The historical library of Diodorus the Sicilian in fifteen books : the first five contain the antiquities of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece, the islands, and Europe : the last ten an historical account of the affairs of the Persians, Grecians, Macedonians and other parts of the world : to which are added the fragments of Diodorus that are found in the Bibliotheca of Photius : together with those publish'd by H. Valesius, L. Rhodomannus, and F. Ursinus / made English by G. Booth ..., Esq.

CHAP. V.

Of Daedalus, and his Works in Crete, Sicily, and elsewhere. His Flight into Sicily: Minos invades Sicily; the manner of his Death there. The Famous Temple of the Curetes or Corybantes in Sicily, built by the Po∣sterity of the Cretians that came there with Minos. The Pedigree of A∣risteus; his Acts; his Son Acteon. of Eryx. Venus her Temple in E∣ryx in Sicily; the Fame of it. Of Daphnis the Shepherd. A Descrip∣tion of the Herean Mountains. Of Orion. Of the Streight of Mes∣sina.

DAedalus was an Athenian, of the Family of the Ericthidae; for he was the * 1.1 Son of * 1.2 Hymetion, the Son of Eupalamus, the Son of Erechtheus. He was extraordinary Ingenious, and very studious in the Art of Architecture, and was an excellent Statuary, and Engraver upon Stone, and improv'd those Arts with many notable Inventions. He made many wonderful Pieces of Work in several Parts of the World, and so far excell'd in the framing and cutting of Statues, that those that were long after him, report that the Statues he made, did re∣semble living Men even to the Life. For their Symmetry was so exact and per∣fect, that their Eyes, and frame of Motion, and the whole Composure of the Body, was a lively Representation of Living Creatures. For he was the first that in Statues exprest the direct and lively aspect of the Eyes, and the progressive Motion of the Legs and Thighs, and stretching forth of the Hands and Arms, and therefore was justly admir'd by all: For those Artists that were before him, fram'd their Images with blinking Eyes, Heads hanging down, as if they were glu'd to their sides. But though Daedalus was thus admir'd for his exquisite Skill in this Art, yet he was forc'd to fly his Country for a Murther committed upon the occasion fol∣lowing. | Talus Daedalus his Sister's Son, being but a Young Boy, was at that time bred * 1.3 up with his Uncle, to learn his Trade. This Talus for Ingenuity excell'd his Master, and

invented the Potter's Wheel: He got likewise a Serpent's Jaw-bone, and with it saw'd a little piece of Wood asunder; then in imitation of the Tooth in the Jaw, he made the like in Iron, and so he found out an Instrument for the saw∣ing of the greatest Pieces of Timber, exceeding useful, and tending much to the furtherance and ease of all Architects. He invented likewise the Turner's Lath, and many other Tools for the use of Architects; upon which account he was in great Esteem and Reputation. Daedalus hereat burnt with Rage and Envy against the poor Boy, and fearing he would grow far more famous than himself, secretly murder'd him. Being seiz'd upon just as he was laying the Carcass in the Ground, he was askt what he was burying? He answer'd, that he was co∣vering a Serpent with Earth. Here it's very worthy of Remark, that the same Creature that was the occasion of making of the Saw, should be also the means of discovery of the Murther. Being therefore brought to his Trial at the Court of the Areopagites, and there condemn'd to dye for the Murder; he first fled to a sort of † 1.4 People in Attica, who from him were call'd Daedalians: Thence he got into Crete, where he was much admir'd for his Art, and in great favour with King Minos.

Afterwards (as it is commonly reported) Pasiphae the Queen, Minos his Wife, * 1.5 burning in her Lust after a Bull, he fram'd an Engin like to a Cow, and helpt her by that means to satisfy her Lust. They say, that before that time, Minos Yearly sacrific'd the best and largest Bull in the Herd to Neptune; and once there being a most lovely Beast in the Herd, a worse was pickt out to be sacrific'd; at which Neptune was so incens'd at Minos, that he caus'd his Wife Pasiphae to go Mad for Love after the Bull; and by the Art of Daedalus, she prostituted her self to the Beast, and brought forth the Minotaur so famous in ancient Sto∣ries.

