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. I.

Of Xerxes his Expedition into Greece, and the Battel of Thermopyle, and the Sea Fight at Salamis.

CAllias being Archon or chief Magistrate of Athens, Spurius Cassius, and Proclus Virginius Tricostus, Consuls at Rome, in the Seventy Fifth Olympiad, celebrated at Elis, (in which * 1.1 Asylus the Syracu∣sian * 1.2 was Victor) Xerxes (for the reason after mention'd) rais'd an Army against the Grecians. † 1.3 Mardonius the Persian was Cousin German, and by Marriage likewise nearly related to Xerxes, of great esteem among the Persians for his Valour and Prudence. This Man prompted forward by the greatness of his Spirit, and the heat of his Youth, burned with Ambition, to be General of so great an Army as that Expedition requir'd; and therefore persuaded Xerxes that he would bend all his power to subdue the Grecians, those implacable Enemies of the Persians.

Being brought over to close with this Advice, he determin'd utterly to destroy and root them up: And to that end sent Embassadors to Carthage, to treat with them concerning the joining of their Forces together: Whereupon it was thus

agreed between them, That Xerxes should Land his Forces in Greece, and that the Carthaginians at the same time should with a great Army invade the Greeks in Italy and Sicily.

According to which Compact the Carthaginians raised a great sum of Money, and hired many Soldiers out of the Provinces of Liguria in Italy * 1.4 Gallia and † 1.5 Iberia; and raised Men of their own throughout all Lybia, and out of Carthage it-self. In which preparations were spent Three Years, and an Army of Three Hun∣dred Thousand Men were mustered, and Two Hundred Ships fitted out.

On the other part Xerxes stirr'd up by the Industry of the Carthaginians, (by way of Emulation) as far exceeded them in Warlike Preparations, as he did in Dominion and Empire. He commanded Ships to be built every where upon the Sea-Coasts within his Dominions, as Egypt, Phaenicia, and Cyprus, and like∣wise through Cilicia, Pamphilia, Pisidia, Licia, Caria, Misia, Troas, the Cities of the Hellespont, Pontus and Bithynia, and in Three Years time (as the Carthaginians had done) set forth above Twelve Hundred * 1.6 Gallies. And this was the better accomplished by means of the Preparations of those great Forces rais'd by Darius his Father in his Life time. For Datis, Darius his General, being not long before o∣vercome by the Athenians in the Battel of Marathon, Darius ever afterwards bore an implacable hatred against them: But just as he was ready to pass over into Greece, he was prevented by Death.

Xerxes, therefore incourag'd both by his Father's Assistance, and the Advice of Mardonius (as is before related) resolved to invade the Grecians.

When all things were prepared, he commanded the Officers of his Navy to randezvouze his Fleet as * Cyme, and Phocea. * 1.7 And he himself with the whole Army, both of Horse and Foot, rais'd out of every Province of his Dominion, marched from Susa; and advancing to Sardis, forthwith sent Heralds, * 1.8 into Greece, commanding them to go to all the Cities and de∣mand in the Name of the King * 1.9 Earth and Water.

There dividing his Army, part he sent (sufficient as was conceiv'd) to make † 1.10 a Bridge over the Hell••spant, and another part to cut a Way through the Mountain * 1.11 Athos, both judg∣ing it safe for his Soldiers to have so short a Cut for their March, and hoping likewise by such an extraordinary Work upon the first Attempt, to strike a Terror into the Grecians. They therefore that were sent, having so great a multitude of Hands at work, speedily dispatcht the Business.

But the Grecians being now alarum'd with the vast Army of the Persians, sent Ten Thousand † 1.12 Men at Arms into Thes∣saly, to possess themselves of the Passages or Posts of Tempe. The General of the Lacedemonians was Synetus, and of the A∣thenians Themistocles: These sent Messengers to all the Cities, to require them to raise Soldiers for the defence of the Pas∣sages at the common Charge; for they made it their Business with all Expedition to interest all the Cities of Greece in the War, that so the Persians might be op∣posed by the combin'd Force of all Greece together.

But when they heard that the greatest part of the Thessalians, and those that in∣habited the Straits, had submitted unto the Kings Delegates or Commissioners, they return'd home, despairing to make any effectual Defence at Tempe.

And here it will not be from the purpose to declare what part of Greece assist∣ed the Barbarians, that (deservingly branding them with disgrace) Traitors to the Common Liberty of their Country may out of a sense of shame and Dishonour be deterr'd from the like practice. We say therefore, that the Dolopians, Aenians, Milesians, Perrhaebians, and * Magnesians, sided with the Barbarians; and even * 1.13 while the Guards were in Tempe, the Achaeans, Phthiotians, Locreans, and Thessalians joyn'd with them; and after they were withdrawn, most of the Beotians, went over to the Persians. Hereupon the Grecians, in a common Assembly at the Istmos, decreed, that if they should be victorious, those Grecians that sided with the Persians, should be sacrificed to the Gods every Tenth Man. And they order'd Embassadors to be sent to such as at present stood neuter, to stir them up forth∣with to take up Arms for the Common Liberty.

