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. X.

The War between the Tegeans and Mantineans. The Beotians side with the Te∣geans. Epaminondas made General. The Battle of Mantinea, where Epami∣nondas was kill'd; but the Lacedemonians routed. The commendation of Epa∣minondas.

AT the end of the Yea Chariclides was created Lord Chancelor of Athens; and * 1.1 Lucius Aemilius Mamercus, and Lucius Sextius Lateranus, Roman Consuls. At which time the Arcadians and Piseans (by compact joining together) celebrated the Olympian Games at Olympia, and possess'd themselves both of the Temple, and all the Riches that were there. And because the Mantineans carry'd away and converted to prophane uses many of the Dedicated things, these Sacrilegious Persons made it their business to pro∣mote and carry on the War against the Eleans, lest if Peace were made they should be call'd to account for their ill gotten Goods. And therefore when the rest of the Arca∣dians * 1.2 would have compromiz'd Matters, they stirr'd up Sedition against their own Countrymen. Being therefore divided into Two Factions, one headed by the Tegeans, the other by the Mantineans, the Feud grew to that height, that at last they came to de∣cide the Controversie by force of Arms; and they of Tegea sent an Ambassador to the Beotians to desire their assistance: Whereupon the Beotians, without delay, made Epa∣minondas General, and sent him with a strong Army to the aid of the Tegeans. But the Mantineans (being terrify'd with the Beotian Army, and the Great Name of Epaminon∣das) * 1.3 sent their Ambassadors to the Capital Enemies of the Beotians, (the Athenians and Lacedemonians) to sollicite them to join with the Mantineans in the War. Great Forces therefore being rais'd on both sides, many great Battles were fought in Peloponnesus; And the Lacedemonians (as soon as they could) broke into Arcadia, lying next to them. About * 1.4 the same time Epaminondas was marching forward with his Army, and being come near to Mantinea, he heard that the Lacedemonians with all their Forces were wasting and spoil∣ing the Territories of Tegea; Conceiving therefore that Sparta was left naked, he under∣took a weighty Affair, but Fortune favour'd not his Enterprize. For he march'd with his Army in the night against Sparta: But Agis King of Lacedemon (suspecting the Craft

and Subtilty of Epaminondas) prudently conjectur'd what possibly might be design'd therefore to prevent Epaminondas, he dispatch'd away some Cretian Couriers to Sparta, to acquaint them that the Boectians were just then upon their march in order to surprize the * 1.5 City; and that he himself would make all the hast possibly he could to relieve them: and therefore charg'd them to look to the Place, and not in the least to be afraid, for he would be presently with 'em. The Cretians observ'd their Orders with all Expe∣dition by which the Lacedemonians (strangely, and on a suddain) prevented the ruine of their Country. For if the stratagem had not been discover'd, Epaminondas had cer∣tainly surprizd Sparta. So that the Policy and contrivance of both the Generals justly chal∣lenge their due praise; yet the prudent Care of a skilful Commander must here especially be attributed to the Lacedemonian. Epaminondas having now march'd all the Night long, at break of day came up to Sparta But Agesilaus who was left to guard the City, (having had * 1.6 intelligence but a little before,) did what he could to put the City into a posture of De∣fence. To this end he commanded the Boys that were of any considerable bigness, and the Old Men to the roofs of the Houses, that they might be in a capacity to drive back the Enemy from thence: Then placing all the strong and lusty Men in the several difficult Passes that led into the City, and blocking up all other places, where possibly an entrance might be made, he waited for the coming of the Enemy.

Epaminondas having divided his Army into Three parts, made an Assault round the Town at one and the same time, but when he discern'd in what order the Spartans were * 1.7 plac'd to oppose him, he presently understood that his Design was discover'd: However, tho' he was much obstructed by the strait and narrow Passages, and forc'd to fight in small Parties with great Bodies of Men at once, and many were kill'd on both sides, yet he would not draw off till the Lacedemonian Army came up near unto Sparta. The Spartans therefore being now enforc'd with so great a strength, and Night coming on, he left off the Assault. * 1.8