They ascribe a double nature to this Creature, that from the Head to the * 1.6 Shoulders, he resembled a Bull, and in all his lower Parts was like to a Man. It's said, that for the keeping and feeding of this Monster, Daedalus built the La∣byrinth full of windings and turnings, this way and that way, impossible to be found out by any Stranger before unacquainted. Here it was that the Minotaur devour'd the Seven Boys, and the like number of Girls Yearly sent thither from Athens, as we have before declar'd.

Daedalus being inform'd of Minos his Threats for making of the Cow, fearing the Rage of the King, by the help of the Queen got on Shipboard, and secretly escap'd out of the Island. Icarus his Son fled away with him, and both arriv'd at a certain Island, situated in the Ocean far off from any Land, where the Young Man being too rash, and hasty to Land, dropt into the Sea, and there perish'd; from whom it's call'd the Icarian Sea, and the Island Icaria.

From hence Daedalus sail'd into Sicily, and landed there where Cocalus reign'd, who receiv'd him very courteously, and upon the account of his great skill, and the Fame that went of him, made him his Bosom Friend.

Some report this Story concerning him, That Daedalus continuing still in Crete, was hid by Pasiphae; Minos in the mean time making diligent search after him, in order to punish him, but not able to find him out, he promis'd great Rewards to such as should discover him.

Daedalus utterly despairing to get away by Shipping, made for himself and Son, artificial Wings, joynted and compacted in a wonderful manner with Wax, and fastn'd them to his own and his Son's Body, and with them Daedalus sud∣denly flew away, and got over the Cretian Sea: But Icarus soaring too high (such is the folly of Young Men) fell down into the Sea, the Sun melting the Wax wherewith the Feathers of the Wings were joyn'd together. But his Father fly∣ing low near the Surface of the Sea, and sprinkling his Wings in the Water, pass'd over safe into Sicily. Though this may seem an absurd Fable, yet we judg'd it not sit to be past by.

Daedalus staid with Cocalus and the Sicilians a long time, and was highly ho∣nour'd and esteem'd by all for his excellent Art and Skill in his Profession: There are some Works of his there that remain to this day; for in the Territory of Megaris, he made a Fish-pond with wonderful Art, through which the great Ri∣ver * 1.7 Alabone emptied it self into the Sea. He built likewise a City (now call'd Agrigentina in Camacus) upon a Rock so strong, that it was inexpugnable. The * 1.8 Passage to it was so straight and winding, that the Place might be easily defended

by Three or Four Men. Therefore Cocalus here built a Palace, and treasur'd up all his Wealth, as a Place (through this Architect's ingenious Contrivance) won∣derfully secure. In the Third Place, he made a Cave in the Territory of Sele∣menta, * 1.9 in which by Fire there under Ground, a warm Steam was so artificially rais'd, that by it's moderate heat, it caus'd a gentle Sweat, and gradually cur'd many that resorted thither of their Distempers, with a great deal of Pleasure, without any uneasiness from the Heat. And whereas there was a high and craggy Rock in the Country of Eryx, and no room to build but upon the highest and craggiest part of it, by reason of the strait and narrow Passages about the Temple of Venus, he drew a Wall round the very Top, and plain'd and inlarg'd it in * 1.10 a wonderful manner. They say, he likewise made a Golden Honey-Comb (de∣dicated to Venus Erycina) with such exquisite Art, and so like to a true and * 1.11 real one, that none could ever be comparable to it. He wrought many o∣ther excellent Pieces in Sicily, which length of Time has worn out, and con∣sum'd.