Of these, some without delay, heartily joyn'd themselves to the common Interest; others promis'd to do it in due time, though in truth by delay they were willing to have some prospect of the Issue of the War before they hazarded themselves. They of Argos by their Embassadors in the Common Council, declared that they were ready to join in Arms with the rest of Greece, if they might have some share of the supream Command in the Army: To whom Answer was given by the Council, that if they thought it a greater Grievance to Fight under a Grecian General for the Common Liberty, than to be Slaves to a Barbarian, they do wisely to forbear to take up Arms: But if through their Ambition they aspire to the Command of Greece, it were just that they should first signalize themselves by such noble Actions, as might justly deserve so great an Honour. After this the Grecian Cities, generally gave Answer to the King's Embassadors (that went through Greece) in such a manner as plainly demonstrated at how high a Rate they prized the common Liberty of the Country.

When Xerxes understood that the Bridge over the Hellespont was finished, and a Passage made through the Mountain Athos, he forthwith marched from Sardis, determining to make his Way to the Hellespont. And when he came to Abidos, he pass'd his Army over the Bridge into Europe; then marching through Thrace, he increased his Army by the Thracians and other Borderers. When he came to Doriscus, he commanded his Fleet should sail thither, that his Forces both by Sea and Land might joyn.

There he numbred his Army, in which it is reported there * 1.14 were inroll'd above Eight Hundred Thousand Foot, more than Twelve Hundred Gallies, Three Hundred and Twenty of which were Greek Ships. The Ships themselves were pro∣vided at the Charge of the King, but furnished with Soldiers and Mariners by the * 1.15 Grecians within his Dominions. All the rest were Ships fitted out by the Barba∣rians. Of these, Two Hundred were built and man'd by the Egyptians; Three Hun∣dred by the Phaenicians; the Cilicians, Fourscore; the Pamphilians Forty; and the Licians as many: Besides, the Carians Fourscore; and from Cyprus an Hun∣dred and Fifty. As to those from the Grecians, the Doreans inhabiting about Caria, together with them of Rhodes and Coos, sent Forty; the Ionians with them of Samos and Chius, an Hundred; the Eolians with Lesbos and Tenedos, Forty: They of the Hellespont, with them that inhabited about Pontus, Fourscore: The Islanders Fifty. For the King had secured to himself all the Islands between Cyaneas, Triopion and Sunium.

Such was the number of the Men of War in the Navy besides Eight Hundred and Fifty prepared for transporting of Horses, and Three Thousand Ships of Burden of Thirty Oars a-piece. Thus Xerxes was imploy'd at Doriscus in num∣bring his Army; but the General Council of Greece, being informed that the Forces of the Persians did approach; it was ordered that the Grecian Fleet, should forthwith sail to Artemesium in * 1.16 Eubaea, judging that to be the most con∣venient place to oppose the Enemy: And a Guard of Men at Arms are sent to Thermopile, sufficient (as was conceived) to secure the Straits and Passages, and repel the Barbarians: For it was determined with all haste and speed to defend on every side all those that took part with the Grecians, and with their Forces every way to preserve their Confederates. Euribiades a Lacedemonian, was Ad∣miral of the whole Fleet; Leonidas † 1.17 General of Sparta, commanded the Forces sent to Thermopile, a brave Man and an excellent Soldier.

Leonidas taking upon him the Command, chose only a Thousand Men out of the Army to follow him in this Expedition. But the * 1.18 E∣phori or Common Council advising him to take a greater num∣ber against so powerful an Enemy, yea, commanding him so to do, he in an intricate and perplexed Speech made Answer, That in truth that number was too few to keep the Pass against the Barbarians, but that he needed no more to accomplish that Design which they were going about to effect. Receiving this dark Answer, they asked him whether he led out the Army upon any slight and inconsiderable Attempt? He return'd in Answer, that in Words and Talk he was to lead them to defend the Passages: But in truth and in the Event to dye for the Common Liberty. Therefore if these Thousand which he had chosen might go along with him, the Fame of Sparta would be advanced even by their Destruction: But if all the Lacedemonians should

go thither, the very Lacedemonian Name would be utterly extinct, they being Men never used to fly to save themselves.

Upon this there were allotted to him a Thousand Lacedemonians, Three Hun∣dred Spartans, and Three Thousand out of the rest of the Army: So that he marcht away with Four Thousand Soldiers to Thermopile. But the Locrians who inhabited near the Passages, had given † 1.19 Earth and Water to the Persians, and had promis'd to seize the Passes.

But when they perceiv'd Leonidas to advance to Thermopile, they revolted and joined themselves to the Greciau Army; and so a Thousand Locrians, as many Milesians, and near a Thousand Phocians marched with him to Thermopile; besides Four Hundred Thebans, of a different Faction sided now with Greece: For the Thebans that were in Confederacy with the Persians were divided amongst themselves.

This then is the utmost number of the Army which under Leonidas their Ge∣neral came to Thermopile, and there prepared themselves to bear the brunt of the whole strength of the Persians.

Xerxes having now numbred his Forces, march'd * 1.20 away with his whole Army to the City Acanthus, his Fleet sailing near at hand over against him; thence his Navy pass'd through the Ditch or Sluce cut through the † 1.21 Istmos, and by that means he pass'd his Fleet into the other * 1.22 Sea by a short and safe Cut.

When he came to the Bay of † 1.23 Melus, he was inform'd that all the Passages were possessed by the Enemy: Upon which he again increas'd his Forces, and join'd to them little less than Two Hundred Thousand Men more, which he had raised as his Confederates out of Europe. So that besides his Naval Forces, his Land Army consisted of no less than a * 1.24 Hundred Myriads. And the rest that were in his Fleet (what in his Men of War, and what in his Transport Ships and Shipping for other Necessaries) were judged to be no way inferior for number to his Land Forces. Therefore what we find reported concerning the Number he brought with him is not to be wondred at.

