Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 1 · Intertestamental history (4 of 7)

Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4 · Biblical commentary 1 · Intertestamental history (4 of 7)

p. 135But when Demetrius heard, that Nicanor was overthrown, he appointed Bacchides to go again together with Alenius against the Iews, and to take the right horn of his army with him. In the mean season Iudas knowing of what prowesse 1 Mach. 8.1 Macc 8the Romans were, so that all Kings stood in a we of them, he sent Embassadours to Rome, to make a league with them, which was done accordingly, and Demetrius was forbidden to fight any more against the Iews, as the Romans friends and Confederates. But before the return of the Embassadour Bacchides with Alcimus, and an army of 20000 men came to seek Iudas to fight with him. Now Iudas had 1 Mach. 9.1 Macc 9with him only good who when they saw the multitude of their enemies withdrew themselves from him, so that 800 only remayned. Then hee stirring them up to the battell, they advised him rather to go first and gather their brethren together, because they being so few, were not able to fight against so great an army. But Iudas abhorring from this, as an obscuring of all their former glory, exhorts them to fight it out unto the death, and so joyning battell with the enemy, he at the first prevayled & slue many in the right horn where Bacchides was, and pursued them far, but then the left came upon his back, and his army fell, and Iudas was slain also, anno 152 of the Grecian Empire. Thus the embassage sent to Rome stood p. 136Iudas in no stead, neither doe we read of any helpe the Iews had from them after his death, so that Rupertus noteth some offence to have been in Judas, his seeking Rupert.help from Idolaters, when God had hitherto so mightily holpen him. For hereupon, first, God tooke away the courage of his men, when as with 3000 he had overcome Nicanor before, having a greater Army. 2 he withdrew the spirit of prayer, so that contrary to his wonted manner, without praying, he rushed into the battell. 3 without speaking of God, and his miraculous acts done formerly for his people, he was left to run upon the enemy, onelyonly with resolution to die in fighting valiantly, that the glory of his valour hitherto might be nothing ecclipsed by any shew of cowardize at this time, after the manner of another heroicall spirit, that hath nothing but nature in him, yet I doubt not but that these his errours were pardoned, and he dyed Gods faithfull servant, and his admirable conrage through faith still liveth, as Samsons, and the memory of his zeale to the Law of God, to stir up others to the like.

Judas Machabeus being dead, great lamentation was made for him by the Jews, and with one consent they made Jonathan his brother their Captain in his Anno 1805. Ionathan Prince 18 years.stead, who together with his brother Simeon, did fight often against their enemies with good successe, so that at length Bacohides sought to make peace with them, and did, and then departed into his own Countrey. But Alcimus before this having broken down the wall of the outward Court of the Lords house was smitten, so as that he dyed in great torment, anno 153 of the Greeke Empire, first becomming dumb through a palsey. The wall broken down by him is sayd to Sanctuary violation iudged. 1 Mach. 9. 54.1 Macc 9:54have been the worke of the Prophets, because built, as is thought, at the prophesying of Haggai and Zachary. But God suffered him not to live to break it all down, for it is sayd, when he began to breake it down, he was smitten with a palsey, &c. Thus a wicked man usurping the High-priesthood, through the favour of the Heathen King Demetrius, when with much difficulty and danger he came to the possession of it, Judas being dead, and Jonathan at that time fled Wickedly gotten not enioyed. 1 Mach. 9. 48.1 Macc 9:48over Jordan from Bacchides, when he saw that he could not prevail against him, was by the hand of God cut off, when he thought himselfe out of all danger.

To return to Jonathan, he now enjoying peace, sought to root out the wicked of the land, neither is any more sayd of him till Anno 160 of the Greeke Kingdom, that is, for six or seven years, in which time a great and long warre begun between the Romans and the Celtebrians in Spain, which lasted 20 years. The occasion was for that Segeda a City of theirs, taking in other Villages into it, Appian.built a wall about all of 40 furlongs compasle, the Senatehearing of this forbad it, and required tribute formerly layd upon them, and when they persisted notwithstanding in their building, because although in their Articles it was sayd, that they should make no more new walls, yet it was not denyed them to repair their old. But the Senate unsatisfied with their answer sent one Nobilior against them with 30000 men. The Segedians hearing of their comming, because their wall was not yet finished, sent their wives and children away to the City Arbaccos where they were well received, and one Catus was chosen Captain to goe against the Romans, who set forth the third day after his election with 20000 foot and 5000 horse, placing himselfe so as that he might the most unexpectedly set upon the Romans, which he did, and slue of them 6000 men. But whilst he pursued them disorderly, the Roman horsmen comming upon him, slue both him and 6000 of his Army. Wherefore the Arba…cians choosing two new Captains Ambo and Le…co, prepared again to fight with Nobilior at the strong City Numantia, and he having received 300 Numidian horsmen from Massanissa approached the City, having also ten Elephants placed so in the Army, that at the first they could not be seen by the enemy, but they comming forth to fight, the Elephants were put forth amongst them, whereby their horses were made to run away with their riders amongst the foot, and thus their whole Army was soone disordered, and compelled to seeke by flight to save themselves in the City. The Romans then comming with their Elephants neere the walls, one of them happened to be wounded on the head with a great stone cast from the wall, whereupon being inraged he made a great noise, and ran upon the Romans, tossing up with his p. 137trunk such as he met with, and the rest hearing him did likewise whereby their whole Army was made to slee. The men in Numartia seeing this, issued forth with all speed and pursued them, till they had slain 4000 and taken three Elephants and many colours, but there perished of them 2000 also. And in all other attempts, Nobilior went by the losse, and when cold winter came on, many more of his perished with the cold, and other Cities seeing this, revolted from the Romans also, which brought them into a great streight, but at length being overcome by Marcellus. he imposed a mulct of 600 talents upon them, and so that war was ended. Whilst these things were doing in Spain, new troubles arose in Syria. For one Alexander, termed to be the sonne of Antiochus Epiphanes, commeth against King Demetrius to get the Kingdom from him, as his inheritance from his father. And this he was put on to doe being an ignoblesellow by birth and education at Rhodes, by Ptolomee the King of Egypt, being also Iustin.hospen by his wealth, and by Attalus King of Asia, and Ariaraihes, King of Cappadocia, for all Historians agree, that he was not the true sonne of Antiochus, though some say that he begat him of an whore. However, Demetrius was so hated by these Kings, that they agreed to make him King in his stead, by the name of Alexander sonne of Antiochus, and for this purpose hee was first sent to Rome, and with him Heraclides, to move the Senate for their assistance, because Antiochus his pretended father vvas their friend, and Dometrius had taken the Kingdome upon him against their vvill, and if hee might not have their assistance t… for their leave, that hee might goe into Syria, and use the help of his friends to obtein that Kingdome. The Senate consented to aid him, and so he comming to Ptolomuis tooke it, and reigned there. 1 Mach. 10.1 Macc 10And yet when they did this, Demetrius had his young sonne Dometrius at Rome, whom he sent as an hostage to win their favour. When Demetrius heard of Alexanders comming, he wrote most kindly to Jonathan and the Jews, that he might have their aid, promising them many things, and Alexander wrote also unto them, making more ample promises. Therefore Ionathan remembring the enmity of Demetrius formerly shewed to the Jews, leaving him, went to Alexander, because he beleeved not Demetrius, but tooke his great proffers to be made in dissimulation.

Then Jonathan was made High-priest by Alexander, who sent him a Purple and a Crown. Anno 160 of the Greeke Empire, from which time he Anno mundi, 3813.continued nine years, foure of his former, nine since he was Prince being spent in Aleimus his time, and five in the vacuity of the High-priesthood, as was touched before. Alexander assisted by the Jews, then sought with Demetrius, and gave him a great overthrow, and slue him the same day. By this means he having obteined the Kingdom, sent to Prolomee King of Egypt, certifying him of his victory, and desiring to make affinity with him by marrying his daughter Cleopatra. To this hee readily condiscended, and comming with his daughter into Syria, Alexander tooke her to wife, and there was Jonathan greatly honoured by both the Kings, and so returned to Jerusalem with joy.

