowledged to be so worthy, and books so desirable, at liberty from their servitude, being seconded by Sosibias and Andreas, Captains of the Guard, whom Aristeus had desired before to be assistant unto him, when Ptolomee Philadelphus sent for the translators, he also sent great gifts to the Temple, viz. 100 Talents to buy Sacrifices, and other necessaries for the Temple, 20 golden vialls, 30 of silver; and five goblets, and a precious table to be dedicated, in describing the sumptuousnesse of all which, Josephus is very large.
To return again to the Macedonians, the French increasing their Forces, sayth Justin, to 150000 foot, and 15000 horse under Brennus their Captaine, entered Iustin.Macedonia, and then easily overcame Sosthenes with his small Forces that came against them, and made them flee into their Cities, they in the meane season, wasting and spoyling their Countrey. And not being content with these spoyles, Brennus applyed his minde to rob the Templeat Delphos also, saying in a scossing manner, that the gods being rich ought to lend unto men. They of Delphos being but 4000, being assaulted by 65000, slue many of them by casting down stones upon them, and then by an earthquake, a peice of the mountain falling upon them, most of them perished, others being wounded at Brennus his perswasion slue one another, and he being moved by the anguish of his wounds slue himselfe, of the whole Army all that remained being but 10000 were destroyed in divers places as they returned homeward. Thus presumption upon their own strength was punished in these French and contempt of the Deity, although he Contempt of God punisht.whom they contemned were no god, but a devill, yet because they knew none other, they escaped not.
Whilst these things were done in Macedonia, Pyrrhus King of the Epyrots being desired by the Tarentines, went and made war with the Romans. But although he were of great valour and had many Elephants, by which he much prevailed at the first, because by them their horsmen were disordered, yet hee never fought against them without great losse, so that even when he had sometime the victory, he yet sought peace with them. But they would by no meanes agree to treat about it, unlesse he would first go out of their Countrey. At length Legats comming page missing shipwrack hastened with them being 200 to Sicily, where they besieged and tooke Panormus the chiefe City of the Carthaginians in all Sicily, and many other Cities yeilded unto them. But passing from thence into Africa, they were repulsed, and having stickt a time in the quicksands, when they got off again they returned to Panormus, but at the very comming thither such a tempest arose, as caused 150 of their ships to perish. Thus these great conquerours had their Forces sundry times sore shattered and broken, wherefore the newes hereof comming to the Senate, they supposing that those which went with their ships had not skill enough, made a Decree that thenceforth they would keepe no more but 60 ships to defend the coast of Italy, and so they ceased for a time from their Sea fights.
Annoneundi 3695, Eleazar the High-Priest being dead, Manasseh was High-Priest 27 years. And after Mattathias Asarmahat was Prince of the Jews nine Funcciusyears, then Artaxad Nagid 10 years, and after him Hagajeli 8 years, then Mastoth Nahum 7 years, in whose fourth yeare Manasseh begun. But for any thing done more touching the Jews all Manasseh his time, no rembmbrance is made by any writer.