For it's said, that † 1.25 great Rivers were drunk up by that multitude, and that the Sea it self was even cover'd over by the spreading forth of the Sails of the Ships: So that the Forces of Xerxes have been by all reputed the greatest that e∣ver any History made mention of.

The Persian Army now incamping at the River Sperchius, Xerxes sent Messen∣gers to Thermopyle, both to find out with what Resolution he was likely to be oppos'd, and likewise to declare that the King commanded them to lay down their Arms, and return in safety to their own Countries, and become Friends and Confederates to the Persians; which if they yielded to, then he faithfully pro∣mis'd that he would bestow upon them both larger and richer Countries than those they did then inhabit.

This Message being heard, those with Leonidas returned this Answer; that they were in a better Posture to be the Kings Confederates being arm'd, than if they were disarm'd; and if it happen'd that they must fight, then they could more gallantly and couragiously venture their Lives for their Liberties. As for the Countries which the King promis'd them, they bid them tell him, that it was not the manner of the Grecians, by any base and dishonourable means to plant themselves in any Country, or to gain Lands and Estates but by Virtue and Va∣lour, and being so gain'd by the same Valour to defend them.

Xerxes having receiv'd this Answer, presently sent for Demaratus the Spartan (who was banished from his Country, and fled to him) and in a scoffing manner ask'd the Laconian, whether the Grecians could run faster than his Horses? or whe∣ther they durst ingage with so great an Army? Demaratus is reported to have answer'd the King thus: You are not O King, unacquainted with the Valour of the Grecians, forasmuch as your Majesty ever made use of them to reduce your Rebellious Subjects upon all occasions: And do not think that these, who have done more than the Persians in the Defence of your Majesty's Sovereignty, will approve themselves with less Valour, for the preservation of their own Liberties against the Persians.

At which words, Xerxes laughing him to scorn, commanded him to follow him, that he might presently see the Lacedemonians taking to their Heels.

And now Xerxes dislodging his Army, marched to the Straights of Thermopyle, placing the Medes in the Front of the Battel, either because they were esteem'd Men of greatest Courage, or that he desir'd to have them all cut off, for they were still proud and haughty in regard the Sovereign Power not long before was wrested from their Ancestors, and many there were likewise in the Army whose Kindred perish'd in the Battel of Marathon. Xerxes therefore orders the Brothers and Children of those that were slain in that Battel, to be plac'd in a Body in view of the Medes, conceiving this would be a means to exasperate 'em to a fiercer Revenge upon the Grecians.

The Medes therefore being put in the Front (as before said) made a fierce Charge upon the Thermopylean Guards. But Leonidas (being well prepar'd) had plac'd his Men in a close Body, in the straightest part of the Passages: Now both sides are hotly engaged, for the Barbarians having their King both the Spectator and Witness of their Valour on the one hand, and the thoughts of danger of losing of Liberty, together with the Commands of the General firing the Grecians on the other, the Fight was amazing. And now setting Foot to Foot, fighting * 1.26 close at hand, and being lockt together, Wounds were given on both sides, in∣somuch as the Battel was doubtful a long time, till at length the Grecians through their Resolution, and the greatness of their Shields getting ground, the Medes with much ado fell off, and began to flag, a great part of them being kill'd, and many others wounded. The Medes thus baffled, the Caesii and Sachae (counted ex∣cellent Soldiers) continu'd the Fight; and although they were fresh Men and un∣touched, against Men almost tired out, yet they were hew'd down and quickly put to flight, and many kill'd by Leonidas his Soldiers: For the Barbarians being guarded with short Shields and Bucklers, were fitter for Fight in the open Field, (where they could by reason of the lightness of their Arms move as they pleas'd,) than in narrow Passages, where they could not well touch the Bodies of their E∣nemies standing so close together, and being likewise defended with large Shields. On the other hand, the Barbarians being but lightly arm'd, lay the more open to all the Darts and Blows of the Assailants.

Xerxes now seeing the Passages strowed with the Carcases of his Soldiers, and that the Barbarians were not able to withstand the Grecian Valour, sent against them the chiefest of the Persians, such as were call'd Immortal and Invulnerable, Men of far stronger Bodies than any of the rest of the Army. Of these the Gre∣cians made a quick dispatch, for they fled presently, and Night now coming on, gave a present Cessation of Arms, with a great Slaughter of the Barbarians, few being lost on the Grecians side.

Xerxes fretting at the late Misfortune of his Arms, so cross to his hopes and expectations, the next day chose out of all his Regiments, such as were most ap∣proved for Strength and Valour; and after many earnest Entreaties, he told them that if they broke in upon the Grecians, and drove them out of the Passages, he would remunerate them with large Rewards; but that Death should be the Wa∣ges of them that fled. Upon which, they made a fierce and violent Charge in one Body upon the Army of the Grecians. The Soldiers of Leonidas on the other hand closing together in a Body like a strong Wall, with great resolution resisted the furious shock of their Adversaries, and were so earnest in Fight, that they would not suffer the usual fresh Aids to succeed to their Assistance; but over∣coming all difficulties by Resolution, they beat down and destroy'd most of the choicest of the Barbarians; every one striving who should spend most of the day in signalizing his own Valour: For the Courage of the Young Men, put on the Old and Experienc'd Soldiers to a higher strain of Valour than ordinary; and the Glory formerly gain'd by the Old, stirr'd up the Young Men to Emulation of Honour.