But Alexander had not continued King full five years, before that Demetrius, the sonne of Demetrius came out of Crete to recover his fathers Kingdome, and hee made Apollonius his chiefe Captain, Anno 165 of the Greeke Empire. This Apollonius begun first with Jonathan, provoking him to battell, but to his own losse, for Jonathan taking with him ten thousand men went against him, his brother Simeon comming to his ayd, and put him to flight to Ashdod, where he set the house of Dagon on fire, so that eight rhousand of the enemies perished, and he returned to Jerusalem with great spoyls. Alexander hearing this, sent to honour Jonathan yet more with a golden button, used only to be given to the Kings kinsmen, and giving him Ekron for a perpetuall inheritance. Prolomce the King of Egypt hearing of the comming of young Demetrius, came 1 Machab. 11.with a great army pretending friendship to his son in law, but meditating in his minde how to get away his Kingdom. But because hee was father in law to Alexander, he gave order that he should be received into any City to which he came, and so he was, and as he went placed Garrisons. Then comming to p. 138Antioch, he sent to Demetrius offering him the same daughter which he had formerly marryed to Alexander, for he sayd it repented him that he had given her to him, because, he sayd, he sought his life, and so he tooke her from Alexander, and gave her to Demetrius to wife. Then he set two Crowns upon his own head, of Egypt and Asia, and Alexander full of fear fled into Arabia, where he was slain, and his head sent to Prolomee, but he dyed the third day after, and so Demetrius was King, Anno, 167 of the Greeke Empire, and the Garrisons set by him in divers Cities were destroyed after the death of Prolomee, by the men of those places. Jonathan now besieging the Fort of Zion, certain wicked men complained against him to Demetrius, wherefore hee sent for him to come to Prolomais, which he did, carrying presents with him, whereby when he came he obteined so much favour of the King that he honoured him greatly, and confirmed the High-priesthood unto him, and granted him to weare purple and other Ornaments, as the Kings his predecessours had done, and at his request for 300 talents, gave him besides Judaea three other Toparchyes. These things being done, and Demetrius having peace, he dismissed his forces, at which they being offended were drawn by one Tryphon to goe to an Arabian, who kept Antiochus a childe, the sonne of Alexander, to set him up for King, this Demetrius hearing wrote to Jonathan to come and help him, which he did, sending unto him 3000 Jews to his City, where 120000 men were gathered together against the King, but the Jews comming so dispersed themselves in the City, that they slue 100000 men, and then the rest intreated the King for favour. Josephus Lib. 13. Cap. 9. telleth this story so as to make it more probable, saying that the Jews being come were beaten back by the multitude of the Antiochians into the Kings Pallace, from whence being high, they shot at them, and cast fire upon their houses, which whilst they laboured to save their wives and children from, they came upon them and so were made to yield. Thus Demetrius again had peace, but he requited Jonathan ill for all the good that he had done him, exacting tribute of him: yet this went not long unrevenged, for young Antiochus hearing of it, wrote lovingly to Ionathan, making him many fair promises if he would be for him. Ionathan then consented, and raising a power tooke divers places, and then being incountered by a great Army of enemies his forces fled from him, so that he was left alone with only two of his Captains. But having humbled himselfe to God, and put earth upon his head and prayed, he set upon them and began to make a great slaughter. This his forces seeing, immediately returned to him, and so there were slain of the enemies 3000 men the same day. Iosephus more probably sayth, that Ionathan comming into the field, Asor with his Army, where the Demetrians Ioseph. lib. 13. cap. 9.lay in ambush, was by and by assaulted by them, unexpectedly on every side, hereupon his men fled from him, and he was left alone with two Captains only, and 500 of the most valiant men of his army. Then he humbling himself to God prevailed, as was sayd before. Ionathan after this being quiet, sent Embassadours to the Romans, to renew the league formerly made with them, which was well accepted & 1 Machab. 12.granted, and the same Embassadours having order to return by Lacedemonia, they did so, and renued the friendship betwixt them and the Jews, as being before by them declared to be their kinsmen. But Ionathan lived not long in quiet, for the Demetrian forces, that they might be revenged upon him for their former overthrow, came against him in a greater number then before: he hearing this went out against them to the borders of Amathea, or Hamath, of whose comming when they heard, and so perceived, that they could not fight against him but upon advantage, they made fires in the night and departed, because they despaired of doing any good against him in an equall battell, At this time, sayth Iosephus, arose the three Sects amongst the Jews, of the Pharisees, Saddees, and Essees, Three Sects of the Iews. Anno 3820.of whom see more upon the Gospels. Ionathan seeing that the enemies were fled pursued them, but when hee could not overtake them, hee went into Arabia, and smote the Nabatheans, and tooke their spoyles, and from thence to Damascus, and divers other places, taking them. At length returning to Ierusalem, he consulted with the Elders about the building of the walls thereof, and the Fortifications. But Tryphon began now to meditate how hee might p. 139set the Crown upon his own head, young Antiochus being made away, and searing that Jonathan would herein be a let unto him, hee raised an army to goe against him, & Ionathan hearing of it, went against him with 40000 men to Bethshean, Tryphon then fearing his power feined to come in friendship and received him with all honour, telling him that he came forth towards him as to a friend, and therefore that he was too blame to put all those men to this travell, perswading him to send them back again, which he did, and reteined only 1000 men with him, and of those, that returned he sent 2000 into Galilee. Then Tryphen led him to Ptolomais, pretending to make him Lord thereof, but when he and his men were come into the City, they shut them in & flue them all except Jonathan, after which Tryphon also sent to Galilee to slay them, that were there of Jonathans retinue, but they hearing before what was done to Ionathan, stood upon their own defence, which their enemies seeing would not adventure to meddle with them, & so they returned to Jerusalem, where great lamentation was made for Jonathan and his men, but the Heathens about rejoiced, thinking now, they being without a Prince should not be able to stand against them, but they should easily root them out from being a people. Anno mundi. 3823. 1 Machab. 13.Simeon then, a third brother offered himself to be Captain for the Iews, and to spend his life for them, and the Law of God, as his two brethren Judas and Jonathan had done, which offer of his was joyfully accepted, and he began his Principality and Highpriesthood, anno 170 of the Graecian Empire, & immediately gathering men together he fortified Jerusalem. But Tryphon having Jonathan alive yet with him, went towards Ierusalem with his army, & Simeon towards him. This Tryphon seeing sent unto him to tell him that he held not Jonathan for any other cause but for an 100 talents of tribute which he ought to the King, therfore if he would send him this money, and Jonathans two sonnes for pledges, he would set Ionathan at liberty again. This howsoever Simeon thought to be spoken in deceit, yet to stop the mouthes of clamorous people, he sent the money, and pledges, but Jonathan vvas kept still, and within a while after slain, as Tryphon was comming with all his horsemen in haste to relieve the Fort of Sion, but was stayed by abundance of snow falling at the same time. Then Tryphon returned into his own land, and having by treachery slain young Antiochus, he tooke the Kingdom upon him. But Simeon sent and tooke the bones of Ionathan his brother and burnt them in Modin, erecting a faire monument there, and upon it seven Pyramides to his father and mother, and his foure brethren. Then he sent to King Demetrius, desiring to have the Tribute released, and freedome to Ierusalem restored, which was immediately yeilded unto, and many other favours offered by the King unto the Jews, and so the Jews that had been always under Heathen Kings from their return out of the Babylonish Captivity, now became free in the first year of Simon, being now subjects no more to these Kings, but their friends, and this was Anno mundi 3823, that is, 397 years after their return, which was, Anno 3426. Hereupon Simeon tooke courage, and set upon Heliopolis, so that they soon yeilded the City to him, and likewise upon the Fort of Zion, which was also yeilded, and purged both these places from Idols, setting up the worship of the true God there. After which he lived long in peace, and in great glory, and the Jews lived happily in all his Dominion, sitting every one under his vine and figtree. Demetrius then pursued Tryphon, but comming into the Kingdom of Arsaces, King of the Medes and Persians, he sent and tooke him alive, and so kept him prisoner. For King of Persians, Justin hath King of Parthians, and that more rightly, because the Parthian had now those parts. For the cause why Demetrius went thither, Josephus sayth, that he was moved by many Embassages of the Graecians, over whom Arsaces tyranized, to come, and when he came he was supplyed with a Lib. Antiq. 13. cap. 9.great Army, but fighting against Arsaces, he was overcome and taken alive.