To return to the Romans, they having by reason of their late great losses at sea, forborne to doe any thing against the Carthaginians two yeares, the Carthaginians now thinking them fearfull and unable, sent forth Hasdruball with an Army of 30000 horse and foot, and 130 Elephants, who came to Panormus in Sicily, where Metellus the Consul was, and without any hinderance on the Romans part, approached neere the City. But there without in the ditches, men being placed with darts and arrows, galled the Elephants, in whom their greatest trust lay, so as that partly by the wounds received from them, and partly from those upon the walls, they were turned into a fury, and killed many of their own men, and disordered their Army. This being by Metellus perceived, he presently came out of the City with his men, and slue and put to flight the whole Army of the Carthaginians, some of the Elephants also were slain, and above 100 taken and sent to Rome. The number of Carthaginians slain is sayd to have been 20000, but to be revenged upon their Generall Hasdruball, they condemned and hanged Orosius.him. Then they sent Attilius Regulus, whom they had kept prisoner five years Zonaras.together with other Embassadours to Rome to sue for peace and the exchange of prisoners, swearing him first, if he prevailed not, to return to Carthage again. He therefore having done his embassage, and being called into the Senate, to The conscience of an oath in an Heathen.which he would not goe without the other Embassadours leave, sayd unto the Senatours, that it was not for the profit of their Common-wealth to make peace, seeing they were so weakned by the destruction which was lately made by the Romans amongst them, that they were not able any longer to withstand their force, and as for changing of prisoners, there was no reason they should harken to that, seeing they had many, but the Carthaginians no more but him an old man, and a few others. And when notwithstanding that which he sayd, he saw the Senate inclining for his sake to agree upon a change of prisoners, he told them that he had drunke poyson, and therefore could not live long, and so at his own importunity being permitted, he returned to Carthage, and was put to a most cruell death, by being set in a narow vessell full of pricks most sharpe on all parts whereby he was compelled continually to stand upright, and so dyed for want of sleepe. The Romans so soone as they heard of it, delivered the chiefe of Carthage whom they had prisoners there into the hands of Regulus his sonnes, who put them likewise to a cruell and tormenting death.
These things being done, the Romans prepare a great Navy again of 200 ships, and send with them their two Consuls into Sicilia, and there they besieging Lelibeus, which was a strong City with walls, ditches and towres, were manfully repulsed by Annibal the son of Hamilcar, who was sent with 4000 Carthaginians to defend it. Wherefore the Romans prepared for a longer siege, which being Peace offered and refused succeeds ill to the Romans.heard at Rome, another new Consul P. Claudius was sent with a supply of 10000 more, who came to Drepanum by the way, thinking to oppresse Aderbal that kept the City unawares. But he seeing the enemies comming, although unexpectedly, took courage to fight against them, and suddenly having exhorted his men to fight couragiously set upon them, which Claudius seeing, who lookt for no resisting but yielding, he being much dismayed caused his navy to turn back, but the Carthaginians being nimbler and more expert at Sea-fights, and knowing the place better soon slue and took many of them, and 93 of their ships, Claudius escaping with only 30 ships. Diodorus speaks of more then 100 ships taken, and yet Diodorus.there were but 90 Carthaginian, and sayth, that in this battell 8000 Romans were slain, and 20000 taken prisoners, but not one Carthaginian slain and few wounded, which purchased great glory to Adherbal amongst the Carthaginians, and much hatred against Claudius amongst the Romans so that hee was adjudged to death. Florus sayth, that Claudius had in contempt of a divination by chickens Florus.let out of a cave, that would not eat, bidden them to be cast into the Sea, saying, if they will not eat, I will make them drink. But it was noted, that in the same place A contemner of Divinationshis Navy was over thrown, and so he had sorrow for his prophane mirth, as it was by those heathens accounted. In the mean season, whilst Junius was bringing provision by Sea to the Roman army, which besieged Lelibeus, Adherbal sent away Cathaloh with 30 ships to the Lelibean coast, adding also thereunto 70 more, which came from Carthage. This bred great troubles to the Romans: for now the Questors, who were sent before by Junius, being neer the Coast were chaced away by Cathaloh, fleeing to land in another place, and at the hearing of this tumult, the Governour of Lelibeus came forth with his army upon the Roman besiegers, and overthrew them, and after this Junius, the Consul comming on with the rest of his Navy, not knowing what had hapned, was also made to flee desperatly to a dangerous part of the Sea, where the Carthaginians durst not follow, but there they were so shattered amongst the rocks, that they all perished, that is, the ships with their provision, but Junius by reason of the share being neere escaped Eutropius.and came to Syracuse and so did most of his men. Then bethinking himself, what course to take to redeem his credit he got Eryco in Sicily by treachery, whereupon hot Wars arose between the Romans and Carthaginians divers yeers, but no notable exployt was done on eytherside all that time, the Romans since their great losses at Sea wanting a Navy.