At length this brave and choice Army of the Barbarians was routed and put to flight: In their flight they were stop'd by a strong Body of Men appointed for that purpose, who drove them back upon the Enemy, and so forced them to re∣new the Fight. But the King being astonished and in great fear, conceiving none durst make any further Attempt upon the Grecians, one * 1.27 Trachinius an Inhabitant of the Country (to whom all the secret and by-ways in the Mountains were by

use very well known) came to Xerxes, and promis'd him to lead the Persians through a certain straight and difficult † 1.28 Pass, that the Troops sent along with him might come up∣on the Backs of Leonidas his Soldiers, and by this means the Grecians being fought both behind and before, might easily be cut off.

At the hearing of this, the King greatly rejoyc'd, and amply rewarded the Trachinian, and forthwith sent along with him in the Night Twenty Thousand Men. But one Tyrastiades of Cuma in the Persian Army, * 1.29 an upright Man of honest Principles, in the Night privately convey'd himself from the Watch or Centinels of the Persians, and came to Leonidas, and discover'd what the Trachi∣nian had contriv'd; which being known, a Council of War was call'd at Mid∣night, where they advised together what was to be done in the present immi∣nent danger and state of Affairs. There were some that were of Opinion, That it was best forthwith to leave the Passages, and to return to the rest of their As∣sociates while it was yet well with them, for that there was no hopes of safety if they continu'd there.

But Leonidas the Lacedemonian General minding to appropriate Immortal Ho∣nour * 1.30 to himself and his Spartans, commanded all the rest to depart, and reserve themselves for better Times, and for further help to the Greeks hereafter; en∣joyning only the Lacedemonians to stay, and not to desert the defence of the Straights, for that it became the Generals and Commanders of Greece resolvedly to be vi∣ctorious, or to dye valiantly upon the Spot.

The Council then breaking up, all the rest presently march'd away: And Leo∣nidas being now left upon the Place only with his Citizens, was resolved with them to perform wonderful and Heroical Actions: For the Lacedemonians being but very few (for he kept the Thespians only with him, so that all of them to∣gether did not exceed Five Hundred Men) he prepar'd himself bravely to dye for the Liberty and Glory of Greece.

In the mean time, they that were sent with † 1.31 Trachinius, led about through the steep Passes, had beset those with Leonidas on every side: But the Grecians who had before cast off all Thoughts of Deliverance, and had preferr'd Honour be∣fore Life, with one Voice desir'd their General that he would lead them out a∣gainst the Enemy before it were known to the Persians that they were sur∣rounded.

Leonidas hereupon commending the Courage of his Soldiers, commanded them that they would with all speed go to their Dinners with that chearfulness as those that must be with the * 1.32 Gods at Supper: And he himself presently commanded Meat to be brought to him, and fell to eating: For by this means he said they would be more able to endure, and longer to abide the Dangers and Toyls of such an Ingagement.

After they had all refresh'd themselves, and were ready attending upon their General, he commanded them to follow him, and break into the Enemies Camp to kill all that they met, and make to the King's Pavilion: At which word of Command, in one Body in the Night under their General Leonidas, they should rush into the Camp of the Persians.

The Barbarians being amaz'd at so suddain and unexpected an Alarum, every where run out of their Tents in great disorder and confusion. And supposing that all those that were sent with the Trachinian were cut off, and that all the Grecian Forces were amongst them, they were every where seiz'd with fear and astonish∣ment: A great Slaughter therefore was made amongst them by the Soldiers of Leonidas, but much more by the Persians among themselves, they not knowing who was Friend or Foe: The Mistake likewise being advanced by the Darkness of the Night, in which none could be distinguish'd, dread and horrour prevail'd all over the Camp, so that it was no wonder that a terrible Slaughter was made a∣mong them: For they killed one another, since now there was neither Time nor Place to be at any certainty, for that none knew whose Commands, or what Captain to follow, or what Colours or Ensigns to hasten to: But their Minds were in a continual Distraction. And if the King had then been in his Pavilion, he had been easily destroy'd amongst the rest by the Grecians, and in that moment had an end been put to so great a War: But Xerxes presently at the beginning of the Tumult, hasten'd, and speedily got out of harms way. The Grecians

breaking into his Pavilion, cut off the Heads almost of all they found there, and diligently sought for Xerxes (while the Night favour'd them) in all parts of the Camp.

But when the Day brake, and Light began to make a Discovery, the Persians then perceiving the Grecians to be very few, began to despise them, but durst not make strait upon them, being terrify'd by their amazing Courage.

Therefore they compass'd them round, and gauling them every way, both in the Flank and Rear, they were all destroy'd with Darts and Arrows. And this was the end of those sent with Leonidas to guard the Passes in Thermopyle, whose Valour who can sufficiently admire? who were also unanimous not to desert their Post assigned them, but undauntedly sacrific'd their Lives for the common safe∣ty of Greece, and chose rather to dye valiantly and in Honour, than to live as Slaves and in Disgrace.

On the other hand, this Terror and Amazement of the Persians, cannot but be very probable; for which of the Barbarians could ever suspect so incredible an * 1.33 Attempt? Who could have imagin'd, that Five Hundred should have that Confidence, as without Fear to set upon * 1.34 a Hundred Myriads? So that we may conclude that Posterity cannot but fix upon these Men as a Pattern and Example of Valour for ever; who though compassed about with inextri∣cable Dangers, and wearied out in their Bodies with overcoming, yet in their Minds were unconquerable. These therefore are the only Men (we read of) that became more famous by their being overcome, than others by their most glorious Victories; for we ought not to make a Judgment of Mens Virtues by the Event, but by their solid and well-grounded Resolutions: For Fortune is the Mistress of the First, but every Man's Reason is the Advocate for the other.