Then Antiochus the sonne of Demetrius wrote from the Islands of the Sea to Simeon, to induce him to his friendship, granting him all that ever was granted to him or Ionathan before. But when as gathering great forces he had brought Tryphon to a streight, being aided also by 2000 men sent from Simeon unto him, he himselfe pursuing him, as he fled he sent Kendebeus a Captain with a great 1 Machab. 15.part of his Army to challenge Simeon for usuring dominion over Ioppe, and p. 140other places, requiring him to deliver them, or else he would destroy the Jews, and if he would still hold, and take the tribute of those places, to send him 500 talents, and 500 more for the damages done there. And because he would not, alleaging that those parts belonged to the inheritance of their fathers, but onelyonly 1 Machab. 16.offered to give 100 talents, Kendebeus began to assault the Jews about Iamnta. This being told unto Simeon, he being now old committed the mannaging of the warre to his two sonnes Iudas and Iochanan, exhorting them to be valiant, and praying for them. Then they went out with 20000 foot and some horse, and encountering with Kendebeus, routed his Armie, and slue many, but Iudas was wounded, yet Iochanan pursued them to Gadorum, killing many more▪ and so returned to Ierusalem. Of the cause of Antiochus his perfidy towards Simeon, nothing is sayd in Machabees, but it is implyed in saying, that the Forces of Tryphon revolted to him, by which means he thought easily to overcome him, and so he should have no need of Simeons ayd. There was then one Ptolomee, the sonne in law of the High-priest, who was Governour of Iericho, he ambitiously aspiring after the Principality, plotted how to cut off Simeon and his sonnes, and when he had invited him and his sonnes Mattathias and Iudas to a feast to Iericho, he caused them to be treacherously slain whilst they were drinking with him, Anno 177 of the Graecian Empire. Then he sent to Antiochus for forces, promising to deliver the Countrey unto him. And others he sent to kill Iochanan, but he being forewarned tooke them when they came and slue them. Thus the three sonnes of Mattathias the Assamonean, after many glorious victories obteined were all slain. But treacherous Ptolomee obteined not his end. For Iochanan, whom Iosephus calleth Iochanam or Hircanus high-priest.Hircanus, taking the High-priesthood upon him, after that he had sought unto God, gathered an Army, which readily flockt unto him, for the love of his father and hatred of Ptolomee, and herewith he besieged him, and could easily have taken the place, which was a Towre called Dagon in Iericho, but only Ptolomee having Iochanans mother with him, when he was assaulted, caused her to be openly beaten on the walls with whips, at which Iochanan relenting languisht in his fight, yea although shee sought to move him to goe on without regard unto her, to get so trecherous an enemy into his hand, that he might suffer according to all his wickednesse, yet he beginning a fierce assault again by and by languished, Ioseph. lib. 13. cap. 15.when he saw her misused again as before. And so, much time being spent in vain, the seventh yeare, which was to the Jews a year of rest, came on, and then Iochanan intermitting the siege, Ptolomee first killing Iochanans mothers, escaped away to Zeno the Tyrant of Philadelphia.

Touching the Romans, although there was a league betwixt the Jews and them, wherein they were called their friends, and all Kings were strictly charged to take notice hereof, and not to molest them: yet they never had any benefit hereof, neither did the Kings of Syria any whit the more for that forbearance to fight against them, when their malice put them on to it. Besides the Celteberian warre in Spain before spoken of, they had none other worth the speaking of, but onelyonly about the end of the reign of Demetrius the sonne of Seleucus, war began again the third time betwixt them and the Carthaginians. The occasion was for Florus.that King Massanissa had done them many wrongs, wherein he was born withall by the Romans, whereupon they prepared Armes and munition for their own defence. For this cause Embassadours were sent over to Carthage to see what was done there, and when they had seen their warlike preparations by land and sea, they reproved the Carthaginian Senate therefore, and propounded termes of peace betwixt them and Massanissa the Numidian King, viz. that he should depart from that land about which their strife arose, leaving it unto them. To this the Senate would have agreed, but Gisco the sonne of Amilcar being then Magistrate, stirred up the people so against the Romans, that their Embassadours were fain to save themselves by fleeing away, vvhereby the Roman Senate before distasting their doings, vvas the more provoked against them. Then the Carthaginians, the Roman Embassadours being departed vvith Gulussa the sonne of Massanissa, vvent against Massanissa, but he, although about 90 years old, came in person against them and overcame them. The Roman Embassadours returning p. 141acquainted the Senate vvith the preparation at Carthage, vvhichwhich Cato expounded to be a breach of the league, & sought therefore to stir up the Senate to vvar against them. But Scipio thought not this yet a sufficient cause of making War upon them, so it vvas agreed, that if they vvould burn their Navy and dismisse their Forces they should have peace. But this Decree stood not by reason of the Uricenses, a people not far from Carthage, yielding themselves by their Embassadours to the Romans. For then the Senate resolved to warre upon Carthage, till it should be destroyed. And although Ambassadours sent from Carthage to prevent this yielded to their demand of 300 pledges of Senatours sons to do all things which they should command, and these were to the great grief of their kindred, and specially their mothers delivered at Lelibeum, and from thence carried to Rome, yet the War went on, and a great army was sent against Carthage, which was already much weakned by the late fight had with Massanissa, wherein perished after agreement through the revengfull minde Gulussa his sonne neer 50000 men, setting upon them weary and unarmed, as they were returning homeward. Ambassadours were then sent againe to know of the Consuls that led the army, what they would have the Carthaginians doe more. They answered, that they must bring forth all their armes, and deliver them up. And this also being done, they were required in the last place to go all of them out of the City, leaving it to be razed down, and seek a new place of aboad, and that at the least 80 furlongs from the Sea. This answer being given by Censorinus the Consul, the Ambassadours where so perplexed, that they lay down, desiring rather to dye there, then to return with so sad an answer. And comming to themselves when they had pleaded what they could, they were caused to depart with this peremptory answer, that the Senates Decree was, that Carthage should be utterly demolisht. When this news came to the City it is unexpressable with what passions the Carthaginians were moved, some crying out upon the Ambassadours and raging against them, and some against the Senarours for delivering up their arms, and many mothers for their children now at Rome, ready to be murthered, and because all these things were done without knowing the conditions of peace. But after much passion and bitternesse expressed, they shut up their gates, and fell to making of new arms with incredible celerity, all both men and women working with all their might, and the women cutting of their haire to make bowstrings. So that whilst the Romans let them alone thinking now to take the City when they listed, they both reconciled themselves to Asdrubal, hitherto keeping aloof with 20000 men ready armed, because he was by the Senate condemned to please the Romans that they might have his assistance, and armed a great many more. Insomuch that when the Romans came to assault the City, they came out ready armed to their admiration, and gave them hot battle, and from time to time defended their City so, that the time of the two Consuls, that then were expired without doing any more hurt then they received. Wherefore Scipio even before that he could by the law by reason of his age, was made Consul and sent over with more forces. And he although most wise and valiant, so that the Romans had none other like him, could not in his yeer prevail, but having his Consulship prorogued, hee brake into the City the next yeere, and so with much spoyle and bloudshed wan it, and dismissed of such as yielded, at length 45000 of men and women, many of the rest desperalty setting fire upon the houses wherein they were, and burning themselves. Amongst whom Asdrubals wife was one, whose husband fled with an Olive branch to Scipio for mercy, but shee disdaining this his cowardly heart, first killed her two children, and then cast her self in his sight into the fire. Thus Carthage, which had stood as a great Lady City of the World 700 yeers was in three yeers utterly ruinated, at the sight whereof even Scipio himself wept, presaging in his minde what Rome also might one day come unto. Now the thing most remarkable in Scipio, whereby hee prevailed, when others could not, was his strict discipline towards his souldiers keeping them always in good Of military discipline.order, without which he knew, that he could do no great matters. This famous conquest being made, Scipio first doing sacrifice to his Gods, returned to Rome and triumphed, in which triumph Asdrubal was led and then kept in prison, the p. 142pledges although kept there, had great liberty. Then by the Senats decree Scipio went again and demolisht what remayned of Carthage, and brought under tribute all such as had assisted Carthage, and gave much of their lands away to their friends the Uticenses, so that Countrey was reduced into the State of a Province, anno of the City of Rome built 607, annoque mundi 3820, towards the end of the High-priesthood of Ionathan. And Scipio, as his progenitour had now the name of Africanus given to him also. And the Senate strictly forbade anymore building and specially of a Bursse in that place for ever, cruelly threatning such as should break this decree. For the first building of this City, some attribute it to Zaro and Charchedo Tyrians 50 years before the destruction of Troy. some to Dido, Charchedoes daughter eyther in Davids time or in Solomons, and some in the time of Amasia.

