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. VII.

The Peloponesian War. Potidea Revolts; Besieg'd by the Athenians, and is surrendred upon Articles. Nicias made the Athenian Admiral. Gor∣gias an excellent Orator sent from Leontine in Sicily to Athens. A Peace concluded after the War had continu'd Ten Years.

WHen Euthydemus govern'd at Athens, the Romans created Three Military * 1.1 Tribunes, invested with Consular Power; Manius Emilius Mamercus, Caius Julius, and Lucius Quintius. At this time broke forth that War between the Athenians and the Lacedemonians, call'd the Peloponesian War, of longest con∣tinuance of any we read of in History.

According to the Design of our History, it is convenient in the first Place, to * 1.2 declare the Causes of this War. The Athenians now endeavouring to have the Dominion of the Sea, brought over to Athens all the Money they had laid-up at Delos, which they had gathered together from the Cities of Greece, almost to the value of Eight Thousand * 1.3 Talents, and made Pericles Treasurer. He was of a very noble Family, and in Eloquence far exceeded others of his Fellow Citizens: But not long after, having spent a great part of the Money (intrusted with him) upon his private occasions, and being call'd by the People to give an account, through grief of his incapacity to discharge himself, he fell Sick: And being thus disturb'd in his Mind, in regard he was not able to make sa∣tisfaction, Alcibiades his Nephew (who was then under Age, and under his Care and Guardianship) directed him into a way how to extricate himself out of the present trouble••. For seeing his Uncle so disturb'd, he ask'd the Reason; who answered, I am studying how I shall give an Account to the People for the Moneys committed to my Care and Custody. He replied, That it were better for him to con∣sider and advise how he might give no account at all. Pericles hereupon following the Advice of the Young Man, contriv'd by all the ways imaginable how he might involve the Athenians in some great War. For by this means he foresaw * 1.4 he should avoid the Account, inasmuch as the City would be so distracted with Cares and Fears in such a conjuncture. To forward this Design, an Accident fell out very opportunely upon the following occasion. Phidias had made the Statue of Minerva, and Pericles the Son of Xantippe, was imploy'd to see the Work done: But some of Phidias's Workmen and Servants fell out, and stir'd up by the Enemies of Pericles, they fled to the Altars of the Gods. And be∣ing commanded to declare the Reason of a thing so unusual, they said, that they could make it out, that Phidias, with the connivance and help of Pericles, had imbezilled a great Sum of Money belonging to the Goddess. Whereupon an Assembly was call'd, at which the Enemies of Pericles mov'd the People to apprehend Phidias, and charge Pericles with the Sacrilege. They accus'd likewise * 1.5 Anaxagoras the Sophist, the Master of Pericles, for his impious Opinions concerning the Gods; with the same Calumnies they loaded likewise Pericles, chief∣ly designing to stain the glory, and weaken the interest of so brave a Man. But Pericles being well acquainted with the Disposition of the People, as knowing that they highly va∣lued Men of worth, in times when they were threatned with War, (the pre∣sent Circumstances of Affairs making it at such times of absolute necessity:) And on the contrary, that in times of Peace (when they had nothing to do but giving the Reins to Envy and Malice) blackned the same Men with all man∣ner of Calumny; therefore judg'd it advantagious for his Affairs, if he could engage the City in some considerable War, that thereby having occasion to make use of them, they should be deaf to all Acccusations against him, and should have no time or leisure to call him to an Account. To help on this his Design, * 1.6 it was lately decreed at Athens, that they of Megara, should have no Traffick with the Athenians either by Sea or Land: The Megareans therefore made their Address for Relief to the Spartans, who agreed to their Requests, and by the

unanimous Assent of all the Assembly, they sent Ambassadors to the Athenians, with order to require them to rescind the Decree against them of Megara; And that if they refus'd, then that their Embassadors should denounce War a∣gainst * 1.7 them in the name both of them and their Confederates. Upon hearing of the Embassadors, an Assembly was call'd to debate this matter; where Pericles, (that far surpass'd all the rest in Eloquence and strength of Reason) gave his Reasons against the abrogating of the Decree. He alledged it was a step to Bondage and Slavery, and against the common good to yield to the Demands of the Lacedemonians; but advis'd them rather that they should draw all their Goods and Concerns out of the Country into the City; and being now Masters at Sea, to enter into a War with the Lacedemonians. And hereupon making an accurate Discourse of the War, he told them what a Multitude of Confederats they had, what a brave and well man'd Fleet they were Masters of, what a vast Treasure they were possessed of, brought from Delos, gather'd from the common Con∣tribution of the Cities, amounting to Ten Thousand * 1.8 Talents; and though Four Thousand of it were spent in the building of the † 1.9 Propyle, or Citadel, and in the Siege at Potidea, yet every Year Four Hundred and Sixty Talents were rais'd by Tribute from their Confederates. And besides all this, that the Adornments belonging to the Shows, and the Persian Spoils amouned to Five Hundred Talents more. And that in the Temples and other publick Works of the City, there were great Riches, so that the very Image of Minerva it self alone was worth Fifty Talents of Gold; whose Ornaments were so plac'd, that they might be taken off; and all of them when necessity requir'd might be borrow'd from the * 1.10 Goddess, so that they be faithfully restor'd in time of Peace. And as to the Estate of the Citizens, he told them, through the Enjoyment of a long Peace the City was grown exceeding Rich; he added moreover, that they had Twelve Thousand Armed Men, besides their Confederates, and what were in their Garrisons. And those in their Garrisons, together with their Colonies, were more than Seven∣teen Thousand; and that they had ready a Fleet of Three Hundred Sail. On the contrary, the Spartans were Poor, and far inferior to the Athenians in Naval Forces. Having fired the Citizens with these Discourses, he vehemently pres∣sed the People not to give ear to the imperious Demands of the Lacedemonians: And by the earnestness of his Speech, he easily prevail'd; for which reason he was called Olympius. Aristophanes the Comick Poet, who flourished in the time of Pericles, mentions these things in the Verses following—

Ye Poor and Country Swains, consider well, The Words I speak; if you would know, they'll tell Your Country how destroy'd; a Spark but small, Brought from Megara's Law, blown up with all By him, hath rais'd such Smoak of War, Blood, Fears, As draws from Eyes of Greece continual Tears.

And likewise the Comick Poet Eupolis, in other Verses, says of Pericles, whom * 1.11 they call Olympius.

Thunder and Lightening he rais'd in Greece, Of Eloquence who was the Masterpiece; Only among the Orators, his Darts Were left fast fixed in the Hearers Hearts.

And these were the causes of the Peloponesian War, as they are related by E∣phorus.

The principal Grecian Cities thus provoked to War, the Lacedemonians (in a general Convention with them of Peloponesus) declar'd War against the Athe∣nians, and forthwith sent their Embassadors to the King of Persia, to enter into a League offensive with them. Embassadors were likewise sent, to desire Two Hundred Ships of their Confederates in Sicily and Italy.

And now being join'd with the Peloponesians, and having rais'd a Land-Army from several Parts, and prepared with all things necessary for War, they first begin. At that time in Beotia the City Platea was a free City, in league with the Athe∣nians: * 1.12 But some of the Citizens designing to enslave the Place, in contrivance with the Beotians promis'd to bring the City under their Power if they would but send them a Guard of Souldiers. The Beotians therefore sent Three Hundred Souldiers in the Night to Platea, who being let into the Gates, the Traytors de∣liver'd up the City into their Hands. But the Plateans willing to approve their * 1.13 Faithfulness to the Athenians (at first thinking that the whole Army of the Thebans were entr'd) sent Embassadors to them to treat and make Terms: But when Day appear'd, and they of Platea understood how small a Number the Enemy was, they all as one Man came upon them, and Fought with great re∣solution for their Common Liberty. But because the Fight was in the Streets, the Thebans being better Souldiers at the first destroy'd many of the Plateans: But afterwards they in the Houses, even the very Boys and Children by throwing down Tyles from the Roofs so sorely gall'd the Thebans that they were forc'd to fly; that part of them who got out of the City clearly escap'd, but another part that fled for shelter to a little House, at length were compell'd to give * 1.14 up themselves to the will of the Enemy.

The Thebans being inform'd by them that had escap'd, of this misfortune, with all their force hasten'd to the City: By reason of which suddain incursion many of them who liv'd in the Country, and those abroad being taken at una∣wares, were kill'd and many Prisoners taken; the whole Country being fill'd with Fears Devastations and Robberies. In the mean time the Plateans sent to the Thebans to intreat them to depart out of their Coasts, promising they would release the Prisoners. Upon which conditions the Matter was Com∣pos'd; and the Thebans receiv'd the Captives and restor'd the Plunder to them of Platea, and so return'd home. The Plateans had sometime before sent to Athens for Aid, and had brought much of their Goods out of the Country into the City: The Athenians hearing of their Distress hastned away to them a competent Number of Souldiers, who tho' they March'd with all expedition, yet they * 1.15 could not prevent the Thebans: But what was left in the Country they brought into the Town: The Women and Children and those that were infirm, they got together in a Body, and convey'd them to Athens.