For who can judge there were ever braver Men than these? who though they were not the Thousandth part of their Enemies, yet were acted with such brave Spirits, as to dare to try their Courage with an incredible Multitude; not that they had the least hope or expectation of overcoming upon so unequal Terms, but resolving with undaunted Resolutions and noble Souls to surpass all that e∣ver was done in former Ages. They knew indeed they were then to fight with Barbarians: But yet they concluded, that thereby they should be sharers in Fame and Glory with all that ever were before them. For they were the only Men (since the Memory of Man) that chose rather to defend the Laws of their Coun∣try, than to preserve their own Lives, even with a Contempt of Dangers that were insuperable; judging it more desirable for Men of Valour so to signalize themselves.

To these the common Liberty of Greece ows more than to those that afterwards overcame Xerxes in following Battels; for the Barbarians being astonished with such an extraordinary and unheard of Attempt, were afterwards much discou∣rag'd, and had little heart to Fight. The Spirits of the Grecians on the other side, were inflamed with the desire of gaining the like honour with their Coun∣trymen. To conclude, these alone seem'd to have born away with them the im∣mortal Memory of an unparallell'd Valour, above all before them: And there∣fore their Praises have been set forth not only by Historians, but by many Poets, amongst whom, that famous † 1.35 Milean Poet * 1.36 Simonides has described this noble Action, with high Strains of Commendation worthy of their Valour, thus—

At fam'd Thermopyle these brave Souls got, An honourable Death, and Noble Lot; Their Tomb an Altar bears, which doth record Their Ancestors; and Death doth Life afford Ʋnto their Fame, nor Rust, nor Times Teeth shall Devour the Trophies of their Funeral, The Praise of Grecian Heroes to maintain, Their Countrys Freedom that were Slain, This Chappel doth contain. Leonidas above the rest, The Spartan King will this attest; Who gave proof to Posterity, That real Valour cannot dye.

Having now said enough of these Gallant Men, we shall return where we broke off. Xerxes thus possess'd of the Passes, obtain'd (according to the Proverb) only in a * 1.37 Cadmean Victory, lost a great num∣ber of his Soldiers, with the Destruction of a very few of his Enemies in comparison. And having now gain'd the Straights, and made his way open, he determin'd to try his Fortune in a Sea-Fight: To that purpose he forthwith sent for Megabates the Admiral of his Navy, and commanded him to make up to the Grecian Fleet, and with the whole strength of his Navy to join Battel with them; who without delay obeys the King's Command, and looses from Pydna in Macedonia with the whole Fleet, and sails to the utmost Coasts or Promontory of Magnesia call'd Sepias, where meeting with a violent Storm and Tempest, he lost Three Hundred of his Ships of War, and a great number of his Transport Ships. When the Storm was over, he made away, and arrived at Aphetas, a City of Magnesia. From thence he sent forth Three Hundred Sail, and commanded the Officers that they should sail about, and make to the Right Hand of the Island † 1.38 Eubea, and so surround the Enemy. The Grecians in the mean time lay at Anchor at Ar∣temesia in Eubea, whose Navy was at the most not above Two Hundred and Fourscore Sail, whereof an Hundred and Forty were fitted out by the Athenians, and the rest by the other Grecians. Euribiades, a Spartan, was Admiral of the Fleet; and Themistocles the Athenian took care of all other things relating to it. * 1.39 This Man by reason of his singular Prudence and Military Experience, was not only in great Reputation and Authority with the Grecians in the Fleet, but even with Euribiades himself; and all were ready at his Command. When the Sea-Officers were in Consultation where was the most commodious Place to join Battel; whilst all the rest were for abiding where they were, and to receive the Enemy as they then lay; only Themistocles was of a contrary Opinion, and declared, that that Party ever had the advantage, who in good order made the first Onset upon the Enemy: For if they then in a Body fell upon the Enemy, who was at that time in Disorder and Confusion, by coming out of several Ports, and at a great distance one from another, the Attack would probably be successful and prosperous.

The Counsel and Advice of Themistocles prevailing, the whole Grecian Fleet in order of Battel, set sail against the Persians, who coming out of their several Ports, as they were dispers'd and out of order, were met by the Navy of The∣mistocles, who sunk many of 'em, and forc'd as many more upon the Shoar.

In the mean time, the Fleets of both Parties now come together, and Battel join'd, some parts of the Fleets prevail'd here and there on both sides, without absolute Victory on either, till Night put an end to the Contest. Presently fol∣low'd a most dreadful Tempest, whereby many Ships of the Persian Fleet were forc'd out of their Harbours, and lost. So as God dimself seem'd to fight for the Grecians, by reducing the Barbarians to a less number, that the Grecians might be an equal Match for them, and better able to bear the brunt of a Sea-Fight. Hence it was, that the Grecians grew more and more confident and couragious: And on the other Hand, the Barbarians ever more fearful in all Attempts.

But after the Storm was over, having again brought together their Navy, they * 1.40 made down upon the Enemy with their whole Fleet: The Grecians inforc'd with Fifty Athenian Ships, made ready, and undauntedly receiv'd the Barbarians. And here the manner of the Fight was almost like that at Thermopyle, for the Persians endeavour'd to charge through the midst of the Grecians, and so to pass into ‖ 1.41 Euripus: But the Grecians, with the help of their Confederates in Eubea, de∣fended the Straights; upon which, there was again a fierce Engagement, and both sides lost many of their Men of War: But Night drawing on again, both Parties were forc'd into their Harbours. It's reported that the Athenians on the Grecian side, and the Zidonians on the other, bravely behav'd themselves in both Battels.