But Minos King of Crete, who had the Dominion at Sea, hearing that Daedalus was fled into Sicily, proclaim'd War against that Island. Having therefore rigg'd out a mighty Fleet, he set Sail, and arriv'd upon the Coasts of Agrigentum, which was from him call'd Minoa, where he landed his Men, and sent Messen∣gers to Cocalus, to demand the delivery up of Daedalus to Justice. Hereupon Mi∣nos and Cocalus came to an interview, and Cocalus promis'd to do all that Minos requir'd, and entertain'd him with all honourable Respect: But when he was in a Bath, Cocalus kept him there so long, that he was stiffl'd with the steam and heat. Afterwards he deliver'd his Body to the Cretians that came along with him, pretending he came to his Death, by slipping accidentally into the Hot and Scalding Baths. His Souldiers bury'd him with great Pomp, and built him a double Sepulcher, in the lower part whereof, in a Vault, they deposited his Bones, and near to the higher Part that was open to the view, they erected a Temple to Venus, which for many Ages after was so ador'd by the Inhabi∣tants, that they offer'd Sacrifices there, as in a Temple peculiarly consecrated to her.

In later Times, when Agrigentum was built, it being then discover'd that the Bones were there bury'd, the Sepulcher was wholly ruin'd, and the Bones sent to the Cre∣tians, at the time when Thero was Sovereign Lord of Agrigentum. The Cretians that were thus brought over into Sicily, after the Death of Minos, having then no King, fell at odds one with another, and rais'd a great Tumult. But their Ships being all burnt by the Sicilians, Cocalus his Subjects, they were out of all hope ever to return into their own Country; and therefore resolv'd to settle themselves in Sicily. To that end, some of them built a City, which from the Name of their King they call'd Minoa. Another part of them went up into the heart of the Country, and possessing themselves of a Place naturally very strong, there built Engium, a City so call'd from a Fountain there.

After the Destruction of Troy, they receiv'd Merion, with other Cretians that were cast upon Sicily; and because they were of the same Nation, they made them * 1.12 Members of their City. Afterwards making frequent Inroads into the Neigh∣bouring Country, from so strong a Fort, they subdu'd many of the Borderers, and got some small Territory; afterwards being grown wealthy, they built a Temple to the * 1.13 Curetes or Corybantes, and most religiously ador'd those Goddesses and adorn'd their Temple with many rich Gifts. They say, these Goddesses came into Cicily out of Crete, where they were most especially ador'd and honour'd. It's reported that they privatly bred up and conceal'd Jupiter from his Father Saturn. In reward of which Kindness, they were taken up into the Heavens and plac'd among the Stars, where they make the Constellation call'd * 1.14 Arctos. Of whom Aratus (agreeable hereunto) in his Poem of the Stars, speaks thus—

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Ʋpon their Shoulders him they bore away, If that we may believe what Stories say: From Crete great Jove advanc'd to th' Heavens clear, And plac'd the Curetes in the Northern Bear. For that from's Father Saturn him they hid, When young; and th' Youth out of all danger rid.

It's not fit therefore that we should pass by in silence the piety of these Goddesses, * 1.15 and their Fame and Reputation amongst all Men. For they are not only ador'd by the Inhabitants of this City, but several of the Neighbouring Countries wor∣ship them with pompous Sacrifices, and other Religious Services. And the Oracle at Delphos injoyn'd many Cities to give divine Honour to these Goddes∣ses; promising that by this means they should be bless'd both in their private and publick Concerns. And at length these Goddesses grew so Famous, that rich Gifts both of Gold and Silver were dedicated to them by the Inhabitants, and such Offerings are continu'd to the very time of writing this History. For they built to them a most sumptuous Temple, both for greatness of Structure, and Costly∣ness of Ornament. For in regard there was not Stone in that part of the Coun∣try fit for the raising such a Structure, they took care to have it brought from the Agyrinaeans, which was a * 1.16 Hundred Furlongs distance, and the way very rough and craggy, and hard to pass: And therefore to convey the Stones, they provided † 1.17 Wagons, and a Hundred Yoke of Oxen; being the better inabled to bear the Charge, for that the Sacred Treasures were very large. For a little before our time, there were Three Thousand Oxen dedicated to those Goddesses, and so much Land as rais'd a vast Revenue: But having said enough of this, we shall proceed to the History of Aristaeus.