To return again to the affairs of the King of Syria, and of the Jews. Antiochus the King ceassed not pursuing Tryphon, till that hee had driven him into his Castle Orthosiades, and there put him so hard to it, that he slue himself, as Strabo Strabo.writeth, but Iosephus sayth, that he was slain in Apamea three yeers after hee had begun to reign. Antiochus being freed thus from his Antagonist Tryphon, called Ios. lib. 13. 16.to minde the overthrow given to his forces under Kendebeus, by Hircanus, having now also an opportunity against him through his treacherous kinsm…n Ptolomee before spoken of, who having slain his father Simeon, and other brethren sent for Forces to Antiochus, he went with a great Army against him and drave him into the City, that is, Ierusalem, in the fourth yeare of his reign, the first of Hircanus his high-priesthood, then he layd siege to the City, and built Towres against it, the Jews making often excursions upon his men, and killing many. The siege being continued, Hireanus feared lest scarcity should be in the City, and therefore hee, put out all the weaker sort, but when Antiochus seeing this would not let them passe, but kept them up neer the walls, the Feast of Tabernacles then approaching, he took them in again in pity, lest they should be famished without. Then he sent to Antiochus desiring a truce for seven dayes whilst they kept the Feast, to which he yeilded, and sent him also sat buls with their hornes gilded for sacrifice, and boules both of silver and gold full of sweet spices, and made a feast for his Army, from which piety of his he atteined the name of Antiochus Pius. Hircanus being much offended herewith, sent to treat with him about peace. To this he agreed upon condition, that he should give unto the King 500 Talents, leaving the Tribute of Joppe, and some other places before spoken of unto him, and receive a Garrison into the City, and so the Jews should live still according to their own Laws. To all these he consented, but only touching the Garrison, because they would not have people of other Nations to live amongst them. And so a peace was condluded, and the siege raised. And to raise this money, Hircanus opened the Monument of David, wherein he sound 3000 Talents. Then he hired also many Souldiers from forreign parts, and making a league with Antiochus, received him, and liberally enterteined him in the City, and after he going to warre against Arsace King of the Parthians, he with his forces followed him, but when they came to joyne battell, Antiochus was overcome and slain, and Demetrius, who before had been taken by Arsace, was, at Antiochus his comming set at liberty, and so he came again to his own Kingdom. But this last of Antiochus being overcome and slain by Arsace the Parthian King, Justinus setteth forth more fully, saying, that Antiochus carryed with him Iustinus80000 men to this warre going out with 30000 cooks also, and other necessary attendants, furnished with vessels of silver, and all the Army most richly set forth, for fear of which preparations, many places yielded unto him, and comming to fight with Phraates the King, for so he calleth him, he overcame him thrice, insomuch that the King of Parthia was now forced to retire within his own bounds. But Antiochus by wintering in those parts became so burthensome unto the people that they repented of their yielding to him, and consented together in favour of the Parthian to kill up his Souldiers where they lay billeted in severall places, and when they were doing it, the news hereof comming to Antiochus, hee hastened with the forces which he had to helpe his Souldiers that were neerest unto, p. 143him, but in the way, Phraates meeting him, slue him, fighting valiantly, even when his men ran away from him. Then the King of Parthia repented him; that he had dismissed Demetrius, he being moved to this only for fear of Antiochus, when he prevailed against him, that by this means he might be drawn home again to defend his own Kingdom. Wherefore Antiochus being slain, he sent after Demetrius to fetch him back again, but in vain, for he was now gotten into his own Kingdom of Syria again.