The Grecians afterwards hearing of the Defeat and Slaughter made at Thermo∣pyle, * 1.42 and being certainly informed, that the Persians were marching towards A∣thens, were in great consternation, and therefore sailing back to Salamis, they there lay. And now the Athenians seeing the extream Hazard all were in, who remain'd in Athens, put on Board their Wives and Children, and all Necessaries, and whatever else they could, and transported 'em into Salamis. Then the Ad∣miral of the Persian Fleet, understanding that the Enemy was withdrawn from

their former station, presently with his whole Fleet made for Eubaea, and there first takes the City Istiea by Storm, and raz'd it, and then wasts and destroys the whole Country before him.

In the mean time Xerxes marches from Thermopyle through the Consines of Pho∣cia, * 1.43 razes all the Towns far and near, and wasts and spoils all before him.

That part of the Phocians who sided with the Grecians, not being able to Con∣test with so great a Multitude, forsook their Towns, and with all their Inhabi∣tants betook themselves to the difficult Passages and Defences of the Mountain Parnassus.

Afterwards the King entring the Country of the Doreans, forbore from Pil∣lage and Spoil, and commanded that no Injury should be done there, because they were his Friends and Associates. But part of his Forces left there, he com∣manded to invade Delphos, and to burn the Temple of Apollo, and to rob and carry away all that they found there; and he himself in the mean time, led the rest of his Army into Beotia, and there incamp'd.

When those that were sent to spoil the Delphian God, were advanc'd as far * 1.44 as the Temple of Pallas, there arose a sudden and incredible Tempest, and Storm of Hail and Wind, with dreadful Thunder and Lightning, wherewith great Rocks were rent asunder, and fell upon the Heads of the Persians, and destroy'd them by Heaps. The rest that surviv'd, being terrify'd with this Portent of the Immortal Gods, ran away with all haste and speed. And thus by Divine Pro∣vidence, the Oracle of Delphos was preserv'd from Ruin and Robbery. They of Delphos, that they might continue the Memory of this wonderful Appearance of the Gods to Posterity for ever, erected a great Trophy or Monument near the Temple of Pallas, on which they engraved this Elogy—

A grateful Gift to Jove, the Delphians Me Have rais'd, proud Monument of Victory. By Phoebus help, who Medean Bands confound, Peserv'd the † 1.45 Temple that with Brass was Crown'd.

Xerxes passing through Beotia, wasted the Country of the Thespians, and burnt Platea, forsaken before of its Inhabitants. For the People of these Parts, with their Families and all their Concerns, had withdrawn themselves into Peloponesus: From thence he passed into Attica, con∣tinuing still his Devastation and Ruin of all things: And Athens it self he razes * 1.46 to the Ground, and burns the Temples.

Whilst Xerxes was thus imploy'd, his Fleet (having first spoil'd Eubaea and the Coasts of Attica) loos'd from Eubaea, and came to Attica. About the same time the Corcyreans lay about Peloponesus, with Threescore Gallies, because they could not (as they pretended) recover the Cape or Promontory of Malea. But other Writers say, that this was rather done out of Policy, that they might observe how the issue of the War was like to succeed, and submit to the Persians if they were Victors; and that the Grecians, if they were Conquerors, might believe they came so far in order to assist them.

But when News was brought to the Athenians that were at Salamis, that their Country was burnt up, and the Temple of Pallas laid in Rubbish, they were ex∣treamly griev'd and dejected. An exceeding fear likewise seiz'd the other Gre∣cians, seeing themselves besieged (as it were) by the Enemy on every side, coopt up together within Peloponesus. And therefore it was determin'd that the Leaders * 1.47 and Officers should consult and give their Opinion what place was fittest and most convenient wherein to try their Fortune in a Sea-Fight. Many and various Opinions were proposed and bandied to and fro in this matter: The Pelopone∣sians, as those who only minded their own security, advised that the Fight might be near the Isthmus: For Fortifying the Isthmus with a strong Wall, if things did not succeed, they might presently withdraw themselves into Peloponesus, as into a Place of greatest Safety and Defence: But if they should be penned up in the little Island Salamis, they should run into Mischiefs inextricable.

But Themistocles advised to fight at Salamis, for that within the Straights they were sure to have the Advantage, where they might fight with a few Ships a∣gainst many. On the other hand, he made it out, that to fight near the Isthmus, would be great disadvantage to them, for they must fight in the open Sea, where

the Enemy would have room to make use of the whole Fleet, by which a few Vessels (as they were) would soon be destroyed by such a Multitude.

These Reasons, and many others to the same purpose in reference to the Bu∣siness in Hand, being seasonably and wisely offer'd by Themistocles, brought over all the rest to his Opinion.

It being now therefore determin'd in this General Council, to Fight within the Straights of Salamis, the Grecian Captains with all speed prepared themselves for Battel against the Persians: Euribiades therefore, together with Themistocles, began to encourage the People against the Danger approaching: But they were * 1.48 struck with such Terror and Fear of the great Power of the Persians, that they regarded not the Advice or Commands of their Leaders and Officers; but every one to save himself, hasted with all speed to pass over from Salamis to Pelopo∣nesus.