Aristaeus was the Son of Apollo and Cyrene, the Daughter of Gypsaeus, who was * 1.18 the Son of Peneus. Of his Birth some tell this Story: They say that Cyrene was very beautiful, and brought up at Mount Pelion, and that Apollo fell in love with her, and transported her into Lybia, where in later time was built a City, call'd after her Name Cyrene. There Apollo committed his Son Aristaeus, begotten of Cy∣rene (then a young Infant) to the care of the Nymphs, to be brought up by them; who gave him Three several Names, Norricus, Aristaeus and Agreus. These Nymphs taught him how to * 1.19 curdle Milk, to order and make Bee-Hives, and plant Olive-Yards; and by this means he became the first that directed all other Men in this Art: For which he was so honour'd, that all ador'd him as a God, as much as they did Bacchus.

Afterwards they say, he went to Thebes, where he marry'd Autonoe, one of Cadmus's Daughters, by whom he had Actaeon, torn in Pieces (as the Mytholo∣gists * 1.20 say) by his own Dogs. Some give this Reason of his Misfortune, Because that he design'd Nuptial Imbraces with Diana in her † 1.21 Temple, dedicating to her what he got in hunting, for that Solemnity. Others say, because he boasted that in hunting, he excell'd * 1.22 Diana her self. And it is not improbable, but that the Goddess might be incens'd at either of these. For whether for the gratifying of his Lust by his Prey, he abus'd the Goddess, who was ever averse from Marriage, or that he dar'd to prefer himself in the Art of Hunting before her, who by all the Gods themselves was granted to excel all others in that respect, the Goddess was certainly most justly angry: It's therefore very probable, that being transform'd into the likeness of those Beasts he us'd to take, the Dogs when they were in pursuit of other Game, might tear him himself in Pie∣ces.

After the Death of Actaeon, Aristaeus went to † 1.23 his Father the Oracle at Delphos, and there it's said, he was commanded by the Oracle to remove into the Island Coos, who told him that he should be there highly honour'd, and in great esteem with the Coons.

Thither therefore he sail'd; a Plague afterwards raging over all Greece, he sa∣crific'd to the Gods for the deliverance of the Grecians: When he had per∣fected his Sacrifice about the rising of the * 1.24 Dog Star, at which time the Etesian

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Winds began to rise, the Plague staid. This remarkable change (if it be se∣riously * 1.25 considered) may justly be wonder'd at; for he who had his Son torn in Pieces with Dogs, allay'd the evil Influences of the Dog-Star (which common∣ly are pernicious) and at that time restor'd Health to many Thousands.

Afterwards leaving his Children behind him, he went to Lybia, and from thence being furnish'd with Shipping by the Nymph his Mother, he sail'd into Sardinia, where being taken with the pleasantness of the Island, he feated him∣self, and improved the Ground with Planting and Tillage, and civiliz'd the In∣habitants who were before Rude and Barbarous. Here he begat Two Sons, Car∣mus and Calaecarpus. Afterwards he sail'd to other Islands, and staid for some time in Sicily, upon the account of its Fruitfulness both in Corn and Cattel, where he imparted several things to the Inhabitants that were of great Benefit and Ad∣vantage. Therefore it's said all the Sicilians, and especially those that had Olive-Yards, ador'd Aristaeus as a God.

At last, they say, he went into Thrace to Bacchus, where he learnt the Rites * 1.26 of the Orgia, and through his familiar Converse with that God, was instructed in many other things, both useful and profitable.

After he had liv'd for some time near Mount * 1.27 Haemus, he vanish'd away, and never was seen more; and was afterwards honour'd as a God, not only by the Barbarians in those Parts, but by all the Gracians: But concerning Aristaeus, this shall suffice.

Now to say something concerning Daphne and Eryx; it's reported that Eryx * 1.28 was the Son of Venus and † 1.29 Butes, a Native, a most Famous Prince. This Eryx for the Nobleness of his Birth on the Mo∣thers side, was of great Esteem among the Inhabitants, and became King of part of the * 1.30 Island, and built a City call'd after his own Name, upon a high and lofty Hill, upon the top of which within the City, he built a Temple to Venus, a∣dorn'd * 1.31 with rich Oblations, and all other stately Furniture. The Goddess in reward of the Piety of the Inhabitants, and the devotion of her Son the Founder, exprest a special Love and Kindness for this City, and upon that nam'd her self Venus Erycina.