Hereupon the Lacedemonians judging the Athenians had broke the League, gather'd Forces together from all parts both from Sparta and from the rest of the Peloponesians. The Confederats of the Lacedemonians were the Peloponesians wholly, except the Argives, for they then stood Neuters. Those out of Pe∣loponesus were the Megareans, Ambraciots, Leucadians, Phocians, Beotians, many of the Locrians over against Eubea, and the rest those of Amphissa. Those that sided with the Athenians were the Inhabitants of the Sea-Coasts of Asia, the Carians, Dorians, Ionians, them of the Hellespont, and all the Islanders, ex∣cept the Inhabitants of Melus and Thera. The Thracians likewise were their Confederats, except those of Calcidica and Potidea. Besides these there join'd with the Athenians the Messenians in Naupactus, and the Corcyreans. * 1.16 All the rest sent Land-Forces. These Confederats stood firm on both sides.

The Lacedemonians having at length rais'd a great Army, made Archidamus their King, General, who made an Irruption into Attica, besieg'd their Castles, * 1.17 and wasted a great part of the Country. The Athenians inflamed with desire of Revenge for this Destruction of their Country, were eager to be out to Fight their Enemies; but Pericles the General advis'd the hot Youths to forbear a while, telling them that he would drive the Spartans out without Fighting. To this * 1.18 end he fitted out an hundred Gallies well Man'd, and gave the command of the Fleet to Carcinus and some other Officers, with order to make a descent into Peloponesus. Accordingly they laid wast a great part of the Sea-Coasts, took se∣veral Castles, and struck the Lacedemonians with great Consternation. So that without delay they withdrew their Forces out of Attica, and made it their chief care now to defend Peloponesus. The Athenians now freed by this ingenious Contrivance from their Enemies, highly Honour'd Pericles as a wise Com∣mander and one able to carry on the War against the Lacedemonians.

Apolodorus now Archon at Athens, the Romans chose Marcus * 1.19 Genarius and * 1.20 Lucius Sergius Consuls. In the mean time the Athenian General ceas'd not to wast and plunder the Sea-Coast of Peloponesus, and destroy their Castles. And being join'd with Fifty Gallies of Three Tire of Oars from Corsyra, he made a more dreadful incursion into Peloponesus, and especially on the † 1.21 Sea-Coast, and up further into the Land, burning all the Towns before him. Then he made for Methone, a City of Laconia, wasting and plundering the Country in his way, and attempted the taking of the City it self. There Brasidas a Spartan (a young Man, but of great Strength and Valour) seeing Methone likely to be lost, with some other Spartans joining with him, made his way through the midst of the Enemy, who were dispers'd here and there in their several Posts, and with the slaughter of many of them got safe into the Castle. After the Athenians had made several Assaults (in which Brasidas behav'd himself with great bravery in the midst of dangers) and saw no hopes of gaining the Place, they return'd to their Ships. But Brasidas who had preserv'd Methone by his valour and resolute De∣fence, was highly honour'd amongst the Spartans. And being incourag'd by this Success in several Encounters, afterwards he behav'd himself with that Valour that he gain'd a great Name and Reputation.

The Athenians roul'd about to Elis, wasted the Country, and besieg'd Pheras, * 1.22 a Castle of the Eleans; to which they sent relief, but were beaten by the Athe∣nians, who took Pheras by Storm. Yet within a while after the Eleans coming upon them with all their Strength, they were forc'd to their Ships, and Sail'd back to Cephalenia; where they made a league with the Inhabitants, and then re∣turn'd to Athens.

Afterwards Cleopompus, made by the Athenians Admiral of a Fleet of thirty * 1.23 Sail, was commanded into Eubea, both to defend the Island, and to make War upon the Locrians. He invaded and spoil'd all the Sea-tract of Locris, and took the City Thronium, and afterwards routed the Locrians in a Land-Fight at Aelopes. He then Fortisied the Island Atalante, near Locris, that it might be both a De∣fence against the Locrians, and that from thence he might with more ease make incursions upon them.

About the same time the Athenians cast all the Inhabitants out of Aegina, for favouring the Lacedemonians (as they were accused) and brought new Colonies * 1.24 thither, and divided the City and Country amongst them by Lot. The Lace∣demonians appointed * 1.25 Thyre to the ejected Aeginites for their habitation; and on the other side, the Athenians forthwith alloted Naupactus for a receptacle for the Messenians, formerly ejected by the Lacedemonians. At the same time the Athenians sent Pericles with an Army against them of Megara, who after he had harras'd the Country and taken much Spoil and Plunder, return'd to Athens.

Shortly after the Lacedemonians with their Confederats broke a second time into Attica, and cut down the Trees, burnt the Towns and most miserably de∣stroy'd * 1.26 almost the whole Country, except Tetrapolis, which they spar'd by rea∣son of their former kindness in receiving of their Ancestors and subduing (by Arms from thence) Euristheus. For they conceiv'd it just and equal to shew kindness to them who had deserv'd so well from their Predecessors. The Athe∣nians during this incursion durst not come into the Field, but kept close withim * 1.27 the Walls of their City, by reason whereof a great Plague raged amongst them. For a Multitude of all sorts of People being throng'd together, it may be rea∣sonably concluded that through the straitness of the Place the Air was corrupted, and caused the Infection. By this means they were so weakn'd that they were not able to drive the Enemy out of the Country, but sent out Pericles again with a Fleet into Peloponesus; who wasting the Sea-Coasts, and taking some Cities, caus'd the Lacedemonians at length to leave Attica.

The Athenians by reason of the wast and spoil made in the Country, and the great destruction of the People by the Plague in the City, fell into great discontent and vexation, and were enrag'd, at Pericles, whom they look'd upon as the great Incendiary and occasion of the War, and therefore depriv'd him of the Magi∣stracy, and upon slight and frivolous Surmizes laid a Mulct upon him of Thirty Talents. Then they sent Embassadors * 1.28 to Sparta to treat of Peace; but being slighted by the Lace∣demonians (who would admit of no reasonable Terms,) they were reduced to a necessity to chuse Pericles General again. And these were the Actions of this Year.

Epaminondas this Year was chief Ruler of Athens, and Lucius Papyrius Crassus and * 1.29 Marcus Comelius * 1.30 Macerinus Roman Consuls: At which time Pericles the General Died at Athens. A Man in Nobility of Birth, greatness of Estate, in Eloquence, Arts and Stratagems of War far beyond all the rest of the Citizens. About the same time the Athenians were very hot and earnest to recover Potidea by force, and to that end sent Hagno thither with the Army formerly commanded by Pe∣ricles. Hagno thereupon Sail'd thither with the whole Fleet, and made all the preparation for the Siege imaginable, viz. Engines of all Sorts for an Assault, * 1.31 Arms and Darts, and sufficient Provision for the whole Army. However though he continually batter'd the Walls of the City in many places, yet he spent much time to no purpose. For the fear of being taken by Storm added courage to the De∣fendants, and the hight of the Walls commanding the Port, made them very re∣solute: Besides, a Disease hapn'd among the Besiegers which destroy'd many of them, so that they were greatly discourag'd. Notwithstanding Hagno knowing that the Athenians had been at the charge of a Thousand Talents to carry on the Siege, and that they were highly incens'd against them of Potidea (because they * 1.32 were the first that made a Defection) durst not leave the Siege: But with all his might persisted, and stir'd up the Souldiers even above their Strength to force the City. But at length considering that many of the Citizens were lost both in the Assaults and by the infection of the Disease, leaving a part of the Army to maintain the Siege, he return'd with the rest to Athens, having lost above a Thousand Men. After he was gone, they of Potidea (being brought to the utmost extremity for want of Provision) sent to the Besiegers to treat with them upon Terms of Peace; which was readily accepted and imbrac'd with both Arms (as they say) by the Athenians, and Peace was made upon the Terms following, to wit, That * 1.33 all the Inhabitants should draw out of the City, and take nothing away with them but every Man one Suit of Apparel, and every Woman two.

Matters being thus compos'd, the Potideans with their Wives and Children (according to the Articles) left the City and setled themselves among the Cal∣cideans in Thrace; after which the Athenians sent a Colony of a Thousand Per∣sons, * 1.34 and divided both the City and Country adjacent amongst them by Lot.

Phormio being now made Admiral at Athens, with Twenty Ships sail'd round Peloponesus and arriv'd at Naupactum, where possessing himself of the Greek Criseus, he stopt the Passages against the Lacedemonians so as that their Ships could not come forth. But their King Archidamus with a great Army began a new expe∣dition, * 1.35 and march'd into Beotia, and when he came to Platea (ready and pre∣par'd to wast and destroy the Country) he first solicited that City to revolt: * 1.36 But not being able to prevail, he fell a robbing and spoiling the Country all along as he went. Afterwards he Besieg'd the City, in hopes to weary them out for want of Provision: He incessantly likewise Batter'd the Walls with his Engines, and made frequent Assaults. But with all his Attempts not being able to gain the Place, he left a part of the Army to carry on the Siege, and with the rest march'd back into Peloponesus.