In this interim Ptolomee Philadelphus dyed, when he had reigned 40 yeeres, and Ptol. Philadel. phus dyes. Antiochus Theos dyesoon after Antiochus Theos, King of Syria and Asia by poyson, as was sayd before. In the Kingdom Egypt, Ptolomee Energetes succeeded his father, and in Syria Seleucus Callinius obteined the Kingdom, who was the son of Laodice his wise, which had poysoned him. He being King by the instigation of his mother put Iustine.Berenice and her son to death, that he might reign the more securely. The manner was thus, she fled with her son into Daphne in the Suburbs of Antioch of Syria, and took sanctuary in Apollo his Temple. But being by Seleucus besieged there many came to ayd her, and her brother the King of Egypt also prepared a great power to help her, but when Seleucus could not by force, he took her by policy and slue both her and her son before that Ptolomee could come. To be revenged for this murther Ptolomee comming into Syria, drew many of Seleucus his subjects to take part with him through a detestation of that his wicked deed and his mothers, for they hated them for their cruell murthers. Then hee took Laodice and put her to death, and subdued a great part of Syria, and invaded Babylon, yea, Jerom commenting Murther revenged.upon that part of Daniel where this is prophesied of, sayth, that hee took also Silicia, and carryed away into Egypt at his return 40000 talents of gold and precious vessels, and 2500 Images, which had been formerly carryed out of Egypt by Cambyses, when hee took Egypt, for which the Egyptians gave him the sirname of Energetes, or Benefactour. And had it not been for the news of dissentions arising at home, which came unto him, causing his return, hee would have spoyled Seleucus of all his Kingdom, so just are Gods judgments even amongst the Heathens for cruelty and murther. For the Jews matters, Manasseh the highpriest Anno Mundi 3722. Funccius chron. Josephus, antiq. lib. 12. c. 3.dying about the time of Philadelphus his death, a new high-priest succeeded called Simon Justus, who lived after this 28 yeers, so Funccius, but Josephus placeth Onias, the son of Simon Justus next unto Manasseh, saying, that hee was pusillanimons and covetous, insomuch that hee would not part with tribute to Ptolomee Energetes being now by the conquest of Syria become Lord of Iudaea also. But Ptolomee sent unto him to threaten him, if he paid it not, to divide his Countrey amongst his Souldiers, and to bring in new colonyes. And when Onias was not moved by all this, but neglected the message, come what would come; there was one Joseph his sisters son by Tobias, that was much grieved at it, and therefore expostulated with his Uncle about it, and desired him if he were moved so much at parting with the money, to goe to the King, and to get part of it remitted. But he refusing so to doe he with his leave, undertooke the Embassage, and having first comforted the people, and entertained the Kings Embassadour and given him precious gifts, whereby his affection was much moved towards Joseph, followed after him into Egypt. The King being before his comming stirred up by the good report of the Embassadour, to a desire to see him, enterteined him very courtously when he came, bidding him to come up into the chariot. Then the Embassadour being present, began to accuse Onias of great neglect, but Ioseph answered that he was an old man, and old men and children had oft times mindes alike, but sayth he, we young men will not be wanting to doe our duty, so that there should be any just cause to complain. With this the King was so moved in his affection towards him, that he was lodged in his Pallace, and eat bread before him. Now it happened so, that Tributes at this time were brought in from Coelosyria, Phoenicia, Iudaea and Samaria, unto 8000 Talents, but Ioseph saying, that they had consented together to deceive the King, for there might twice so much be raised in those Countreys, and he would undertake to doe it, the King asked him what surety he would put in to doe so, and he answering, good and honest persons, even the King and the Queen, which should be sureties to one another for him, the King laughed, and without sureties committed the gathering of Tributes to him. Then he desiring had 2000 horsemen allowed him, and comming to Askelon, where they derided him, he tooke and put to death 20 of the chiefe, taking their goods to the value of 1000 Talents▪ and sent them to the King. Others being warned by their example, opened their gates unto him, and so he gathered very much money, which he sent to the King and Queen, and great gifts to divers about the Court, whereby he got himselfe many friends. And so he lived 22 years in great honour and reputation, in which time he begat seven sonnes of one wife, and one called Hircanus, of his brothers daughter, whom he tooke to wise upon this occasion. Being at Alexandria, where he saw a faire woman at a feast, come up to dance