Hircanus, who had this name, as Josephus sayth, for his killing of a great man Iosephus lib. 13. cap. 17.so called, Eusebius for his expedition against, and overcomming a people called Hircan. So hearing that Antiochus was dead, returned with his Army into Syria, and after a siege of six moneths tooke Medaba, then the City of Samega, and Sicima, and Gerizim, where the Temple stood built by Manasseh in opposition to the Temple at Ierusalem, as was sayd before, and having now continued 200 years was again demolished. He subdued also the Edomites, and caused them to be circumcised, and hereupon they became one people with the Jews. As for Demetrius he had learned such cruelty of the Parthians whilst he lived in exile amongst them, and was so proud that he was hated of his own people, to whom he had returned, insomuch that they desired Ptolomee Physcon King of Egypt to send them one of the family of Seleucus, that might reign over them. He sent them therefore Alexander Zebina, who presently being made King fought against Demetrius, and overcame him. Then he fled to Ptolomais where his wife Cleopatra was, but being by her excluded he went to Tyrus, and there being taken by his enemies, after many abuses offered unto him, he was slain. So that although he would willingly have made War upon Hircanus, yet he could not, and by reason of Wars betwixt Alexander and him, the Jews were quiet, and then Hircanus tooke the opportunity to send Embassadours to Rome to renew the League with the Romans, and to desire that by their authority, Ioppe, and other places which he had yeilded to Antiochus whilst he lived, might now, he being dead, be restored again unto him. To all which the Senate assented, and gave out of their love to the Embassadours, money where with to beare their charges homeward. Alexander being now King of Syria, the Parthian King sent home the corps of Antiochus in a coffin of silver, and he feigning great sorrow for his death, bestowed him honourably, and hereby he wan much love amongst the people, as being for this thought to be one of the Selucidan Family, when he was but a Iustin.counterfeit. Alexander then entered into a league with Hireanus, but Antiochus Gryphus the sonne of Demetrius, raised forces against him, and overcame and slue him, and reigned in his stead. Of this Antiochus Gryphus Iustine sayth, that he had this name because his nose was great and hooked, after the manner of a Gryphins bill. And it was by the helpe of Ptolomee King of Egypt, that Antiochus so soone prevailed against Alexander: For when Alexander was King, he waxed proud, and despised Ptolomee by whom he was made. Therefore he having indignation at this, reconciled himselfe to Cleopatra the mother who had set up this sonne, and sent her ayd, and gave his daughter to Antiochus to wife, whereby the people were drawn much unto him, and to leave Alexander. And Iustine addeth, that Alexander wanting money to pay his Souldiers, caused a massie Image of Iupiter of gold to be taken down, and converted it to his own use. But his Souldiers detesting this Sacriledge revolted from him, then hefled by water, and by tempests was beaten to land, where robbers tooke him and delivered him to Gryphus, and so he was slain. He then would have fought against Hircanus, but he feared a brother of his own name, who he heard was comming against him, called Antiochus Sizicaenus, from the place where he had been brought up, and therefore was constreined to spend much time in fighting against him, whence it came to passe that Hircanus lived long in peace, and prospered greatly. Now whereas this Antiochus is sayd to be brother to Antiochus Physcon, Iosephus sayth, that it was by the mother Cleopatra, who had been wife both to Demetrius, and Funccius Chron.to his father Antiochus Soter, that dyed in Parthia. Now the time of the reign of Demetrius before his captivity was 12 years, and after his return foure years, and Antiochus his brother between these times 12 years, Alexander that slue Demetrius, p. 144two years, Antiochus Gryphus, the son of Demetrius, who slue him 29 years whilst the two brethren were in war one against the other, Hircanus took his opportunity Ioseph. l. 13. c. 18.to besiege Samaria, building Walls and Forts about it, whereby those of the City were brought into a great streight for want of victuals, and therefore they sent to Antiochus Sizicenus to come and rayse the siege, which hee attempted to doe, but was overcome and put to flight by Antigonus and Aristobulus the two sons of Hircanus, whom hee had set over the siege. Then the siege continuing they sent to Antiochus again, who came, but after the manner of a robber spoyling Hircanus his fields, that by this means he might draw his forces from Samaria. But of his men many being, as they ranged about, slain by the Iews, he returned to Tripolis, committing this War to two Captains Calimander and Epicrates. Of these then one Calimander being so hardy as to fight a battle with the Iews was soon slain, and the other turning treacherous to his master for a bribe betrayed Scithopolis to Hircanus. Hircanus then continuing the siege in the space of one yeer wan Samaria, and layd it even with the ground, and having lived in great glory 31 yeers High-priest and Prince hee dyed, leaving the Principality to Aristobulus his son. Hee was also famous for revelations when he was in the Temple one time, the Lord speaking unto him, and telling him of the victory which hee had given to his sons against Antiochus, whereof when hee comming out had spoken to the people, news was presently brought to the City. And he foretold the short continuance of those his two sons in this life, which fell out accordingly. Yet being so worthy hee was not esteemed amongst the Pharisees, a kind of Sect amongst the Jews most accounted of by the common people, insomuch that leaving them, after they had been long favoured by him, he went to the Sadducees, the difference between which two Sects was, that the Pharisee held, and did many things not commanded in the Word of God, Pharisees and Sadducees what.but the Sadducee that it was not lawfull to hold or do so, but only what was prescribed in the Word. Touching Antiochus Gryphin, Iustine speaking more fully then Iosephus sayth, that after he had subdued Alexander, his mosher Cleopatra, who made account, that he should but reign under her, now fearing that her power Iustine.should be diminished, prepared a poysoned cup for him at his return home from exercising: this he having some notice of, when shee offered it unto him, desired her as in a filiall respect to drink first, she refusing he urged her, and told her, what he heard of the poyson in it, she denying it to be so, he would not be herewith satisfied, unlesse she drunk it, and so pressed her to it for the cleering of her self, that she drank and so dyed. A just reward, sayth he, for her wickednesse, because shee had slain her own husband before, and poysoned another of her sons, and now would have poysoned this. Gryphus being thus delivered from his enemies reigned in peace eight years, not once attempting any thing against Hircanus, because his power was great, and he was also a confederate of the Romans. But then hee endevouring to take away Sizicenus by poyson, which was timely discovered unto him, he fleeing to Sizicum, gathered forces and fought against him, and expelled him out of his Kingdom, sayth Appianus. The manner was thus. Ptolomee Physcon, or Energetes King of Egypt dying, left his Kingdom to the will of his Wife to be Appianus.given to whether of her sons she would, when he had reigned 29 years, the name of the eldest being Latharus, of the younger Alexander. Now her love was most to Alexander, but by the people she was compelled to make the eldest King, yet before she would do it, she compelled him to put away his Wife Cleopatra, and to marry her sister Seleuce, Cleopatra being put away went into Syria, and married Ptol. Lathurus King of Egypt.Antiochus Sizicenus daughter bringing to him an army with her, wherewith he might invade his brothers kingdome, who yet had married another sister of hers. But he fought with ill successe against his brother Gryphus, for he was overcome and made to flee to Antiochia. Gryphus following him besieged the City, till he had taken it. But Antiochus Sizicenus escaped out of it and fled, his Wife Seleuce being left behind. Her sister Gryphina the wife of Gryphus moved her husband to have her secured, but he speaking against cruelty shewing to her, a woman and a sister & now fled to Sanctuary, shee was the more stifly bent to execute The cruelty of women.her, and sent those that first cut off her hands, and then slue her there. But this p. 155cruelty went not long unrevenged, for Sizicenus gathered new forces fought again with Gryphus and overcame him, then he took Gryphus his wife and slue her, and reigned 18 years after which he was yet again expell'd from the kingdom by Gryphus, and he reigned again till that he had made up from the beginning of his first reign 29 years. In the time of these kings, about the 18 year Hircanus dying, his son Aristobulus took the government upon him, & was the first King of the Jews after Aristobulus King of the Iews.their return from captivity, but he proved a very tyrant, imprisoning his mother & brethren, all but Antigonas, where she was famished to death because according to the appoyntment of his father she would have some hand in the government. Neither Ios. lib. 13 c. 19.did hespare his brother Antigonus long, although for his love towards him, he made him at the first consort of his kingdom: for he being sick Antigonus went forth to war, and the victory being gotten, returned gloriously home & so went up to the the Temple. Then Aristobulus was by some informed of it, who said, that he had best look to him, or else he would soon aspire to the Kingdom. The King was not at the first moved at it, as thinking it false, but being urged with it he gave regard to it so far, that he appoynted armed men to stand in a certain place secretly, by which Antigonus was to passe to come unto him, commanding them if he came armed to slay him, if not to set him passe. Now Salome the Queen & some others, treacherously told him that the King was desirous to see him in his arms, because he had heard Treachery.of the excellencie of his Armor, wherefore he went in his Arms and was slain, but the King soon after was so stricken with grief therefore that his sicknesse increased more and more, and he vomited bloud, which his servant carrying out, by chance spilt in the place where Antigonus had been slain. At the sight of this many seeing it, gave a shout, which the King hearing would needs know the cause, and being told, he was yet more pricked in his conscience, as taking it to happen by a divine providence, for his murthering his brother and mother, and so grievously crying out upon his own bloudy facts, he yielded up the ghost, when he had reigned Bloudshed terrifying.only one year. But in his time the Empire of the Jews was much inlarged, by the adding of a great part of Ituraea unto it, the people for fear of banishment being by him compelled to be circumcised, and so to be as one people with the Jews. Aristobulus being dead, Salome his wife let his three brethren out of prison, and made the elder of them Alexander King, concerning whom it had been before revealed by God unto Hircanus his father that he should reign, whereat he was nothing well Ioseph. lib. 13. cap. 20. Anno 3863. Alexander king of the Iews.pleased, because Aristobulus and Antigonus best. He being King, slue one of his brethren that aspired after the Kingdom, and the other being content to live quietly in a private estate, he loved well, and after his entering upon the Kingdom, he reigned 27 years. But all his time was full of trouble, and now that from High-priests the Jews governours were turned into Kings, they much degenerated from the vertues of their Ancestors, and so their times were full of bloudshed and many miseries. Thus in the short time of Aristobulus, how it was hath been already shewed, and now touching Alexander it will much more appear, Ptolomais and Gaza only remained of Maritim Towns that refused to obey the Jews. He therfore besieged Ptolomais, the Citizens having no hope of help from the Kings of Syria, in whose dominion they were, sent to Ptolomee Lathurus King of Egypt for ayd. Now this Ptolomee was the sonne of Ptolomee Philometors son, that is, of Ptolomee Energetes, made King by his mother Cleopatra against her will, as I have shewed a little before, compelling him first to put away his wife, and to marry her sister Salome when he was King, she not being content to reign together with him, because she loved her younger son Alex. better, seeing also that he had two sons by Salome, she took her from him, and banishing him, made her son Alex. King. But Lathurus Ptolomee Lathurus.sled into Cyprus and lived long there as King. To him therefore now the Ptolomaidans sent for ayd, & he with an army of 30000 men, came to raise the siege. But before Iustin.he came the men of Ptolomais repented that they sent for him, because thus they must necessarily be subject unto him, if he prevailed against the Iews, & then should come also into the danger of Cleopatra Q. of Egypt who would be offended at the increase of his Dominion, seeing she attempted to expell him out of the kingdom of Cyprus before, wherfore they excluded his Embassadors that came before out of their City, where at the K. was greatly perplexed. But the Gazeans seeking also to him for … p. 146against the Jews, he went on▪ which Alexander hearing, immediately raised his siege, and departed home to Jerusalem, and sent secretly to Cleopatra of Egypt to stir her up to come against her sonne Lathurus. Yet at the same time he seigned a desire of making friendship with Lathurus, and promised him 400 talents to take and cut off Zoilus the Tyrant of Gaza, then he did in part, for he tooke Zotlus, but hearing of Alexanders underhand dealing he was so moved, that leaving part of his Army before Ptolomais, he hastened with the other part to waste the Region of Judea, Alexander likewise knowing this, gathered together an Army of 50000, some say 80000, to goe out to meet him. But such haste did Lathurus make, that he came suddenly to Asochim of Samaria on the Sabbath day, and tooke and pillaged it, and carryed away from thence 10000 Captains, then going on, he met Alexander with his forces neer the River Jordan, Ioseph. l. 13. c. 21.& pitched his Tents on the one side of the River, and Alexander was on the other. But next day Lathurus his Forces passed over the River, Alexander permitting them quietly so to doe, as making no doubt, by reason of his great number, but that it would turn to his advantage, seeing the River being behinde them, they could not flee away. But when they had joyned battell, although they fought stoutly and with equall successe on both sides for a time, yet at length one wing of the Jewish army was made to yield and flee, and the rest seeing this fled also. Then the enemies pursued and slue of them, till their hands were weary, and their swords blunted with killing, insomuch that there fell of the Jews that day 30000 men. Then Lathurus wasted the Jews Countrey far and wide, and killing up women and children where he came, he caused some of them to be cut in pieces, and to be boyled in pots and cauldrons, that such as should come and see it, might Strange cruelty.thinke that his army fed upon mans flesh, and feare him the more. Cleopatra his mother hearing of the increase of his power, thought it necessary with speed to goe against him, and for this end making great preparation both by land and sea, sent her forces out unto Ptolomais, under two Jewish Captains, Chelcias and Ananias. Lathurus hearing of this, thought it now a fit time for him to recover his Kingdom of Egypt, whilst it was empty of military forces. But comming thither he prevailed nothing, for the Queen sent a Captain with a great power after him, and by him he was again expelled out of Egypt. Alexander the King of the Jews, in the mean season came to Cleopatra, and was honourably received by her, and although in distresse, so that she might have made a prey of his Countrey, and was by some moved to it, yet by the perswasion of her Jewish Captain, she did not, but he found favour with her, and having made a league with him, she dismissed him, and Lathurus being returned into Cyprus she returned into Egypt. Alexander being thus delivered from the fear of Lathurus, makes war in Coelosyria, and after ten moneths siege takes Gadata, and then Amathunte, and from thence passing to Gaza he besieged it, and with much losse of his men tooke it, because the Citizens were desparate, and would rather die then come under his power, wherefore many of them fired their houses and themselves together. After this, Alexander returning to Jerusalem, when the Feast of Tabernacles was kept, there was an insurrection made of the Jews, his own subjects, against him, who railed upon him as unworthy for his wickednesse to sacrifice, and offered other indignities to him, whereat he being provoked, fell upon them with his men of war, and slue 6000 of them. After this he had war with the Arabians, but the Arabian King comming against him, he was drawn by treachery into a dangerous place, & so hardly escaped with his life. Returning to Jerusalem again, he had wars at home Iosephus lib. 13.with his own people six years together, hiring forreigners to serve him, and in these wars, at divers times, he slue 50000 of them. Yet even then, he speaking to them of reconciliation, they were the more incensed against him, he asking what they would have him doe, they sayd, to kill himselfe. Then they sent to Demetrius Eucetus, to come and ayd them against him, and hee comming with a great power, fought with Alexander, who had besides 20000 Jews, 6000 mercenary souldiers in his Army, against 40000 foot, and 3000 horse in the Army of Demetrius. After a long and bloudy fight, Demetrius got the victory, and all the mercenaries of Alexanders Army were slain, and many of the Army of Demetrius also. p. 147Alexander then fled to the Mountains and six thousand Iews more reformed to him in pity, which Demetrius seeing left the Country. Then the Iews alone warred against him, but he always put them to the worst, killing many of them. And at Bethoma, to which many of the greatest of them fled, he nayled 800 to gallonses, Barbarous cruelty.causing their wives and children to be slain before their faces, whilst they yet lived in revenge of their obstinate rebellions. After this hee having run through many hazards of War and subdued many places, fell into a quartan through intemperature, Ioseph. l. 13. 23.and at three years end dyed. But before his death his Queen being grieved to think, what should become of her and her children, seeing hee was so much hated of the Iews, he counselled her to offer to the Pharisees to do whatsoever they would have her, shewing her self sorrowfull, that her husband had been The policy of Alexan. dying.so harsh towards them: and to deliver his dead body to them, if they would, to be revenged upon it. Now such was the power of this Sect with the people, that when the Queen did thus, they were won so unto her, that they magnified Alexanders Ioseph. 13. 24.exployts amongst the people, and praysed him for a just King, and hereby the people were sostirred up, that they greatly lamenting for the losse of him bestowed a most honourable buriall upon him. Queen Alexandra then was permitted to reigne, although she had two sons, Hircanus and Aristobulus. The one Anno mundi, 3890.of these, Hircanus being unfit for war, she made Highpriest, intending the Kingdome haply to the other after her decease. But though she were Queen, the Pharisees bare all the sway, and the Rites abrogated by Hircanus Alexanders father, were confirmed again as traditions of the Elders. And to that height of authority the Pharisees grew, that they questioned all those, that had given the King counsell to exercise such cruelty against the 800 before spoken of, and began to cut them off, sometime one, and sometime another. This they that survived seeing, being men of the best sort joyned with Aristobulus her sonne, and went to the Court, and expostulated with the Queene about it, shewing her, how indigne a thing it was, that her husbands best friends should now be permitted to the will of their enemies to be by them killed up like beasts. Wherefore they desired eyther leave to depart and live where they could, or else in some of her Castles. She consented to this last, that they should have all her Castles but three, where her treasures lay, Hircanta, Alexandrinum, and Macharnutis. The Queen after this falling sick, Aristobulus taketh his opportunity to strengthen himself to the getting of the Kingdom, and therefore went from the Court only with one servant to one of the Castles, where he was willingly received, and it was yielded unto him, and after it many Castles more to the number of 22. Then he endevouring to gather an army, men flockt unto him in great numbers. This stirred up Hircanus and the Elders to resort speedily to the Queen, but shee being now ready to dye, willed them with her armes and wealth provided in abundance to take the best course they could, and so dyed being seventy three years old, and having reigned nine years, and that in great wisdom and justice shee began anno 3890, and dyed 3899.