About this time the Athenians made Xenophon and Phanomachus Generals, and com∣manded them with a Thousand Men to go into Thrace. When they came as far as Pactolus in Beotia, they burnt spoil'd and rob'd the Country all before them, and destroy'd the very standing Corn. But they of Olynthus join'd with the Be∣otians, fell upon the Athenians and slew most of them, together with their Ge∣nerals. * 1.37

In the mean time the Lacedemonians by the advice of the Ambraciots with a Thousand Men and a few Ships under Cnemus their Captain, made for Acarnania and being inforc'd by a considerable Number of their Confederates, Cnemus arriv'd there and incamp'd near the City Stratos. But the Acarnanians in a Body came suddainly upon him, surpriz'd him with the loss of many of his Men and drove him into the Country of Oeniades. About the same time Phormio the Athenian Com∣mander with his twenty Ships met with the Lacedemonian Fleet of Forty Seven * 1.38 Sail, and Fought them, sunk the Admiral and disabl'd many others, took Twelve with the Men in them, and pursu'd the rest to the Continent. The Lacede∣monians thus unexpectedly beaten, with the remaining part of their Fleet got into Patrae in Achaia. This Battel was at a Place call'd Rhium. Hereupon the Athenians erected a Trophy, and Dedicated a Ship in the Isthmos to Neptune, and

so return'd to their Confederat City Naupactus. But the Lacedemonians sent o∣ther Ships to join the remainder of their Fleet that were at Patra. And all of them rendezvouz'd at * 1.39 Rhium, whither likewise the Lacedemonians Land-Army March'd, and there encamp'd near to their Fleet.

Phormio encourag'd by the late Victory, set upon the Enemy though they far exceeded him Number, and destroy'd many of their Ships; but not without some loss of his own, so that he went off but half Conqueror; but being en∣forc'd with Twenty more Ships from Athens, tlie Lacedemonians made off for Corinth, and durst never attempt any more to Fight at Sea. And these are the things reported to be done this Year.

Diotinus executing the place of chief Magistrate at Athens, the Romans created * 1.40 Caius † 1.41 Junius and Proculus Virginius Tricostus Consuls: And they of Elis celebra∣ted the eighty eighth Olympiad, in which Simmachus of Messina in Sicily carry'd a∣way the Prize. About this time Cnemus the Lacedemonian Admiral while he lay at Corinth contriv'd how to surprize the Pyreum. For he understood by his * 1.42 Spies that no Shipping lay there, nor any Guard was appointed to defend the Place; and that the Athenians were secure, and therefore Negligent, conceiving none durst be so bold as to come up thither to attempt any thing of that Nature.

To this end having brought Forty Ships a little before to Megaris, with these well Man'd he set Sail from thence in the Night, and past over to Salamis, where he surpriz'd and took the Castle Budorium, and seiz'd their Ships and harras'd the rest of the Country. They of Salamis firing their Beacons, the * 1.43 Athenians suspected that the Pyreum was taken, and ran all with great fear and confusion to their Arms for the defence of the Place: But being better in∣form'd made away for Salamis. The Lacedemonians thus frustrated in their Design, left Salamis and return'd home. After their departure the Athenians had a more watchful Eye upon Salamis, and plac'd there a strong Garrison; and fortifi'd the Pyreum with Walls, and sufficient Guards for it's Defence.

About this time Sitalces King of Thrace, though he had but a Small Kingdom, yet by his Valour and Prudence greatly enlarg'd his Dominions; being a Man * 1.44 both Just and Kind to his Subjects, and Valiant and Diligent in time of War. He made his chief care to preserve and increase his Stores, by which means he grew so very Rich that he gain'd larger Territories than ever any King of Thrace had done before him. For that part which lay by the Sea Coast ran along from the Borders of the Abderites to the River Ister. And that from the Sea, up into the main Land, was of as great extent as a swift Footman could Travel over in Thirteen Days.

This Prince was possess'd of so large a Country, that his yearly Revenue a∣mounted to above a Thousand Talents. During his Reign a War broke forth, upon which occasion he rais'd out of Thrace more than an Hundred and Twen∣ty Thousand Foot, and Fifty Thousand Horse. But it's necessary that we * 1.45 declare the Causes of this War, that so the following account may be better understood.

Sitacles had entr'd into a League with the Athenians, and one of the Articles * 1.46 was, That he should faithfully Assist them in the War wherein they were en∣gag'd in Thrace. To this end he rais'd a powerful Army, with a design to join with the Athenians to take Calcidea by Force: And likewise for the hatred he had to Perdiccas, King of Macedonia, he resolv'd to restore Amyntas the Son of Phi∣lip, to his Father's Kingdom. For these Causes he was necessitated to raise a very great Army. When all things were in readyness he Marc'hd all his Forces out of Thrace, and entr d Macedonia: But the Macedonians struck with terror at the multitude of their Enemies dar'd not to oppose them, but getting in all their Fruits and Goods they could within their Garrisons, they kept close within their Forts and Walls. The Thracians brought Amyntas along with them as King, and first treated the Cities by Messengers and fair Speeches; but when none would hearken to them, he Assaulted the first Castle in his way, and took it by Storm. Upon which many of the Cities and Garrisons (through fear) * 1.47 surrender'd of their own accord. After they had run through all Macedonia, loaded with Rich Booty, they made against the Greek Cities of the Calci∣deans.

Whilst Sitalces was thus imploy'd, the Thessalians, Achaians, Magnesians, and all the other Grecians inhabiting within Macedon and Thermopyle, confederated and rais'd a mighty Army; for they were afraid lest the Thracians who were so * 1.48 powerful, should make an inroad into their Country, and bring them under the Thracian Yoke: And the Calcideans did the like. Sitalces hereupon being inform'd of the great Armies rais'd against him by the Grecians, and knowing his Army was not able to indure the sharpness of the approaching Winter, struck up a Peace with Perdiccas, and in confirmation thereof, contracted a Marriage with him, and so march'd his Army back into Thrace.

In the mean time, whilst these things were on foot, the Lacedemonians with * 1.49 their Confederates made another irruption out of Peloponesus into Attica, under their King Archidamus, who had the Sovereign Command of the Army; and after they had destroy'd all the standing Corn when it was near ripe, and made havock and spoil all over the Country, they return'd to their respective Habi∣tations. The Athenians on the other hand, were not in heart to oppose them, but were under sore Calamities by Plague and Famine, and therefore altogether despair'd of any good issue and event of the War. And these were the things observable this Year.

Euclides was Ruler of Athens, when the Romans chose Three Military Tri∣bunes * 1.50 in the room of Consuls, Marcus * 1.51 Mannius, Quintus Su'pitius Pretextatus, and Servitius Cornelius Cossus. At this time in Sicily, the Syracusians made War upon them of Leontum, a Colony brought thither from the Calcideans, originally A∣thenians, who being overpress'd by the power of the Syracusians, and in great danger to lose their City, sent Embassadors to Athens for speedy and seasonable aid, to deliver them from their present Exigency. The chief among them that were sent, was Gorgias the Orator, the most Eloquent Man of his time. He * 1.52 was the first that taught the Rules of Rhetorick, and was so famous for his wise and learned Orations, that all his Scholars as a Gratuity, gave him an Hun∣dred † 1.53 Mina's apiece.

When he came to Athens, and had Audience, he made an Oration to the People concerning the League desired; and by his new and ingenious way of speaking, the Athenians were so taken (who were otherwise Men of great Wis∣dom and Eloquence) that they were struck with admiration. For he adorn'd his Speech with most excellent Figures, * 1.54 and artificial composures of Words and Sentences, as by Op∣posites, Paranomacisms, equal Periods like Terminations, and the like gingling strains of Rhetorical Wit, to allure and in∣tice his Auditors, which at that time for its novelty, was much admired. But now it's lookt upon to savour too much of affectation, and to be ridiculous, especially when by frequency and often re∣petition it becomes fulsome and tedious. Gorgias having perswaded the Athe∣nians to enter into a League with the Leontines, return'd to Leontinum with great Reputation for his Eloquence. * 1.55

The Athenians for some time before, had an hankering Mind after Sicily, by reason of the richness of the Soyl, and therefore were now more willingly per∣swaded by Gorgias, and decreed to send Aid as was desir'd. The pretence was to assist them who were their own Countrymen, and were brought into great straits, but in truth their chief Design was to gain the Island; for not many Years before, when the War broke forth between the Corinthians and them of Corcyra, and both address'd themselves to the Athenians for Aid, to make them their Confederates, the People of Athens resolv'd to side with the Corcyreans, because Corcyra was so situated, that it was a very ready and convenient Pass over from thence into Sicily. In short, the Athenians being now Masters at Sea, and every where successful, had many Confederates, and were richly fur∣nished, both with Men and Money, had many Cities under their power, were possess'd of a mighty Treasure in ready Money brought from Delos, gathered from the Inhabitants of Greece to the value of above Ten Thousand † 1.56 Talents.