When any seriously considers the Majesty of this Temple, he cannot but great∣ly admire it; for all other Sacred Structures, after they have been famous for some time, have often by the adverse Blasts of Fortune, been at length ruin'd and destroyd; but this has been so far (from the very first Dedication of it) from decreasing in its Glory, that it has grown still more and more in Reputation and E∣steem. For after the Consecration of it by Eyrx, Aeneas another Son of Venus, when he arriv'd in Sicily in his Voyage to Italy, beautify'd it with many rich Oblati∣ons, because it was Consecrated to his Mother; and after him the Sicilians for many Ages together (at great Cost and Expence) ador'd this Goddess with mag∣nificent Sacrifices, and further adorn'd her Temple with many great Oblations. The Carthaginians also in later times, when they conquer'd part of the Island, still continu'd the splendid Worship of this Goddess. And lastly, the Romans, when they became Masters of the whole Island, surpass'd all that were before 'em in the Worship of this Deity; and this they did upon good ground, for they de∣riv'd their Original from her, and by her means were prosperous in all their Affairs, and therefore in gratitude for so many Benefits, they return'd her the greater Honour and Esteem. For the Consuls and Praetors, and all that came as Governors into this Island, as soon as they came to Eryx, offer'd most mag∣nificent Sacrifices, and dedicated rich Gifts for the beautifying of this Temple; and by little and little laid aside their Austerity, and pleasantly convers'd both with the Women and Children in their Jollity, looking upon this to be the only way to ingratiate themselves into the favour of the Goddess. The Roman Se∣nate likewise out of their singular respect to this Goddess, decreed that Seven∣teen of the most considing Cities they had in Sicily, should make an Offering in Gold to Venus, and that the Temple should be continually guarded by Two Hun∣dred Soldiers.

And thus though we have treated something largely of Eryx, yet the Account is not impertinent to the History of Venus.

We shall now endeavour to relate what the Mythologists report concerning * 1.32 Daphnis: In Sicily they say, are Mountains call'd Herei, so pleasant for Situation, and of so sweet an Air, that no Place can be better pitcht upon than they, for Pleasure and Diversion in the Summer time: For there are many Springs of ad∣mirable sweet Water, and deckt with Trees of all sorts. There are whole Woods of tall and stately Oaks, which bear Acorns of a vast bigness, twice as many, and twice as big as in any other part of the World.

There likewise grows abundance of Roots and Herbs, natural Vines, and un∣speakable number of * 1.33 Melons, so that a Carthaginian Army once ready to starve for want of Provision, was there reliev'd and preserv'd; and though so many Thousands were there fed, yet plenty remain'd in the Mountains still. In this Region there's a pleasant Valley, grac'd with Rows of Trees, affording a most † 1.34 ravishing prospect to the Eye, and likewise a Grove dedicated to the Nymphs: Here they say Daphnis was begotten by Mercury upon one of the Nymphs, and gain'd that Name from the multitude of * 1.35 Laurels that grow there. Being bred up by the Nymphs, and having many Herds of Cattel, he diligently follow'd the Shepherds Life; upon which account he was also call'd † 1.36 Bubulcus; and be∣ing very skilful and ingenious in composing Songs and Tunes, he found out the Bucolick Poems, and Harmonious Notes which are much us'd, and highly esteem'd amongst the Sicilians at this Day. They say likewise, that he often hunted with Diana, and by his dutiful observance and attendance upon the Goddess, mighti∣ly gain'd her Favour, and with his Piping and Singing, wonderfully delighted her. It's likewise said, that a Nymph falling in love with him, told him, that if he lay with any other Woman but her, he should be struck blind; which after∣wards prov'd true, for lying with a King's Daughter who had made him drunk, he forthwith lost his Sight.

But this concerning Daphnis shall suffice. Now we proceed in short to the Sto∣ry * 1.37 of Orion. It's said, that he was the biggest and strongest Man of all the He∣roes, and was much given to Hunting; and being so very strong, for the sake of Vain-glory, perform'd many great Actions.