before the King, he was taken with the love of her: but because shee was an alienigena, and so it was unlawfull for him to marry her, he dealt with his brother, who had a daughter there marriageable, by some means to procure him the enjoyment of that dancer, he promised to doe his best, but preparing his own daughter brought her to his bed, and so hee lay with her, and having done so divers times, and being more inflamed with love towards her, he complained to his brother, that he knew not how to get his affection off from this woman, then hee sayd, that he should not need, for hee might have her to his wife, being his daughter. Ioseph being glad to heare this marryed her, and the son Hircanus, whom hee had by her in wisdom excelled all his brethren. Therefore his father having tryed him and them, when he was but thirteen years old; acknowledged him his only genuine son. Now he tryed them thus, hee sent them to bee taught by skilfull Masters, but after much time finding, that they profited not, hee gathered, that they wanted wit: then hee sent Hircanus with 300 yoke of Oxen afar off to plow and sow, but secretly withdrew the leather thongs, where with they should be tyed together. The husbandmen, that went with him missing these would have had him sent one home to his father to fetch them, but he loth to lose so much time would not, but caused ten Oxen to be killed, and of their hides thongs to be made, and with the flesh he fed the men. This his father hearing applauded his wit and loved him above all the rest, for which they hated him and sought his death. Unto this Joseph Funcius reckoneth 60 years, but Iosephus speaks only of 22 years, in which hee continued Tribute-gatherer Funccius.to the King of Egypt, and sayth, that his Uncle Onias the High-priest dyed about the same time that hedyed, his son Simon succeeding him, and that after his death Iosephs sons sought the life of Hircanus, but he leaving Ierasalem dwelt beyond the River Iordan, where hee fortified himselfe and made daily excursions upon the Arabians, and having lived thus seven years, till the King of Egypt was dead, and Seleucus the King of Syria also, whom Antiochus Epiphanius succeeded, he fearing his power, because he had spoyled the Arabians, slue himselfe, and so all his possessions came into the hands of Antiochus Epiphanes. Hitherto Iosephus.
To return to Seleucus the King of Syria, when he lost so much of his Kingdom by Ptolomee, the Parthians also revolted from him, and set up a King of their own Appian.called Arsace, from whom all the Kings of Parthia since have had their names. After that Ptolomee was returned into Egypt, Seleucus prepared him a great Navy to bring those Cities again to his obedience, which had revolted from him to Ptolomee, but a tempest arising they were all broken, and his men for the most part drowned, which is to be noted, because he had formerly murthered Berenice Murtherous Seleucus judged. Iustin.and her sonne, whose innocent bloud cryed for revenge. But the people who had falne from him, after they saw him thus punished, did voluntarily taking compassion upon his misery, submit themselves again unto him: But little joy had he of this, for he now meditating revenge upon Ptolomee, prepared an Army to fight against him, but was soon overcome and made to flee into Antioch the chiefe City of his Kingdom full of fear. From thence he wrote letters to his brother Antiochus, desiring his aid against Ptolomee, and offering him all Asia within the mountains of Taurus for his help. Antiochus hereupon, although he were but 14 years old, immediately began to think with himselfe, how he might get his brothers whole Kingdom from him, and therefore hiring many French men, he Antiochus Hierax.instead of helping, made war against his brother, having from hence the name of Hierax or Hanke, In that battell Antiochus prevailed, then the French thinking Seleucus to be slain, sought to kill Antiochus also, that they might more freely pillage the Countrey, but he perceiving it sen them away, giving much gold unto them. Of this dissention Eumenes the King of Bythinia taking advantage came against Antiochus and overcame him, and so possessed a great part of Syria, but the two brothers still seeking the destruction of one another, fought another battell, wherein Antiochus was overcome, and fled first to his father in law Artimenes King of Cappadocia, and when he could not be safe there, he went and yeilded himselfe to Ptolomee Energetes, who put him in safe custody: but he by the help of an vvhore escaping, vvas slain by robbers as he fled avvay. And Seleucus his brother, vvhen he had lived obscurely 20 years King, having lost his Kingdom by falling off his horse, dyed about the same time. Thus both he that perfidiously hauked after his brothers Kingdom, and his brother that feared not to reign the more securely to imbrew his hands in innocent bloud, had their reward Perfidie punisht.for a warning to all others.