Neither were the Grecian Forces by Land, seized with less Fear and Terror, by rea∣son of the great Power of the Enemy, being likewise much dejected by the Slaughter of those valiant Men at Thermopile: And then the misery of the Atheniaus, was e∣ver before their Eyes, which amazed them, and put a damp upon all their Hopes.

Upon which the * 1.49 General Council discerning the Tumult and distracting Fears among the People, made an Order for the Inclosing of the Isthmus with a Wall; and thereupon many Hearts and Hands joining together, the Work was com∣pleated: And so the Peloponesians, defended themselves by a Wall drawn out along from † 1.50 Lecheum to Cenchrea * 1.51 Forty Furlongs.

But now the Fleet at Salamis, was in a Mutiny, and in that degree of Fear, that none would obey their Officers. Themistocles therefore perceiving that Euribia∣des, the Admiral of the Fleet, was not regarded, and that the Violence of the Furious Popularity could not be restrained; and considering likewise that the Straits and Difficulties of the Places at Salamis were of great Advantage in or∣der to obtain the Victory, resolved upon this Project: He commanded one chosen * 1.52 out for that purpose, to go privately as a Deserter to the King, to let him know that the Grecians had resolved to pass over with all their Fleet from Sala∣mis into the Isthmus. Xerxes gives credit to what was related, as a thing very probable, and therefore resolved with all haste and diligence, to prevent the Land and Sea-Forces of the Grecians from joining; and to that purpose com∣manded the Ships he had from Egypt, forthwith to possess themselves of the Straits and narrow Seas between Salamis and Megaris, and orders the rest of his Navy to make for Salamis, and there without delay to Fight the Enemy. The King's Gallies were drawn up distinctly, according to their several Natiòns, that being all of one and the same Language, they might more readily aid and assist one another.

The Fleet setting forth in this Order, the Phaenicians were in the Right Wing, and the Grecians joyn'd with the Persians were plac'd in the Left. In the mean time, the Officers of the Ionians sent with great Secrecy a certain Samian unto the Grecians, to acquaint them what the King determined, and in what Method and order all things were hastning forward, and that they themselves (as soon as the Battel was join'd) were resolved to desert the Barbarians.

All which, when the Samian had thus privily discover'd to Euribiades, The∣mistocles * 1.53 (his Matters succeeding according to his Hearts desire, and as he had contrived,) with great Joy encourag'd the Navy to Fight. The Grecians reco∣vering their Spirits at the Message sent by the Ionians, and (stirred up with fresh hope by the present Circumstances of Affairs to Fight) against their former De∣terminations, loosed from Salamis with great Resolution. And now the Fleet be∣ing disposed in order of Battel by Euribiades and Themistocles, the Left Wing was committed to the Lacedemonians and Athenians against the Phenicians, the Enemy's Right Wing.

The Phenicians were at that time in great Reputation for Maritime Affairs, as well by reason of the multitude of their Shipping, as for their singular and an∣cient Skill in Navigation. The † 1.54 Aegineans, and those of Megara, were plac'd in the Left Wing, for these were conceived (next to the Athenians) to be the best Seamen; and it was concluded that they would fight with the greatest Ob∣stinacy and Resolution, in regard they had no where to fly with the rest of the

Grecians for Security, if they were put to the worst. The middle Battel was supplied by the rest of the Grecians.

Things being thus order'd and prepar'd, they forthwith set sail and possess'd themselves of the Straits and Passages between Salamis and Heraclea.

As for the King, he commanded the Admiral of his Fleet, that without any stop or delay, he should set upon the Enemy: And he plac'd himself upon an Emi∣nence over against the Island of Salamis, from whence he might see all the Passages of the Battel.

The Persians, indeed at the First, while they could sail in the open Seas, every * 1.55 one kept his station: But when they began to enter the Straits, many of the Ships were Forc'd out of their Order, which occasion'd a great Tumult, and Confusion amongst the rest. Then the Admiral, who led the Van, fell in First with great Valour upon the Enemy, and was sunk at the First Charge, upon which, a great Terror seized the whole Fleet; for upon the Death of the Admi∣ral many took upon e'm to command, and gave out several and different Orders; so that they durst not proceed further but tackt about and made to Sea.

The Athenians perceiving the Terror and Confusion of the Barbarians, fierce∣ly pursu'd them; some of their Ships they struck through with the Beaks of their Vessels, and brusht off the Oars of others: And many of the Barbarians Gallies in the Flight, lying open with their Broad-sides to the Beaks of the Gre∣cian Ships, by multitude of strokes were pierc'd through and through; So that now, not having time to turn the Heads of their Gallies, they fled as well as they could with their * 1.56 Oars revers'd.

The Phenicians, and Cyprian Ships being now dispersed by the Athenians, and forc'd to Fly, the Cilicians, Pamphylians, and Lycians, who were next to them, fought indeed at the First very obstinately; but when they saw the best and stout∣est of the Ships routed, and making away, they hasted also out of the Danger.

In the other Wing, the Fight was for some small time doubtful, the Contest being vigorous on both sides; but the Phenicians and Cyprians being driven a-shoar, and the Athenians making Head upon the other, the Barbarians not able to bear the Shock, fled, and lost many of their Ships in the Flight. And thus the noble Grecians got a glorious Victory at Sea over the Barbarians.

In this Battel, Forty Ships of the Grecian Fleet were lost; but above Two Hun∣dred Gallies of the other were sunk, besides those that were taken with their Ships and Men.