But before I proceed further in the Jewish History, I will fetch up that of the Syrian Kings. Antiochus Gryphus, as was sayd before, continued 29 years after Ioseph. lib. 13. cap. 21.his first beginning to reign, and then was slain by the treachery of Heracleen, and Selencus his son succeeded him, and fighting with his Uncle. Sizicenus slue him. Then Antiochus Eusebes, the son of Sizicenus came to Aradum, and took the Seleucus King of Syria.Crown upon him, and he fighting with Seleucus expelled him out of Syria, who fled then to Cylicia, and comming to the Mopseats, where he was received as King, when he exacted tribute of them, hee was burnt by them in his Palace together with his friends. Then the brother of Seleucus called Antiochus gathered forces against Eusebes, but being overcome hee lost his life and army. Then Philip, a brother of his reigned over part of Syria, and Ptolomee Lathurus made another brother called Demetrius Eucetus King in Damascus. Both these joyning against Eusebes, hee for a time withstood them stoutly, being called to the aid of Laodices Queen of the Galadens, against the Parthians, hee was slain fighting stoutly in the midst of his enemies. And for the Kingdom of Syria was between two brothers, Philip and Demetrius. And they living also in p. 148dissent on, the Syrians grew weary of them, and therefore offered the Kingdom to Tygranes King of Armenia, who came and tooke it, ten years after the decease Asia.of Gryphus, and reigned 18 years, that is, till three years after the death of Alexandra.