To return again to the Romans, they having hitherto wanted a Navy, since the great losse susteined by Iunius, now after divers yeers took heart to prepare one and to set to Sea again, the first occasion whereof was the revolt of certain French men from the Carthaginians for their ill usage of them, to the Romans, who all so betrayed a Garrison unto them, committed to their custody. For to some ships thus obteined, and some of private Citizens they added many more. And now first they hired forreigners also to serve in their Wars, which they never did before, when all their publike treasure was spent in making ships, private persons at their own cost made someone, some two and some more Quinqueremes, after the Carthaginian manner, conditioning, if they had good successe, to be repaid their charges again. Thus their Navy became 200, according to some 300 according to others, many more, when it was ready, Posthumus being Consul was held by the High-priest Metellus, because he was also a Flamen of Mars, to attend upon the sacrifices, so that hee could not go out with it. Wherefore two Praetors were made, which might go forth, the one with the Tribune to war, and the other remayn at home with the other Tribune to govern the City, and therefore after this there never went out two Tribunes to War together any more. Pretors being made, Valerius one of them went with Catulus a Tribune, taking this whole Navy with them into Sicilia, where they first set upon Drepana, and when they had battered the walls, and almost taken it, Catulus was wounded in the thigh, being with much adoe, carryed out of of the fight. The Carthaginians hearing of the Romans comming forth again with a Navy, prepared theirs without delay, consisting of 250 ships, wherein they also carryed great store of provision, thinking therewith to victuall Eryce, and then the ships being lightened to fight with the Roman Navy. But Catulus fearing this, prepared to encounter with them, whilst they were heavie with their loading, and did so, and prevailed so far against them, that he sunke and tooke most of them, and Hanno the Generall of the Carthaginians sleeing back to Carthage with a few ships, was at his return taken and hanged up. The Carthaginians having their Forces thus broken, sent an Embassage to the Tribune, suing for peace. This he granted, being also sore shaken in his Forces by this fight, but his conditions were these. The Carthaginians wholy to leave Sicily. They must make no war with Hiero. They must not arme against the Syracusians. They must restore all Captains of the Romans gratis. They must pay 2200 Talents to the Romans in 20 years. But the Senate being consulted with, ten Embassadours were sent, who added that they should pay 1000 talents more forth with, and 2200 before mentioned in 10 years, and leave all the parts between Italy and Sicily. Thus sayth Polybius, the warre which had Polybius.lasted 24 years between the Romans and Carthaginians, had an end. But yet neyther were the Carthaginians free from war after this, nor yet the Romans. For the Carthaginians vvere vvasted vvith a civill vvar against their stipendaryes, vvho being dismissed by Hamilcar, and not payd as he appoynted, that they might return every one to his own home, made an head, and fought against the Carthaginians many bloudy battells, and this was called the Lybian War, vvhichwhich according to some lasted three years, according to others foure, in all vvhichwhich Polybius. Diodorus.time the calamities suffered by the Carthaginians vvere very great, but at length the stipendaryes vvere overcome by Hamilcar, and fled avvay into Sardinia. During the time of this Lybian Warre, some of the Romans brought provision over to the stipendaries, but they vvere by the Carthaginians beaten at Sea, and their laded ships taken, and vvith them 500 men, vvho vvere put in prison. This vvas at the first taken ill by