Moreover, they had likewise many excellent Officers, and expert Commanders; by these Advantages, the Athenians were grown very confident that they should both overcome the Spartans, (and having subdu'd all Greece) win also the * 1.57

whole Island of Sicily. These were the Reasons induced them to resolve to assist the Leontines, and to that end sent them * 1.58 an Hundred Sail of Ships, under the command of Lachetes and Chabrias. With these they arriv'd at Rhegium, and from * 1.59 their Colonies there and at Calcidea, they had an Hundred Ships more, which join'd with the former; from thence they loos'd, and came first to the Lipare Islands, where they ravag'd the Country, because they were Confederates of the Syracusians. Then they made to * 1.60 Locris, and took Five Ships belonging to the Locrians, and besieg'd one of their Castles. The Siculi bordering upon the † 1.61 Myleans coming to their aid, the Armies engag'd, and the Athenians were Conquerors, and kill'd above a Thousand of their Ene∣mies, and took no fewer than Six Hundred Prisoners: And presently after they took the Castle by Storm. In the mean time, Forty Ships more were sent to the Fleet by the Athenians, to carry on the War with more Vigour, under the command of Eurymedon and Sophocles. And when they were all join'd, they made up a Fleet of Two Hundred and Fifty Sail. But while the War was car∣rying on, the Leontines by their Embassadors, struck up a Peace with them of Syracuse: Upon which, the Athenian Fleet, return'd Home. But the Syracusians receiv'd all the Leontines into the City, and made them all free of Syracuse, and from that time appointed the City Leontium to be a Fort or Garrison of the Sy∣racusians. And this was the Condition of Sicily at this time.

In Greece, they of the Island Lesbos revolted from the Athenians: And the * 1.62 Reason was, because all the Inhabitants of the Cities throughout Lesbos, were by order and decree of the Athenians, remov'd and brought into * 1.63 Mitylene. For this Reason also they entred into a League with the Lacedemonians, and advis'd them how they might become Masters at Sea. To accomplish which Design, they promis'd them a great number of Ships: The Spartans gave a very quick ear to this, and whilst they were preparing a Navy, the Athenians were before them, and commanded Clinippides with Forty Sail, forthwith to waft over an Army into Lesbos; who being joyn'd with other Confederates, made for Mity∣lene; * 1.64 and in a Sea-Fight routed the Mityleans, and then besieged them.

Hereupon the Lacedemonians resolved to assist them of Mitylene, and to that end prepared a brave Navy; but the Athenians enforc'd their Army with a Thousand Men more sent into Lesbos, before the Lacedemonians arriv'd. Paches, the Son of Epiderus, was General of this Expedition, who when he arriv'd at Mitylene (joining with the former Army) laid a more strait Siege to the Place; and contiually assaulted the City both by Sea and Land. The Lacedemonians in the mean time, sent Five and Forty Ships, under the Command of Alcidas, to assist the Mitylenes; and again invaded Attica, with the assistance of their Con∣federates; who fell upon those Places that were before untouch'd, and after they had most shamefully pillaged and wasted the Country, they return'd Home. But the Mitylenes, oppress'd with Famine, the Sword, and seditious Tumults, upon Conditions surrender the City. After which a Council was held at Athens what * 1.65 they should do with them of Mitylene: There was one Cleon an Orator, a cruel and violent spirited Man, stir'd up the People to kill all the Mitylenes, that were Men grown up, and to sell all the Women and Children for Slaves. The Athe∣nians * 1.66 voted it to be so as Cleon had perswaded them, and sent Messengers to Mitylene, to acquaint the Governor with the Decree. When Paches had read it, another to the contrary presently came to his Hand; upon which, Paches un∣derstanding the Athenians had chang'd their Minds, with great joy call'd the Mitylenes together, and both remitted their faults, and likewise freed them from their fears. But the Athenians demolished the Walls of Mitylene, and divided the whole Island of Lesbos by Lot, except the Lands belonging to Methymna. And this was the issue of the Lesbean defection from Athens.

About the same time, the Lacedemonians (still carrying on the Siege at Platea) drew a Wall round the City, and fortify'd it with several Forts and strong Guards for its Defence. The Siege continuing long, and no Relief coming from * 1.67 Athens, the Besieg'd were greatly press'd both with want of Provision, and the loss of many of the Citizens who were cut off in the frequent Assaults. All therefore being doubtful what the issue might be, a Council was call'd to advise what was fit to be done in order to their Preservation. Many thought it most advisable to capitulate; but there were others, to the number of Two Hundred,

that were for breaking through the Guards in the Night, and so fly to Athens. In pursuance whereof, observing the darkness of the Night, those that were for Capitulating, were prevail'd with to assault a remote part of the Enemy's Wall; by which means, they who intended to break through the Guards (whilst their Enemies were busied in assisting their Fellows that were assaulted) scaled ano∣ther part of the Wall (having got Ladders for that purpose) and kill'd the Guards, and so escap'd to Athens.

The next Day, the Lacedemonians were in great vexation at the escape of them out of the City, and brought their Forces close to the Walls, and bent all their Minds and Strength with all expedition to force the Place: Upon which, the Plateans being terrify'd, gave up both themselves and their City to the mercy of their Enemies. * 1.68

But the Lacedemonian Commanders put this Question to every one that they sent for from among the Plateans, What good Offices or Services they had ever done to the Lacedemonians? And when one by one confessed they knew of none; they asked them again, Whether they had ever done the Spartans any harm? And when none deny'd that, they order'd them all to be slain; so that all that remain'd in the City, were put to the Sword, and the Town it self was raz'd to the Ground, and the Lands belonging to it let to farm. And thus the In∣habitants * 1.69 of Platea for their faithfulness to the Athenians, became involv'd in great Misery, and undeservedly perished.

Whilst these things were in doing, a great Sedition and ‖ 1.70 civil Discord a∣rose in Corcyra upon the following occasion: In the Battel at Epidamnum, many of the Corcyreans were taken Prisoners; and while they were in custody, they promis'd the Corinthians, that if they might be releas'd, they would undertake to deliver up Corcyra into their Hands. This was a very welcome and grateful Offer to the Corinthians. A considerable Number of Talents therefore being co∣lourably procur'd from their Friends for their Redemption, they were all dis∣charg'd.

As soon as they return'd into their Country, minding the performance of their Contract, they First seised upon the chief of the Citizens, (and especially those who could most influence the People,) and afterwards cut their Throats, and so quite dissolved the Democracy. But the Corcyreans were presently assisted by the Athenians, and recoverd their Liberty, and were resolved to execute Justice upon * 1.71 the Ringleaders of the Defection. But they (through fear of punishment) fled for refuge to the Altars of the Gods, and as Suppliants begg'd Pardon both of the Gods and the People.

Euthydemus was Governor of Athens, when Three Military Tribunes invested * 1.72 with Consular Power were again chosen at Rome, Marcus Fabius, Phalinius, and Lucius Sereulius. In their time the Plague broke out afresh, when they were freed from this Contagion but very lately before: It rag'd so exceedingly, that they lost Four Thousand Foot Soldiers, and Four Hundred Horse; and of others, Freemen and Servants, above Ten Thousand. And now because the Course of the History may require a Declaration of the Causes of this violent Distemper, it is necessary for us in this place to set them forth.

Abundance of Rain had fallen in the Winter, by reason whereof, the Earth being over-wet in many Places (especially in low and hollow Grounds) the Water lay like standing Pools; and those being corrupted and putrify'd by the heat of the Summer, thence proceeded a Mist of gross and stinking Vapours, which corrupted the Air, as it often happens about filthy Marishes. And besides, the want of good Food, much advanc'd the progress of the Disease, for the Year before, the Fruits by too much Rain were crude and unwholsom.