Touching the Romans affairs, they having utterly subdued Carthage, had The Romans.wars with the Numidians a long time in the dayes of Jugurtha the son of Massanissa, but at length the Numidians were subdued, and Jugurtha taken prisoner, and carryed to Rome by C. Marius Consul, for which he triumphed, and this was about the latter end of the reigne of Hircanus, or rather of his Principality. But immediately another dangerous War arose against them, The Cymbrians and many other peoples of the French and Germans, conspired together to rume the Roman State by a just judgement, as Orosius sayth, because Coepto the Pro-Consul Orosius. This was the aurum To…ssanum, of which it is sayd, That who so had any part of it could never prosper.had not long before taken Tholouse, and robbed the Temples thereof many millions of gold. This conspiracie being heard, a great army was sent against them, under the leading of C. Manilius Consul, and Coepio Pro-Consul. But they being at variance between themselves, the enemies came upon them, and overthrew both their Armies, killing of the Romans 80000, and of the Colonyes 40000, there being only ten men left alive to carry the heavy tydings of this great overthrow. This news comming to Rome, they were filled with great griefe and feare, Coepio was condemned as the cause, and C. Marius had this Province, and a new Army alotted unto him, to goe against the sayd Cymbrians. &c. Now it happened so. that these Barbarians did not prosecute their victory by comming against Rome, which if they had done, the foundation of that Empire would have been shaken, but they went into Celtiberia in Spain, first to subdue that Province, and in the mean season Marius had liberty both to gather together an army, and to train them up in good Military Discipline, that they might be the fitter for service. He being therefore by this means well prepared, the enemies dividing themselves into two companies, approached with one company to his Tents. But he conteined his Souldiers within their trench, thinking by this means both to make his men the more desirous to fight, and the hideous clamours of the enemies the lesse terrible by their being some time accustomed unto them. The enemies seeing this, imputed it to cowardize, and therefore presumed to passe the Alpes by them to goe towards Rome willing them in mockage, if they would any thing to their wives to send by them. But Marius now tooke his time to come forth and follow them, whereupon a bloudy battell ensued, the Cymbrians falling before the Romans in great abundance, and many Teutonians. But this victory being obteined, Marius was not yet secure, for innumerable enemies still remained, although the first Army being overthrown, their women, when they fled came in great numbers with swords and spears to the fight, being inraged against the men as betrayers of them, and against the Romans as their enemies, so that many of them being mingled amongst the armed bands, fell also. Marius therefore gave order that Marcellus should goe up to an hill neere to them with 3000 men, and he having refreshed his men continued with them in the Plain. Marcellus with his men being seen by the Teutons, they presently made towards him with all their power, not having the patience to stay till he should come to a fit place to fight in: but they smarted for their haste, Marcellus with his men having the advantage of the hill, but they upon the side hill, not being able to stand, were beaten down and slain to the number of 100000, according to some 150000, to others 200000, in so much that as Plutarch sayth, the Massilians made fences about their Vineyards with their bones, and their King Teutoborchus V…ll…ius. Or…s Livius. Plutarch.a mighty man, was taken and carryed to Rome to be shewed in triumph. But yet neither was here an end of this War, for Boerix the King of the Cymbrians, came with a great Army against Marius and Catulus, but with as ill successe as the former, for he also lost above 100000 men, especially by the vertue of Catulus and his Army, and so Italy was again delivered from all fear of these enemies, and Marius went away with exceeding great glory, so that they offered drinke offerings to the gods and to Marius, and he was called the second founder of Rome, and was the sixth time made Consul.

p. 149After this for some years the Roman State being quiet, at length civill Wars were made betwixt the Citizens and the Italians, whose chiefe men having long counted themselves Romans, and dwelt in the City, whereby they were capable of the like honour with Citizens born, were by a publike Edict of the Senate commanded to depart into their own Countreyes. But they being grieved at this, laboured long to have it reversed, and to have as many Knights of the Countrey made Senatours as were in Rome, viz. 300, and when they could not prevail, they departed from the City, and combined together to revolt from the Romans. Forces were then prepared on both sides 100000 men, the Romans committing theirs to both their Consuls, and certain Legats whom they joyned with them. The Italians likewise erecting a Senate of 500 men at Corsinium, made two Consuls after the Roman manner, joyning unto them 12 Emperours, halfe of which should govern over one part of Italy, and the other halfe over another. And when they came to fight, the Italians greatly prevailed at the first, & many great men of the Romans were slain. But Sylla who was one joyned to the Consul Caesar, fought prosperously in one part of Italy, and Pompey, who was a Legate joyned to the Consul Rutilius in another, slaying many of the Italians, and taking divers Towns and Cities. But at the same time the Romans had War with Mithridates in Asia also, who prevailed greatly against them, as being a King of very great power, and destroyed of them in divers parts at one time 150000 by writing his letters secretly to instigate his people to this Massacre, promising to the servant killing his Master freedom, and to debtors killing their creditors remission of halfe their debts.

But the Italick Warre, after the taking of so many places soon lauguished, after that it had continued foure years: and Sylla returning to Rome after his great victories was made Consul, and unto him Pompey was adjoyned. Then Asia was alotted to Sylla to goe against Mithridates, but before he went a quarrell arose betwixt him and Marius, whereupon he came with his forces against Rome, and having taken Marius sent him to prison, and after him one to kill him, whose life he had before saved in the Cymbrian Warre. But he comming to the The good of one saved from death.prison where he saw Marius, threw down his sword and ran away, at this, they that were about him were so moved that they tooke him out of prison, and by ship conveyed him into Africa, being now 70 years old, where he led a poore life many dayes. Thus he who had been honoured with the Consulship six times, was at length brought very low, that all may learn the vanity of worldly wealth The fall of Marius.and honour, and not be so affected with them. Sylla then set forth against Mithridates, and having subdued Athens and other places in Greece by the way, at length Mithridates came against him with 120000 men, but he not having above the third part of this number refused to fight, till that having the advantage of a narrow passage he suddenly set upon him, vvhen he little expected it, and overcame him, killing 100000 of his Army, In the interim Cynna being made Consul at Rome in favour of Marius opposed himselfe against those, who to appease the tumults in Italy, had consented to receive men of other Cities as Romans. Wherefore against him Octavius vvas made Consul, vvhereupon he departed out of the City, and having gathered an army, returned and besieged Rome, Marius also hearing it, being novv come from his banishment, and many flocking unto him. By this means Rome vvas soon brought to such a streight by famine, that Cynna vvas sued unto for peace. But hee and Marius entered the City, killed Octavius and many of the Senatours and others, and some of great command to escape their hands killed themselves. Cynna then and Marius made themselves Consuls, but Marius dyed vvithin 17 dayes after, exercising much cruelty to his very death, and the valiant Flaccus was by Cynna made Consul, but he being sent to the Mithridatean Warre vvas sooon slain, and then Sylla tooke Carbo to him for his fellovv Consul. Sylla in the mean season vvas sought unto by some Senatours vvhichwhich vvere fled unto him, to return and rescue the City ready to perish, but he prosecuting his Wars against Mithridates prepared to another Battell, unto vvhichwhich seeing his men vnwilling, he leapt down from his horse, and laying hold of an Ensigne he vvent between both the Armies, his guard follovving p. 150him, and cryed out, if any shall aske you (ô yee Romans) where yee lett your Emperour, say, fighting at Orchomenon. His Captains then being moved at this, hastened with their bands to the battell, and overcame and killed of the enemies 15000, whereby Mithridates was so troubled, that he sought peace with Sylla, and upon some conditions obteined it, and the rather because Sylla was now proclaimed an enemy to the Roman State, and could expect no more ayd from thence. Besides, there was an Army not far off under the leading of Fimbria, who had been sent forth by Cynna with Flaccus the Consul, as his assistant, wherewith he saw that he must shortly incounter. Having therefore concluded a peace with Mithridates King of Pontus, one condition being that he should from thenceforth contein himself within his own Kingdom, he went against Fimbria, & so soone as he came neere unto him, the Souldiers of Fimbria in great multitudes revolted unto him, whereupon Fimbria being full of fear, sent to desire the speech of Sylla, but he had sent a servant secretly before to kill him, who being discovered and taken confessed it, therefore Sylla denyed to goe, and sent only another to offer him one condition, whereupon he should be saved, viz. if leaving his Army he would depart out of Asia, whereof he was Pro-Consul. Fimbria hearing this sayd, he knew a better way, and so he went to Pergamus, and in the Temple Fimbria murthers himself.of Esculapius, thrust his sword into his own bowels, but his wound not being mortall, his servant at his intreaty dispatched him, and then slue himselfe. This being done, all his Army remaining went to Sylla. Then he setled the matters of Asia, and having exacted in all Asia 20000 talents, he went with his Army towards Italy. His comming being heard of at Rome, the Senate and City were much troubled. But Cynna and Carbo the Consuls went forth to gather up Souldiers and money to goe and meet with him. But Cynna in a mutiny of the Souldiers by the way was slain, and so Carbo returned to Rome, continuing Consul alone that year: In this time Metellus a Pro-Consul came with his forces to Sylla, and Cn. Pompeius, called afterwards the great, and Cethegus, who had formerly been his great enemy, and were all received by him at Brundusium, to which place he was come with 40000 men.