The King being thus unexpectedly overcome, in a Rage slew the Phenicians, as the first that fled; threatning the rest, that in due time he would measure out Pu∣nishments for them proportionable to their Demerits; who terrify'd with the King's Threats, forthwith made for Attica, but the Night following they sailed into Asia.

And now Themistocles, justly esteem'd the Author of this Victory at Sea, con∣trives * 1.57 another Stratagem not inferior to the former; for the Grecians being ter∣rified, and not daring to fight at Land against so many Thousands of Men, he thus diminishes the Forces of the Enemy.

He sends his Childrens School-master to the King, with Instructions to acquaint him, that the Grecians were hasting with their Fleet to the Bridge, in order to pull * 1.58 it down.

This Message thè King believ'd, as very probable, and thereupon was in a ter∣rible Fright, lest the Grecians, who had then the whole Command of the Seas, should block up his Passage into Asia, so that he could not return; he resolv'd therefore to be gone with all speed, and to leave Mardonius behind him, with an Army both of Horse and Foot, consisting of no less than Four Hundred Thou∣sand Men. These Two pieces of Military Policy contriv'd by Themistocles, crown'd the Grecians with the renown of Two glorious Victories: And thus stood the Affairs of Greece. But now having declared sufficient for the present, the things that were transacted in Europe, we shall go on to those done elsewhere in Foreign Parts.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Asyehus.
• * 1.2

  Olymp. 75. Ant. Chr. 478.
• † 1.3

  He married Artozostra the Daughter of Darius; and was him∣self the Son of Gobrias, whose Daugh∣ter Darius married. Herod. lib. 6. c. 43. and lib. 7. c. 5.
• * 1.4

  France.
• † 1.5

  Spain.
• * 1.6

  Long Ships: Ships of Burden were call'd Olcades, and were built in a round form; the first were Gal∣lies, using Oars chiefly, the other Sails.
• * 1.7

  † Cuma in Eolia.
• * 1.8

  P. 243.
• * 1.9

  Earth and Water were Badges and Tokens of Subjection and Sla∣very; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• † 1.10

  Of Ships from Abidos to the other Side, Seven Furlongs, about a Mile, Herod. lib. 7. c. 34.
• * 1.11

  Through a Neck of Mount A∣thos, Twelve Furlongs over, for his Ships to pass, Herod. lib. 7. c. 22, 23, 24.
• † 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Men in Armour Others were call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, naked or light arm'd, that wore no Ar∣mour, such as Archers, Darters.
• * 1.13

  † Bordering upon Thessaly.
• * 1.14

  Cornelius Nepos says Seven Hun∣dred Thousand Foot, and Four Hun∣dred Thousand Horse.
• * 1.15

  P. 244.
• * 1.16

  Now call'd Negropont.
• † 1.17

  Or King.
• * 1.18

  The Council, or Parliament of Sparta.
• † 1.19

  Earth and Water, signs of Sub∣jection. Vid. Antea.
• * 1.20

  From Doriscus in Thrace, upon the Banks of Hebrus. P. 245.
• † 1.21

  Isthmus of Mount Athos.
• * 1.22

  That lyeth before the Town.
• † 1.23

  Not of Elis, as the Greek is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, mistaken for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, near Thermopyle.
• * 1.24

  A Hundred Myriads is a Mil∣lion.
• † 1.25

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, never fail∣ing Rivers.
• * 1.26

  P. 246.
• * 1.27

  Or rather a Trachinian call'd E∣phialtes. Pausan. lib. 1. c. 4.
• † 1.28

  This was over Mount Oeta. Pausan. ibid.
• * 1.29

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a lover of truth and honesty.
• * 1.30

  P. 247.
• † 1.31

  Or the Trachinian.
• * 1.32

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Sup with them below, or with the Infernal Spirits.
• * 1.33

  P. 248.
• * 1.34

  A Hundred Myriads a Million. Just. lib. 2. says Five Hundred Thou∣sand. Orosius Six Hundred Thousand.
• † 1.35

  Of Melus in Thessaly.
• * 1.36

  Simonides Ceus, a Lyrick Poet, in the time of Xerxes.
• * 1.37

  A Cadmean Victory. The Pro∣verb and Reason, Erasm. Adag. 375. Paus. in Boetic. 729. c. 9.
• † 1.38

  Vid. Antea.
• * 1.39

  P. 249.
• * 1.40

  Another Sea-Fight.
• ‖ 1.41

  The Straight between Eu∣bea and Beo∣tia.
• * 1.42

  The Grecians transport themselves at Salamis.
• * 1.43

  Xerxes har∣ras••eth Greece.
• * 1.44

  Xerxes his Ar∣my punished at Delphos, P. 250.
• † 1.45

  The Roof cover'd with Brass. See Pausan. lib. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 5. he says the Temple was made of Brass.
• * 1.46

  Athens raz'd.
• * 1.47

  Consultations among the Grecians con∣cerning Fight∣ing at Sea,
• * 1.48

  P. 251.
• * 1.49

  In Pelopo∣nesus.
• † 1.50

  A Port of Corinth.
• * 1.51

  Five Miles.
• * 1.52

  A Stratagem of Themistocles.
• * 1.53

  The Sea Fight at Salamis.
• † 1.54

  Of the I∣sland Aegina.
• * 1.55

  P. 252.
• * 1.56

  Fled back∣ward.
• * 1.57

  Another Stra∣tagem of The∣mistocles.
• * 1.58

  One Sicinus a Persian, Plut. in Themist.