There was likewise a Third cause of this Distemper, which was this; the * 1.73 E∣tesian Winds this Summer blew not, by whose gentle Breezes, the violent heat of the Air was constantly allay'd before at other times; so that the Heat be∣ing now excessive, and the Air as it were inflam'd, Mens Bodies now wanting the usual Refreshment, contracted an evil Habit; from whence arose (through the vehement and immoderate heat) all sorts of burning Distempers. And hence it was, that many seiz'd with this Disease, to free themselves from the burning heat that was in their Bodies, cast themselves into Pits and Wells. But the Athenians judg'd that * 1.74 so grievous a Distemper was from God, and therefore according to the charge gi∣ven them by the Oracle, they purg'd the Island Delos (which was formerly dedi∣cated

to Apollo) now polluted (as they conceiv'd) by burying many dead Bodies there. Therefore all the Graves of the Dead were dug up, and the Urns were transported into the next Island to Delos, call'd Rhene; and a Law was made, that it should not be lawful for any for the time to come, either to bury, or to bear any Child in Delos. They then likewise reviv'd the Panegyrick Festival in Delos, now for a long time disus'd. While the Athenians were thus religiously imploy'd, the Lacedemonians with their Confederates in Peloponesus, incamp'd in the Isthmos, and there consulted together concerning the invading of Attica a∣gain. But there then happening such terrible † 1.75 Earthquakes in several parts of Greece, that it so terrify'd and possess'd them with fear and awe of the Gods, that they all return'd to their respective Countries. For the horrible Concussions of the Earth were so great, that many Cities near the Sea were sunk and drown'd. And whereas that Tract of Land near Locris was before a Peninsula, by the violence of the Earthquake, a Channel was made through the Isthmos, and the Place turn'd into an Island now call'd † 1.76 Atalante.

While these things were doing, the Lacedemonians sent new Colonies into Trachin, and changed its Name into * 1.77 Heraclea. The Reason was, for that the Trachinians ha∣ving had Wars with the Oeteans many Years, had lost most of their Citizens. And therefore being almost depopulated, they addressed themselves to the Lacedemonians (whose Co∣lonies they were) to repeople their City. The Lacedemo∣nians in regard they were their Countrymen, and Hercules their Ancestor in times long past, had resided at Trachin, resolved to make it a large and beau∣tiful City: And to this end, they sent a Colony thither, out of their own City, and out of others in Peloponesus, to the number of Four Thousand; and out of the rest of Greece, as many as pleased, were receiv'd as Members of the Colo∣lony. The whole number was little less than Six Thousand. To conclude, Tra∣chin was at length so far inlarged, that it contain'd Ten Thousand Men; and when they had divided the Land adjoining by Lot, they call'd the City Hera∣clea.

Stratocles being Archon of Athens, the Consular dignity was conferr'd upon the Three Military Tribunes at Rome, Lucius Furius * 1.78 Me∣tellus, † 1.79 Lucius Pinarius, and S. Posthumius Albus. In the time * 1.80 of their Government, Demosthenes made Admiral of the Fleet by the Athenians, with Thirty Ships well man'd, join'd with Fifteen more from Corcyra, and other Aids from the Cepha∣leans, Acarnanians and Messenians inhabiting ‖ 1.81 Naupactus, and so set sail for Leucas, and when he had harrased and wasted the Country of Leucadia, he bent his Course for Aetolia, and there burnt and destroy'd many of their Villages; but the Aetolians making head against them, routed the Athenians, who fled to Naupactus. The Aetolians incouraged with this Victory, with the aid of Three Thousand Lacedemonians, march'd against Naupactus (which the Messeneans then inhabited) but were repulsed. From thence they made an Expe∣dition against * 1.82 Molycria, and took the City.

The Athenian General Demosthenes, fearing lest they should attack Naupactus, sent a Thousand Men out of Arcarnania to strengthen the Garrison. He himself continu'd in Acarnania, and fell upon a Thousand Ambraciots in their March, and cut them almost all off. Upon this the whole Strength of the † 1.83 City came out against him, and he destroy'd most of them likewise, so that the City was al∣most made desolate. Hereupon he entred into a Consultation of assaulting Ambra∣cia, hoping it might be easily won by reason there were few left to defend it: But the Acarnanians fearing that if the Athenians were Masters of the Town, they should have more troublesome Neighbours than the Ambraciots were, refused to follow Demosthenes: Upon this Mutiny the Acarnanians became Friends with the Ambraciots, and entred into a League of Peace and Amity for an Hundred Years. Demosthenes thus deserted by the Acarnanians, returns with Twenty Sail to A∣thens. Presently after the Ambraciots (having lately smarted so much, and in great fear of the Athenians) desir'd a Garrison from the Lacedemonians.

Demosthenes afterwards marching with an Army to * 1.84 Py∣lus in Peloponesus, determin'd to draw a Wall round the Place; which was naturally Fortify'd, and Four Hundred Stadia's from Messena: And being well furnished with Mul∣titudes * 1.85 of Men, in Twenty Days space he finished the Work. But the Lacedemonians hearing of the Fortifying of Pylus, pre∣par'd great Forces, both by Land and Sea, and with a * 1.86 Fleet of Forty Five Sail well man'd and provided, and with Twelve Thousand Land Soldiers, made against Pylus. For it seem'd to them a thing dishonourable, to suffer them who durst not come into the Field to de∣fend Attica from Devastations, now to nestle themselves, and to make Fortifi∣cations in Peloponesus. They incamp'd therefore with their Army, under the command of Thrasymedes near to Pylus, and were resolv'd to undergo all hard∣ships * 1.87 and hazards, in order to subdue the Place. To this end they stood with their Fleet in the very Mouth of the Port, to block up all the Passage and En∣trance from the Enemy. And by their Forces at Land, they assaulted the Walls with one Body after another by turns, pressing on with wonderful Obstinacy and Resolution.

They put likewise some of the choice of their Souldiers, both of the Lace∣demonians and their Confederates, into the Island Sphacteria, which was near at hand, and ran out at length over-against the Port, by which the Harbour was the safer and securer from Storms. And this they did to prevent the Athenians, it being a Place very commodious, and useful for the carrying on of the Siege. They likewise continu'd the Assaults every Day, without intermission, and re∣ceiv'd Wounds upon Wounds, from the Towers and Bulwarks upon the Walls, and yet remitted nothing of their Heat and Resolution; so that Multitudes were kill'd, and many wounded, in striving to storm a Place most strongly For∣tify'd. * 1.88 For the Athenians being possess'd of a Town of natural Strength, and abundantly furnish'd with Arms and all things necessary for a Defence, most vi∣gorously repell'd their Enemies. For they hop'd, that if they frustrated this Design, Peloponesus would be the Seat of the whole War; and that they should by degrees wast and destroy their Country.

In the mean time, whilst these things were managed at the Siege with the greatest heat imaginable on both sides, and the Spartans exercis'd all their Force and Power, (amongst many others that purchas'd Honour by their Gallantry) Brasidas mounted to the highest step of Glory; for when the other Captains and Commanders in the Fleet durst not make up to the Shoar with the Ships, by reason of sharp Rocks, and the difficulty of the Place, he acting the part of an Admiral, with a loud Voice commanded, and incessantly urged the Pilot of his own Vessel, without any regard to the Ship, to force it ashore: For he said it was a base thing for the Spartans, if they resolving (as they pretended to be victorious) should be more sparing of their Ships than their Lives; and in the mean time suffer the Athenians to Lord it in Laconia. Hereupon the Pilot was forc'd to run the Ship ashore, and forthwith Brasidas (resolvedly fixing himself upon the * 1.89 Hatches) encountered with a whole Troop of Athenians that made up in a Body upon him, and kill'd many of them that first assaulted him; but Darts flying thick about him, and receiving many Wounds, at length (through the loss of much Blood) he fell down as dead; and his Arm slipping off Board, and hanging out of the Ship, his Buckler catcht by the Waves, dropt out of his Left Hand into the Sea, and was seiz'd presently by the Enemy; and he himself lying half Dead amongst the Heaps of those he had kill'd, was taken * 1.90 up and carry'd out of the Ship by his own Men; Thus far excelling others in Valour, that when others have been put to death because they basely threw away their Shields, he by the loss of his, gain'd the highest Honour and Repu∣tation. However the Lacedemonians obstinately persisted in the Siege at Pylus, with great loss of their Men.

Here any one may justly admire at the wonderful and various turns and chan∣ges of Fortune at Pylus: For the Athenians drave the Spartans out of Laconia; and they who were usually Victors at Land (now forc'd from Land) over-power the Athenians at Sea; and they who were before Masters at Sea, now repel their Enemies at Land. But the Siege continuing very long, they who were in the Island were in great hazard to be famish'd, because the Athenian Fleet now com∣manding

at Sea, stop'd all Provision that way. The Lacedemonians therefore now fearing what would become of them that were block'd up in the Island, * 1.91 sent to Athens to treat upon Terms of Peace: But when nothing of Peace would be hearkened unto, they desired that they would accept of an Exchange, and receive as many Prisoners of their own Men, as they were that were in the Island. But when this was refus'd, the Lacedemonian Ambassadors very freely and sharply even in Athens it self, told them, that by their refusing to exchange one equal number for another, they own'd that the Lacedemonians were of more worth and value than the Athenians. Being reduc'd to these straits and necessi∣ties, they in the Island Sphacteria, were forc'd to submit, and the Athenians took them all Prisoners. The number of those that were Spartans (who then deli∣vered up themselves) were an Hundred and Twenty; of those that were their Confederates, an Hundred and Fourscore. Cleon the Admiral of the Fleet, brought * 1.92 them all bound to Athens, where it was decreed by the People, that if the La∣cedemonians would make an end of the War, they should all be preserved; but if they persisted, they should all be put to Death. After this, the Athenians sent for the best Soldiers of the Messenians that inhabited Naupactus, and join'd some of their Confederates with them for the defence of Pylus, judging the Messenians, for the * 1.93 inveterate hatred they had towards the Spartans, would be very eager to spoil Laconia by Sallies from so strong a Fortification: And in this condition were things at Pylus.