Narbonus and Scipio being then made Consuls, went out with great Armies against Sylla, and first Narbonus fought unhappily against him, there falling of his men 6000, and 7000 taken, and of Sylla his Army but 70. Then Scipio preparing to come on, his Souldiers being more desirous of peace, after some communication had with the Syllians, went all away from him to Sylla, who being left in a manner alone, was permitted by Sylla to return quietly to Rome. Thus the hearts of many by his humanity were won unto Sylla, and because he was carefull as he passed, that no hurt should be done to the people, insomuch that Narbo sayd of him, that he had to deale with a Lyon and a Fox, conjoyned together in him, The next year Narboes Consulship being continued, another C. Marius, being but 20 years old was adjoyned unto him, but Narbo after many battels, his souldrers revolting daily from him to Sylla, whereby he gathered that none would be constant to him, sent first to Rome to kill such as favoured Sylla, and then after such cruelty shewed to others, killed himselfe. Marius likewise having fought unhappily against Metellus, and seeking to escape secretly was slain, and his head brought to Sylla, upbrayding him by this, that he would take upon him the government of the ship, before that he had acted any of the Mariners part. Then Sylla easily tooke the City, and exercised most horrible cruelty, in proscribing 40 Senatours at once, and above 1000 Knights and principall men, even all that he heard tooke part with Narbo or Marius, so that who so would might kill them, and he that killed one was promised two talents, and a reward was promised to him that discovered any of them, and such as hid them were threatned with death. Sylla having now all at his will, would be made Dictatour, and was, and reigned most tyrannically, yet to retein the old form, he caused also two Consuls to be chosen, and replenished the Senate with such as he thought good, and then triumphed for his victory over Mithridates. Pompey also who pursued Scipio at his appoyntment into Africa, and slue him, and got other victories, being but 24 or 26 years old, returning triumphed also, though at the first demand denyed it by Sylla.

p. 161After all this Sylla having been Dictatour three years, and now giving leave to choose new Consuls, and he being chosen by the people, to flatter with him, hee refused and set up two others, Servilius and Claudius, and then publikely deposed Appianus.his Dictatorship to the admiration of all men. Because that he having been the death of so many, might now being divested of his authority feare hard measure at some of their friends hands, there having perished above 100000 men of the adverse faction, 90 Senatours, 15 Consuls, 2600 Knights, by his means. Yet he fearing nothing, as having 150000 in divers parts, that had been imployed in his wars, and inriched by him, went to his Cumana, and there led a private life, recreating himselfe with hunting and hauking. But he continued not thus any longer then to the year following. He dedicated the tenth part of his estate to Hercules, and then made a great feast for many dayes, in such excessive manner, that much meat which could not be eaten, was cast into the river, and the wine then drunk, was 40 years old. In the midst of these dayes, his wife Metella dyed, and he marryed the daughter of Hortensius, who bare him a sonne after his death, called Posthumius. Sylla then giving himselfe to all manner of pleasure, having divers Musitians and Jesters about him, with whom heset up drinking in the night, fell Plutarch.into a disease, through which he swarmed with lice, which increased faster then they could be taken away, till at length he vomiting much bloud, gave up the Sylla a bloudshedder, dyeth vomiting bloud.ghost as he was well worthy, for having been the author of so much cruelty and bloudshed, the Devill also appeared unto him for his greater terrour, and yet this man for his admirable successe in all things attempted by him, assumed to himselfe the name of Foelix, as accounting himselfe happie therefore. And indeed so he was, as much as this world could make him happie, as having been always succesfull to this 60 year of his age, wherein he dyed. And after his death although Lepidus then Consul withstood it, he was by his friends buried after the Roman manner in Martius field, where none but Kings used to be buried in great pomp. For he was caryed out in a chest of gold, many Trumpeters sounding before him, and many Minstrels placed here and there amongst the people, singing mournfull songs as they went, and thus he was carryed through Italy to The Romans manner of buriall.Rome, where the Senatours, and great multitudes of others met him, and above 1000 crowns of gold were presented to be carryed before him, and above 200 pounds of sweet spices were brought by women to burn with him, and Serjeants, as when he was Dictatour, went before him, and finally in Martius field, he was in a short time burnt to ashes, when the most eloquent man in the City had first made an Oration in his praise.

In their return from his funerall, Lepidus then Consul being of the Marian faction spake against this pompous funerall of an enemy of the Roman State, and in prayse of it spake Catulus the other Consul, and Lepidus also threatned to release those whom Sylla had proscribed, and to take away the possessions in Italy given by Sylla to his men, and to restore them to their former owners. But Catulus opposed him, the Senate feared it might come to a civill War, and therefore bound them both from it by oath. Lepidus yet not fearing this gathered an army abroad, and came against this City, Catulus defended it, and overcomming Lepidus put him to flight, and soon after he dyed of a consumption, so they never prosper that break their oaths. Lepidus being dead, Porpenna with part of his army went to An oath broken punisht.Sertorius a great Commander in Spain to joyne with him, as being both of the same faction, against whom therefore Metellus a Syllanian was formerly sent. But now Pompey was desirous of that Province, and having by much importunity obteined it of Catulus, he hastened thither, and at the first fighting with Sertorius he was put to flight and lost many of his men, and after this, though at the first he had the better of it, yet hastning the second time to the fight without Metellus his assistance he lost many of his men and had lost more, but that Metellus haply came in the instant, and then Sertorius retired. Whereby we may see, how ambitious men, whilst they seek all the glory alone are in danger to lose all. For this made Pompey to hasten alone to this battell, that Metellus being a coward might not share with him in the honour of the victory. But having renewed his army, he came on again, and put Metellus in such hazard, that he retired into p. 162France, and Pompey wanting pay for his men towards Italy, but sending before to Rome for a supply of money. This though slowly, was granted, and now also Sertorious began to decline, through the revolt of many souldiers from him who went away to Metellus, as being discontented, that he should preferre the Celieberians to be his Guard rather then them, his own countrymen. Thus Appianus, but Plutarch imputes it to the pride of Perpenna, his fellow, every where detracting Appianus.from him. Yet Sertorious having the Celteberians fast to him for his great valour Plutarch.fought again against Pompey and prevailed. But hee growing more distrustfull and cruell by reason of their revolt was much hated by those that followed him, and then Perpernna with ten more conspired to kill him, which was accordingly done at a feast, to which he was by Perpenna invited. But when he was slain, their hatred towards him was turned into pity and against Perpenna, whereby he was in great danger, but by faire speeches and great gifts he escaped, yet that murtherer went not long unrevenged: for fighting with Pompey, within a few dayes after he was overcome, and fleeing and hiding himself, taken, and by the command of Pompey slain before that hee was brought into his presence, although he desired first to be brought, because he had sundry conspiracies in Rome to reveal unto him. But Pompey thinking, that thus an occasion might be given of new stirs, wisely refused to heare him, and prevented this by cutting him off. Perpenna being dead, some of his men fled into divers places and were slain, and some submitted to Pompey and the Celteberians likewise, & thus after a War of 10 years peace again followed in Spain. But before the end of this War, another began in Italy by one Spartacus, called bellum gladiatorum: and a third Warre by Mithridates King of Pontus. For Spartacus with divers other Frenchmen to the number of 70 or 80 being Sword-players, & held as Captives since the Warres of France conspired together to go out of the City, and to get arms and fight for their liberty, which they did with such successe, that in short times their numbers increased to 7000, and afterwards to 100000, and encountring the forces sent against them, they grew formidable to Rome it self. Insomuch that none durst take upon him to be Pretour, till that Crassus a noble and rich man offering himselfe made them all glad. Hee therefore with six Legions went out of the City in the third year of this Warre, and two Legions remayning of them, who had often fled under other Commanders before, began first to proceed severely against them, punishing every tenth man with death. Then setting forth to this War he fought at the first unhappily, for his men fled before their enemies, but he having exercised Severity in an army.the like severity upon 500 of them, who began first to flee, by killing every tenth man, brought on his army again and prevailed, Spartacus fighting most valiantly in this battell being slain, and all his forces dispersed the fourth yeer after this War begun. Pompey then returning from Spain triumphed and was made Consul, and Crassus together with him, his consent being first obteined. And yet after they were Consuls, they kept both their armies on foot to the terrour of the City, fearing, suffering by their differences. But being perswaded they shaked hands and disbanded. And Crassus to shew his greatnesse made a feast to the Romons, preparing 10000 tables, and gave all the City bread corn for three moneths, when The immense riches of Crassus.there were in Rome 450000 persons.