Amongst other things, by casting up a Mold, he made the Harbour call'd Acte, for Zanclus the Sicilian King, from whom the City was anciently call'd Zancle, but now Messina.

But since we make mention of Messina, we conceive it no digression if we here subjoyn what is related concerning the narrow Sea, whereon it is seated.

Some ancient Writers say, that Sicily was once a Peninsula, and afterwards * 1.38 became an Island, in the manner following.

The Sea beating violently upon each side of the narrowest part of the Isthmus, at length cut through and disjoyn'd one part from the other, and the place from thence was call'd Rhegium, where many Years after, was built the City now so call'd. Others say, that that narrow Neck of the Continent, was rent asunder by an Earthquake, and by that means the Sea burst into that part where the Convulsion was made. But the Poet Hesiod affirms the contrary; for he says, that the Sea being formerly broader, Orion rais'd up in the open Sea, the Pro∣montary Pelorus, and built upon it a Temple to Neptune, religiously ador'd by the Inhabitants. After the performing of these things, they report that he sail'd into Eubaea, and there resided. Afterwards for the glory of his Actions, being fix'd as a Constellation amongst the Stars, his Name became Famous to Eternity, of whom the Poet Homer makes mention in his Poem of the Dead, in these Words:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Next vast Orion his appearance made, Hunting Wild Beasts within a Fruitful Mead, Which on th' wast Mountains he had kill'd before, When once a brazen Knotted Club he bore.

Where likewise he takes notice of his great Bulk; and a little after making mention of Aloiades, he adds, that at Nine Years of Age, he was † 1.39 Four Yards and an half in thickness, and Eighteen Yards in height.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

His Mother Earth his Body did so rear, That none for Height and Beauty might compare With him; except Orion who excell'd In both; and so him more than parallell'd.

Having now treated sufficiently of the Heroes and Demy-Gods, according as we at first design'd, we shall here put an end to this Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  An. Mund. 2732.
• * 1.2

  Metionon.
• * 1.3

  * Call'd Calus, by Fausan, lib. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 21.
• † 1.4

  Of the Fa∣mily, or Tribe of Cecrops.
• * 1.5

  P. 193.
• * 1.6

  Minotaur.
• * 1.7

  1. Colymbe∣thra.
• * 1.8

  2. A City.
• * 1.9

  3. A S••o••e, or Sweating-House; a Ban∣nion. P. 194.
• * 1.10

  4. Plaining a Rock.
• * 1.11

  5. Honey-Comb of Gold.
• * 1.12

  The Curetes or Corybantes.
• * 1.13

  Call'd the Mother God∣desses in Crete.
• * 1.14

  The Bear.
• * 1.15

  P. 195.
• * 1.16

  About Fif∣teen Miles.
• † 1.17

  Gr. Carts with Four Wheels.
• * 1.18

  Aristaeus his Original.
• * 1.19

  To make Cheese.
• * 1.20

  Actaeon.
• † 1.21

  Within the Consecrated Ground belonging to the Temple.
• * 1.22

  Others say, because he look'd at her when she was Bathing. See Paus. Boetic. c. 2.
• † 1.23

  Apollo, the Oracle being call'd the Oracle of Apollo.
• * 1.24

  In August.
• * 1.25

  P. 196.
• * 1.26

  The Feasts of Bacchus.
• * 1.27

  Between Thrace and Thessaly.
• * 1.28

  Daphnis, Eryx.
• † 1.29

  Butes King of Bithynia, call'd formerly Bebrycia in Asia.
• * 1.30

  Sicily.
• * 1.31

  Venus's Temple in Eryx.
• * 1.32

  Daphnis, He∣rean Moun∣tains.
• * 1.33

  Apples.
• † 1.34

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Divine Com∣liness.
• * 1.35

  L. Daphne, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Laurel, in Greek.
• † 1.36

  The Cow∣herd.
• * 1.37

  Orion.
• * 1.38

  The Straight at Messina.
• † 1.39

  Nine Cubits make Four Yards and a half. Nine Orgia make Eighteen Yards.