In the mean time Artaxerxes, King of Persia died, having reign'd Forty Years: * 1.94 Xerxes succeeded him, and reign'd only one Year. In Italy the Aequi rebell'd against the Romanś; to suppress whom, the Romans created Aulus Posthumius Dictator, and Lucius Julius, Master of the Horse; who made an inrode with a brave Army into their Country: Upon which the Aequi presently Fought them, and were routed. A great Slaughter was made, and many taken Prisoners, and the Romans carry'd away great Spoil. After this Slaughter, the Aequi sub∣mitted to the mercy of the Romans. Posthumius having thus bravely manag'd the War (according to Custom) triumph'd. A thing something incredible is reported to be done by this Posthumius; to wit, that he put his own Son to * 1.95 Death, for that in the Battel, out of a spritely heat of Youth, pressing on upon the Enemy, he left his Post assign'd him by his Father.

This Year ended, † 1.96 Isarchus was chief Magistrate at Athens, and at Rome, Titus Quintius, and Caius Julius were Consuls; at which time, the Eighty Ninth Olympiad was celebrated at Elis; in which Symmachus was again Victor. At this time the Athenians made Nicias Admiral of their Fleet, who with Threescore Sail, and Three Thousand Men at Arms, under his Command, was ordered to invade the Lacedemonian Confederates. Whereupon he forthwith made up to the Island Melus, spoil'd the Country, and besieged the City many days. For this only of all the Islands of the Cyclades stood firm and constant to the Lacedemo∣nians, because they were a Colony from Sparta. Nicias knowing he was not in a condition able to storm the Place (which made a resolute Defence) pass'd to Oropus in Beotia, and leaving his Fleet there, march'd with his Forces into Ta∣nagria, where he was join'd with new Supplies from Athens, under the Com∣mand * 1.97 of Hipponicus the Son of Callias: Both these together proceeded in wasting and spoiling the Country. Hereupon the Thebans came out against them, and fought them; but the Athenians routed them with a great Slaughter. When all was over, Hipponicus with his Forces return'd to Athens, and Nicias to the Fleet; who sailing along the Coasts of Locris, wasts and destroys many Places upon the Sea-shoar. Here Forty Ships came up to him from the Confederates, which (with those he had before) made up a Navy of an Hundred Sail; he had likewise a brave Army of Land Soldiers, with which he made for Corinth, and landing his Men, engaged with the Army of the Corinthians, beat them twice, and after * 1.98 the Slaughter of many of his Enemies, erected a Trophy. In this Fight there were kill'd only Eight of the Athenians, but Three Hundred of the Corinthians. Thence he sail'd toward * 1.99 Cremmion, spoil'd the Country, and took the Castle by Assault. Presently after, he marches back, Fortifying the Castle in † 1.100 Me∣thone by the way, and having put in a strong Garrison, wasted the Country ad∣joining, and at length (spoiling and harrasing all along upon the Sea-Coast) return'd to Athens. Not long after, the Athenians sent forth Threescore Sail,

and Two Thousand Men at Arms against * 1.101 Cythera, under the command of Nicias and some others. When he had land∣ed his Men in the Island, the City after a short Siege sur∣rendred, and leaving there a good Garrison for the defence * 1.102 of the Island, he passed over to Pelōponesus, and spoil'd the Country upon the Sea-Coasts, and took † 1.103 Thyre (situated be∣tween the Consines of Laconia and Argos) by Assault, and demolish'd the Walls, and made all the Inhabitants Cap∣tives. But the Aeginetes who inhabited there, and Tantalus the Governor of the Castle, he sent Prisoners to Athens, where they were detain'd with other Priso∣ners.

Whilst these things were acting, the Megareans now tir'd out with the War they had both with the Athenians and their Exiles (after many Messages backwards and forwards between the two Cities,) some of the Citizens of Megara (incens'd a∣gainst the Exiles) promis'd the Athenian Commanders to betray the City. To that end, Hippocrates and Demosthenes the Athenian Generals (by Compact with them of Megara) sent in the Night Six Hundred Souldiers to the City, whom the Traitors let in within the Walls: But the Treachery being discover'd, the * 1.104 People were divided into Two Factions, one sided with the Athenians, and the other with the Lacedemonians. In the mean time, one of his own accord made Proclamation, that whosoever would, might join with the Megareans and Athe∣thenians. The Lacedemonians thus deserted by them of Megara, the Watch which was all along upon the Walls, left their station, and fled into the Arsinal call'd Nicea, where the Megareans kept all their Naval Stores and Provisions. But the Athenians intrench'd round and besieg'd the Castle; and a little time after, send∣ing for Workmen from Athens, compass'd in Nicea with a Wall. Upon this, the Peloponesians fearing they should all be put to the Sword, if the Place were taken by Storm, delivered up Nicea upon Conditions to the Athenians. Thus stood the Affairs of Megara at this time.

But Brasidas with a great Army rais'd in Sparta and other Parts of Peloponesus, marcht to Megara, and drave the Athenians (surprized with this suddain and un∣expected approach) out of Nicea, and reduc'd the City to its former obedience * 1.105 to the Lacedemonians. Then he marched through Thessaly, and came to Dion in Macedonia. Thence going on to Acanthus, he assisted the Chalcedeans, and partly by Threats, and partly by fair and plausible Arguments, wrought upon the chief City of the Acanthians to desert the Athenians. Afterwards he brought o∣ver many other of the Thracians to join as Confederates with the Lacedemonians; and henceforward desiring to carry on the War with more Vigour, sent for Sol∣diers out of Lacedemon to strengthen his Army.

The Spartans hereupon sent to him a Thousand of the best Souldiers amongst the * 1.106 Helots, whom they had long before design'd to root out, hoping most of them would be cut off in the War: And there was another vile act of cruelty committed by them, by which they determin'd utterly to destroy all the Helots. For they made a Proclamation that whosoever of the Helots had done any service for Sparta, should be made Free, and to that end they should send in their Names: When Two Thousand had writ their Names, they order'd the most powerful and chief of the Citizens to cut all the Helots Throats in their several Houses: For they were in great dread of them, lest when they saw an opportunity they should join with their Enemies and so be instrumental to the ruin of Sparta. However, when these Helots, with some other supplies from their Confederates join'd with Brasidas, his Army was very Strong. And thus strengthen'd he March'd * 1.107 his Forces to Amphipolis. Aristogoras the Milesian, was the first that brought Colo∣nies into the City; when he fled from Darius the King of Persia. But after A∣ristogoras his Death, the Inhabitants were ejected by the Thracians call'd Edones. Two and Thirty Years after the Athenians sent thither a Colony of Ten Thou∣sand Men. But these being destroy'd by the Thracians at Drabiscum two Years after, the Thracians recover'd the City under Apion, their General. This City subject to so frequent changes of War, Brasidas made it his business to subdue. To this end marching thither with a great Army, he encamp'd at the Bridge near to the City, and presently possess'd himself of the Suburbs. The next day they of * 1.108 Amphipolis being greatly terrify'd, surrendred the Place, upon conditions that all

that would, might leave the City, and take their effects with them. And soon after he took in many other neighbouring Cities, amongst which, the chief were Sime and Galepsus, both Colonies of the Thracians, and Myrcinus a Town of the Edones.

He likewise fell a building new Ships at the River Strymon, and sent for fresh Supplies from Lacedemonia and other Confederates. He also caus'd great store of Arms to be made, by which he arm'd the new rais'd Men, and furnish'd himself with Darts, Weapons and all other Provisions. And being thus com∣pleatly provided, he march'd from Amphipolis, and encamp'd at a Place call'd * 1.109 Acte. Here were Five of the Towns partly inhabited by Grecians of Andros, and partly by a mixt multitude of Barbarians, descended from the † 1.110 Bissalte, People of a double Tongue. Having brought these under his Power, he fell upon Toron, built by the Chalcideans, but then in the power of the Athenians. Here by the Treachery of some of the Inhabitants, in the Night he was let into the Town, and so won Toron. And thus far the Expedition of Brasidas prosper'd this Year.