the Senate, but afterwards upon an Embassage sent by the Carthaginians, all men vvere prohibited carrying any more provision to the stipendaryes, but allovved to carry vvhat they vvould to the Carthaginians, and they sent home all the Carthaginian prisoners also, vvhom they had taken at the Sicilian Warre. The Romans vvhilst the Carthaginians had civill vvars vvith their stipendaryes, had a short vvar vvith the Falisci, a rich people then in Italy, because they had abused a Tribune, a Tribune of the people. But the Consuls going both to fight against them, ended it vvithin six days, slaying of the Falisci Plutarch.15000 men, punishing them vvith the losse of halfe their land, and razing their City. And then first vvas the gate of Ianus shut, in token of the cessation of vvars, but the next yeare it vvas opened again. Novv Numa Pompilius vvas the second King of the Romans after Romulus, Anno Mundi 3251, and this shutting of the Gate of Ianus his Temple vvas, Anno 3727, that is, 476 yeares after, vvhereby vve may see both vvhat a long time the Romans vvere in grovving to this greatnesse, and vvhat an unquiet and turbulent Nation they have alvvays been since Romulus their first King, from vvhom they take their name, who was both before his reigne, and all the time thereof a great warriour. Before him, Italy was called the Kingdom of the Latines, being first founded by Kneas a Trojan, who The Latines. Funcciuscame from Troy after the destruction thereof, to Latinus a King here, whom Funccius calls his father in law, Anno Mundi 2786, and therefore after his name it was called Latinum. In this Kingdom reigned Eneas three years, and after him his sonne Ascanius, and after him others to the number of 15, of whom Amulius Silvius was the last. For he having a brother called Numitor, that had one only daughter, to whom of right the Kingdom belonged, as being his elder, expelled him from the Kingdom, and that there might be no hope of issue by his daughter, he made of her a vestall virgin. But shee Anno 27 of his reigne, lost her virginity, and brought forth two children at a birth, called Romulus and Remus, for which shee was buried alive, as the manner was, but her two children were exposed upon the banks of the River Tyber, and being found by Faustulus the Kings cowheard, they were brought home to his wife, whom the neighbours for her rapacity called Lupa. shee also being beautifull playd the whore for gain, and therefore from her to this day, the Stews are called Lupanaria. When these youths were but 17 years of age, they tooke Armes, and having gathered together a company of sheepherds and robbers, they fought against Amulius, and having slain him, restored their Grandfather Numitor to his Kingdom. Then they built Rome, and after Numitor, Romulus reigned there 37 years, subduing divers peoples about, for which he triumphed thrice. Numa Pompilius succeeded him, and reigned in great peace 43 yeares, till that he dyed with age. He was a most vertuous and moderate King all his dayes, giving himselfe wholy to sacred businesses, and to promote husbandry whereby sustenance might come in for the feeding of the people after him. Tullus Hostilius was the third King of the Romans 32 years, being at the last burnt with all his family in his own house falling on fire. Ancus Martius the fourth King 34 yeares. Tarquinius Priscus the fifth King, 38 years. Servius Tullus the sixth, who subdued Hetruria 44 years, and then was slain by Tarquinius Superbus, and he became the seventh and last King 25 years. From thence forward the City was governed by Consuls from Anno 245 of the Cities building, to 346, From thence Tribuni Mil. ruled untill Anno 388. From thence the government returned again to Consuls, untill Anno 707, at which time Julius Caesar became Emperour. Questors were ordained as before is sayd, in the time of Consuls, and Dictatours were before Emperours.