In the mean time there was a Battel fought by the Athe∣nians * 1.111 at Delium in Beotia, with the Beotians upon the accounts following: The then present Government in Beotia was dis∣pleasing to some, who desir'd to set up a Democracy in the Cities. These Male∣contents * 1.112 discovered their Designs to the Athenian Generals, Hippocrates and De∣mosthenes, and engaged to deliver up the Cities in Beotia. This was a very wel∣come Overture to the Commanders: And that the Business might the better be effected, they divided the Army, and Demosthenes with the greater part made an incursion into Beotia: But the Beotians being well prepared, having had no∣tice of the Treachery, he marcht back without doing any thing. Hippocrates in the mean time invaded Delium, possessed himself of the Place; and to pre∣vent the March of the Beotians that way, fortify'd Delium with a Wall; which lies near to Oropia, and the Borders of Beotia lying towards the Mountains. But Pantoedas the Beotian General, gathered out of all the Cities of Beotia, the best and choicest Souldiers, and with a great Army and a swift March made for De∣lium; for he had with him little less than Twenty Thousand Foot, and a Thou∣sand Horse. The Athenians on the other side were more in number, but not so well arm'd; for coming hastily and suddenly out of the City, many were ill furnished, both as to Arms and other Necessaries. This was the condition of * 1.113 both Armies, yet very hot and eager on both sides to fight. In the Army of the Beo∣tians, the Thebans were in the Right Wing, the Orchomeans in the Left, and the Beotians in the main Body. Those that were call'd Heniochans and Paraebates, that is, the Charioteers, or those that fought in Chariots, were plac'd in the Front; these were the best Souldiers, in number Three Hundred. The Athe∣nians were forc'd to join Battel, before they were perfectly drawn up in Bat∣talia; but it was fought with great Courage and Resolution on both sides. The Athenian Horse charg'd with that Bravery, that in the beginning they put the Enemies Horse to flight. Then the Foot engaged, and that part of the Athe∣nian Army that opposed the Thebans, by the violence of the Enemy's Charge were quite broken in pieces and routed. But the rest of the Athenians chas'd all the other Beotians, and pursu'd them a long way, with a great Slaughter. On the other side, the Thebans (being strong Bodied Men) left the chase of their Enemies, and fell upon the other Pursuers, hew'd them down, dispers'd and utterly routed them; and thus the Thebans highly advanc'd their Reputation by this signal Victory. As for the Athenians, some of them fled to Oropus, others to Delium; some made to their Ships, and the rest fled every way, as their Lot and Fortune led them, till Night put an end to the Pursuit. There were not * 1.114 above Five Hundred of the Beotians kill'd, but many more of the Athenians, and if Night had not come on, most of them had been cut off; but that sav'd them, and gave a check to the fury of the Conquerors. Yet the number of the Slain was so great, that with the Price of the Spoils the Thebans built a great Walk or Gallery in the Forum, and adorn'd it with many * 1.115 Statues of Brass; and even cover'd over the Temples with Brass, and the publick Buildings in the Market Place, with the Arms and Shields of their Enemies. And with the Riches got in this Fight, they set up Sports and Shews at Delium.

After this Victory, the Beotians assaulted Delium with that fury, that the greater part of the Garrison were kill'd in defending the Place. Two Hun∣dred only were taken, the rest escaped to their Ships, and with other Inhabi∣tants came to Athens. Into this Disaster fell the Athenians by their crafty De∣signs against the Beotians.

In Asia, Xerxes the Persian King died, after he had reigned one Year, some say only Two Months. To him succeeded Sogdianus for the space only of Seven Months; who being kill'd, Darius injoy'd the Kingdom Nineteen Years. With * 1.116 this Year Antiochus of Syracuse, the noble Writer of the Affairs of Sicily ends his History, beginning at King Cocalus, and consisting of Nine Books.

When Amyntas was chief Magistrate of Athens, Caius Papirius, and Lucius * 1.117 Julius were Roman Consuls. In their time the Scioneans now slighting the Athe∣nians, by reason of the late Defeat given them, made a defection to the Lacede∣monians, and gave up their City into the protection of Brasidas, then General of the Army in Thrace. And those who escap'd out of Lesbos, after the ta∣king of Mitylene by the Athenians (who were no small Number) (some time be∣fore contriving how to return into their Country) join'd together, and possess'd themselves of Antandrus; from whence taking their opportunity, they issued forth and set upon the Garrison at Mitylene: At which the Athenians being in∣cens'd, command was given to Aristides and Symmachus, to lead the Army a∣gainst * 1.118 them; who having passed over the Forces into Lesbos, after some few As∣saults, took Antandrus, and put part of the Exiles to the Sword, and expelled the rest out of the City: And after they had strenghned the Place with a Garri∣son, they departed from Lesbos. After this Lamachus, with Ten Ships under his Command, Sail'd for Pontus, and lay with his Fleet at Heraclea, and near the River Cacheta, lost all his Ships. For abundance of Rain falling, the Rain by the violence of the Stream, dash'd in Pieces all the Vessels against the Rocks lying upon the Shoar. Hereupon the Athenians made a Truce with the Lacedemonians * 1.119 for a Year, upon these Conditions, that all that was then under the Power and Government of each other, should so remain on both sides. And after several Debates and Consultations, it was Judged to be the wisest course to put an end to the War, and those destructive Contentions between themselves for ever af∣ter. That which chiefly mov'd the Lacedemonians was the earnest desire they had to release those who were taken in the Island Sphacteria. Thus far the Truce went on; but they could not agree concerning Scione, though all other things were consented to on both sides. The Contention was so hot, that all * 1.120 further overtures of Peace were at an end, and the War was still carry'd on upon the Account of Scione.

About this time the City Menda fell off to the Lacedemonians, which caused * 1.121 a greater heat and resolution for the keeping of Scione. To this end Brasidas remov'd all the Women and Children, and their best Goods out of Scione and Menda, and put strong Garrisons into them. The Athenians were so enraged at this, that they made a Decree to put all the Sciones to the Sword, when ever they took the City.

To that end they sent Nicias and Nicostrates with Fifty Sail against them: * 1.122 They first set upon Menda, which they took by the Treachery of some within. Then they Besieg'd Scione, compassing it round with a Wall, and press'd upon * 1.123 it with continual Assaults. But the Garrison in Scione being very strong, and well provided with all things necessary, easily defended themselves, and from the top of the Walls greatly gall'd the Besiegers. And these were the things done this Year.

The Year following, Alceus governing at Athens, and Opicter Lucretius, and * 1.124 Lucius Sergius * 1.125 Fideniates, Roman Consuls, the Athenians cast the Delians out of the Island, and took the City into their own Hands, because they kept secret correspondence (as they alledg'd) with the Lacedemonians. Being thus expuls'd, Pharnaces the Persian Lord Lieutenant gave them the City † 1.126 Adramyttium to in∣habit. The Athenians at the same time, sent forth Cleon, with a great Body of Foot unto the Coasts of Thrace; who arriving at Scione, shipt part of them that lay before the Town, and sail'd with them to Torona. For he had intelligence that Brasidas was gone from those Parts, and had left but few Soldiers at To∣rona. To which Place, he approached as close as he could, and besieged it both by Sea and Land; at length he took it by Storm, and made the Women

and Children Captives; the Souldiers he bound in Chains, and sent them to A∣thens; having left at Torona a small Garrison, he march'd with the rest of his Forces to the River Strymon in Thrace, and thence to the City Scione (which is distant Thirty Stages from the City Amphipolis) which he fiercely assaulted. But here having intelligence that Brasidas incamp'd with his Army at Amphipolis, he makes against him with a swift March; who being inform'd of the approach of the Enemy, sets forth in Battalia to meet the Athenians; whereupon they pre∣sently join'd Battel, the Victory continuing very doubtful for some time where it would fall, both sides bravely behaving themselves: In the mean time the Ge∣nerals * 1.127 fought with that Resolution, as if each would gain the Victory with his own Hands; and the Officers themselves, with undaunted Courage rush'd into the heat of the Battel, insomuch as many brave Men on both sides breathed out their last. At length Brasidas fell in the Bed of Honour, amongst Heaps of his Enemies slain by his own Hand. Cleon likewise was slain in the thickest of the Combatants: And now both Armies were at a stand, and in a Consterna∣tion at the loss of their Generals; but at length the Lacedemonians got the day, and set up a Trophy. And the Athenians upon a Truce made, bury'd their Dead, and sail'd back to Athens. When some who return'd to Lacedemon gave an account of the Victory and Death of Brasidas, it is reported that his Mo∣ther * 1.128 asked how he behaved himself in the Battel. To whom Answer was made, That he went beyond all the Lacedemonians. Upon which, she replied, Her Son Brasidas was an Honest and Good Man, but much inferiour to many other Spartans in Valour. What she said being nois'd through the City, the Ephori decreed her publick Honours, because she prefer'd the Glory of her Country, before the par∣ticular praise of her Son. After this Battel, the Athenians determin'd to make * 1.129 Peace with the Lacedemonians for Fifty Years, and did so upon these Conditions, that the Prisoners on both sides should be discharg'd, and that the Cities taken in the War should be restored. And so the Peloponesian War that had now con∣tinu'd * 1.130 Ten Years, was in this manner ended at this time.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp. 87. 2. An. M. 3541. Ant. Ch. 431.
• * 1.2

  The Pelopone∣sian War.
• * 1.3

  Every Ta∣lent is 187 l. 10 s.
• * 1.4

  Ant. Ch. 431.
• * 1.5

  A Famous Philosopher, who held the Sun was a burning Plate or Stone. He was tried in Athens, for this and his Impieties: He held God was an Infinite Moving of him∣self. See Laertius. Lact. lib. 1. c. 5.
• * 1.6

  Ant. Ch. 431.
• * 1.7

  P. 307.
• * 1.8

  A Common Talent was about an Hundred Eighty Seven Pounds, Ten Shillings of our Money.
• † 1.9

  The Propyle was a stately Gate or Porch belonging to the Acropolis or Citadel.
• * 1.10

  Ant. Ch. 431.
• * 1.11

  Ant. Ch. 431.
• * 1.12

  P. 308.
• * 1.13

  Platea entr'd in the Night by the Thebans.
• * 1.14

  The Thebans driven out of Platea.
• * 1.15

  Ant. Ch. 431.
• * 1.16

  Here seems to be something wanting and lost, i. e. who they were that sent Shipping.
• * 1.17

  The Spartans wast Attica.
• * 1.18

  Ant. Ch. 431. P. 309.
• * 1.19

  Geganius.
• * 1.20

  Olymp. 87. 3: An. Mu. 3542. Ante Chr. 430.
• † 1.21

  Acte. Pericles har∣rases Pelopo∣nesus. Ant. Ch. 430. Brasidas his Valour.
• * 1.22

  Pheras taken by Storm by the Athenians.
• * 1.23

  The Acts of Cleopompus.
• * 1.24

  Ant. Chr. 430.
• * 1.25

  A Town be∣longing to the Messenians.
• * 1.26

  P. 310.
• * 1.27

  A Plague in Athens.
• * 1.28

  A Talent was Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds, the greater; but the lesser an Hundred Eighty Seven Pounds Ten Shillings.
• * 1.29

  Olymp. 87. 4. Ant. Chr. 429.
• * 1.30

  Maluginensis. Pericles dies.
• * 1.31

  Potidea Be∣sieg'd.
• * 1.32

  Ant. Chr. 429.
• * 1.33

  Potidea sur∣rendred.
• * 1.34

  P. 311.
• * 1.35

  Ant. Chr. 429.
• * 1.36

  Platea besieg'd by the Lacede∣monians.
• * 1.37

  The Athenian Generalskill'd in Beotia.
• * 1.38

  Ante Chr. 429. The Lacede∣monians rou∣ted at Sea, at Rhium.
• * 1.39

  A Promon∣tory neer the Isthmos of Co∣rinth.
• * 1.40

  Olymp. 88. 1. Ante Chr. 428.
• † 1.41

  Julius.
• * 1.42

  P. 312.
• * 1.43

  Salamis inva∣ded by the La∣cedemonians.
• * 1.44

  The Com∣mendation of Sitalces King of Thrace.
• * 1.45

  Ant. Chr. 428.
• * 1.46

  Sitalces his War with the Macedonians.
• * 1.47

  Ant. Ch. 428.
• * 1.48

  P. 313.
• * 1.49

  Another in∣road into At∣tica.
• * 1.50

  Olymp. 88. 2. Ant. Chr. 427. War between the Syracusians and the Leon∣tines.
• * 1.51

  Manlius.
• * 1.52

  Gorgias the Orator.
• † 1.53

  A Mina in Silver, is a∣bout 3 l. 9 s.
• * 1.54

  Paranomacisms, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Figures call'd Synoecei∣osms, Oxymorons, Paranomacisms, and the like.
• * 1.55

  Ant. Chr. 427.
• † 1.56

  Ten Thousand Talents amounts to 1875000 l. Sterling, the lesser Ta∣lent. The greater Talent is 250 l. The lesser is 187 l. 10 s.
• * 1.57

  P. 314.
• * 1.58

  Ant. Chr. 427.
• * 1.59

  The Athenians assist the Leontines in Sicily by Chabrias.
• * 1.60

  In Italy up∣on the Sea-Coasts.
• † 1.61

  Mylae, a Ci∣ty in Sicily.
• * 1.62

  Lesbos revolts from Athens.
• * 1.63

  The greatest City of Les∣bos.
• * 1.64

  Ant. Chr. 427. Mitylene be∣sieg'd by the Athenians.
• * 1.65

  Mitylene sur∣rendred.
• * 1.66

  P. 315.
• * 1.67

  Ant. Chr. 427.
• * 1.68

  Platea surren∣dred.
• * 1.69

  Platea raz'd.
• ‖ 1.70

  A Sedition at Corcyra.
• * 1.71

  Ant. Ch. 427.
• * 1.72

  P. 316. Olymp. 88. 3. Ant. Chr. 426. Plague breaks forth again at Athens.
• * 1.73

  That is, Winds which come at stated and certain times every Year. Plin. lib. 2. c. 47.
• * 1.74

  Ant. Chr. 426.
• † 1.75

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 An Earth∣quake.
• † 1.76

  Near Eubea, now call'd Negro∣pont.
• * 1.77

  There are many of this Name, but this is near the Mountain Oeta, and the Straits of Thermopyle. Ant. Chr. 426.
• * 1.78

  Medullus.
• † 1.79

  Mamercus. P. 317. The Acts of Demosthenes the A∣thenian General.
• * 1.80

  Olymp. 88. 4. An. Mu. 3547.
• ‖ 1.81

  A City of Achaia, now call'd Le∣pantum by the Venetians. Ant. Chr. 426.
• * 1.82

  A City of Aetolia.
• † 1.83

  Ambracia.
• * 1.84

  A Town in the Western part of Peloponesus.
• * 1.85

  † Eight Stadia's make a Mile; e∣very Stadium is 625 Foot. 400 Sla∣dia is 50 Miles.
• * 1.86

  Ante Chr. 462.
• * 1.87

  Pylus besieg'd.
• * 1.88

  Ant. Chr. 426. P. 318.
• * 1.89

  Hatches or Ladder to get out of the Ship. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.90

  Ant. Chr. 426.
• * 1.91

  The Lacede∣monians blockt up in Sphacte∣ria.
• * 1.92

  Ant. Chr. 426.
• * 1.93

  P. 319.
• * 1.94

  Artaxerxes dies.
• * 1.95

  Posthumius put his own Son to death.
• † 1.96

  Or rather Iparchus. Olymp. 89. 1. An. Mu. 3548. Ant. Chr. 425. Nicias invades Melus.
• * 1.97

  Spoils Tana∣gria.
• * 1.98

  Nicias routs the Corinthi∣ans, and in∣vades Cythera.
• * 1.99

  A Town near Corinth.
• † 1.100

  In Laconia. Ant. Chr. 425.
• * 1.101

  An Island on the South-East side of Laconia.
• * 1.102

  P. 320.
• † 1.103

  In Peloponesus, now call'd Ceri∣go, belonging to the Venetians.
• * 1.104

  Ant. Chr. 425. Magara be∣tray'd to the Athenians.
• * 1.105

  Recover'd by Brasidas. The Acts of Brasidas.
• * 1.106

  The Descen∣dents of Slaves. Ant. Chr. 425.
• * 1.107

  P. 321.
• * 1.108

  Ant. Chr. 425.
• * 1.109

  The Sea Shoar.
• † 1.110

  Iberians, a People of Macedonia, near the River Stremon: Said to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of Two Tongues.
• * 1.111

  A Battel by the Athenians with the Beotians at Delium.
• * 1.112

  Ant. Ch. 425.
• * 1.113

  The manner of the Fight at Delium. P. 322. Ant. Chr. 425.
• * 1.114

  Ant. Chr. 425.
• * 1.115

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.116

  Darius No∣thus begins to Reign.
• * 1.117

  Olymp. 89. 2. Scione a City in Thrace. Ant. Ch. 424.
• * 1.118

  Aristides and Symmachus sent into Lesbos a∣gainst the Exiles of Mi∣tylene.
• * 1.119

  P. 323. A Truce pro∣pounded, and made for a Year.
• * 1.120

  Ant. Chr. 424. War conti∣nu'd.
• * 1.121

  Menda revolts to the Lacede∣monians.
• * 1.122

  Menda re∣taken.
• * 1.123

  Scione be∣sieg'd by the Athenians.
• * 1.124

  Olymp. 89. 3. Ant. Ch. 423.
• * 1.125

  Fidenas.
• † 1.126

  Or Adra∣metum, a City in Mysia, in the Lesser Asia.
• * 1.127

  The Battel of Amphipolis, where the Generals on both sides were kill'd. P. 324.
• * 1.128

  Ant. Chr. 423.
• * 1.129

  Peace con∣cluded.
• * 1.130

  Ten Years of the Pelopone∣sian War.