Then he was inform'd by some Prisoners, that the Mantineans with all the Power of the City were hastning towards him to the assistance of the Lacedemonians: Upon which he march'd away and encamp'd not far from the City. But presently commanding his Soldiers to eat their Suppers, and leaving there a Body of Horse, whom he commanded to kindle Fires all the Night, he march'd away with the rest of the Army, with a de∣sign on a sudden to cut off all them that were left in Mantinea. The next day (having march'd a long way) he unexpectedly Assaulted them of Mattinea, but fail'd in his De∣sign; and tho' he had (as a diligent Commander) provided all things that were necessary * 1.9 yet Fortune now oppos'd him, and so he lost the Prize. For as soon as he came near the City, that was then naked, and without any Defence, Six thousand Athenian Auxilia∣ries entred into Mantinea at the other end of the Town under the Command of Hegelocus, a person of good Esteem among the Citizens; who having put a sufficient Garison into the City, with the rest stood in Battalia ready to engage. And presently appear'd the Armies, both of the Lacedemonians and the Mantineans. And now every one prepar'd to put all * 1.10 to the hazard of a Battle, and therefore sent for their Allies out of all parts; The Aeleans, Lacedemonians, Athenians, and some others sided with the Mantineans: their For∣ces amounted to above Twenty thousand Foot, and Two thousand Horse. The most considerable persons of Arcadia for Riches and Valour, together with the Acheans, Boe∣otians, Argives, and some of the Peloponnesians, and other Confederates join'd with the Te∣geans, in the whole, to the number of above Thirty thousand Foot, and Three thou∣sand * 1.11 Horse.

And now the Armies on both sides took the Field in order to decide the Matter; and drew up in Battalia: and the Sooth-sayers from the view of the Sacrifices (offer'd here and there) Declar'd Victory to their several Parties. The Mantineans and the rest of the Arcadians (because the War was in their own Country) were in the Right Wing, sup∣ported by the Lacedemonians, drawn up next to them. Next to the Lacedemonians were plac'd the Aeleans and Achoeans, and some others of the weaker part of the Army com∣pleated that Wing. The Left Wing consisted of the Athenians: On the other side the Thebans plac'd themselves in the Left Wing, opposite to the Arcadians: And the Argives held the Right. The rest of the Army Aeubeans, Locrians, Sicyons, Messineans, Maleans * 1.12 and Aeneans, and the other Confederates made up the main Battle. The Horse on each side were plac'd on both Flanks. The Armies being thus drawn up, while they stood facing one another for some time, the Trumpets at length sounded a Charge, and the Armies set up so great a shout, as if both sides were assur'd of the Victory. The Horse from the Wings first Charg'd one another, with the greatest Fury imaginable: The Athenian Horse Charged the Thebans, but were worsted, not so much by the Valour and

Hardiness of the Thebans, or their skill in Martial Affairs, (for in these the Athenians were inferior to none) as by their number, and being better Arm'd and appointed, and far exceeding the other in Order and manner of Battle. For the Athenians had very few Darters amongst them, whereas the Thebans had thrice as many, besides Slingers and Archers from the Thessalians, who were us'd to be exercis'd in that way of Fighting from their Childhood, and by that means were always very serviceable in all Encounters.

The Athenians therefore, what with being Gaul'd by the Light Arm'd Men, and over-power'd by the Horse, were forc'd to fly. Yet because they fled out from the Wings, they easily repair'd the Damage they sustain'd, for they broke not into their own Foot in their flight, but falling in with some Eubeans, and some other Mercenaries, that were sent out before to take in some Hills near the place, (with whom they had a sharp En∣gagement) they put every Man of them to the Sword. For the Theban Horse did not pursue them that fled, but Charg'd in upon the Enemies Foot with a design to break through 'em: upon which, the Dispute was very hot and sharp; but at length the Athe∣nians fled outright: But the Colonel of the Aelean Horse who was in the Rear-guard of the * 1.13 Army) succour'd them; and cuting off many of the Boetians, renew'd the Fight. And thus was the Rout in the Athenians Left Wing in a great measure repair'd by the Aelean Horsemen. In the Engagement by the Horse in the other Wing, the success was doubtful a little while. But within a short time the Mantineans were put to the Rout by the multitude and strength of the Boeotian and Thessalian Horsemen, and with great Loss were forc'd to fly for shelter to their own Battalion of Foot. And this was the issue * 1.14 of the Engagement between the Horse. The Foot as soon as they Engag'd fought with wonderful heat and resolution. Never was there greater Armies in the Field in any Battle between Grecians and Grecians; nor more brave and excellent Commanders, or that ever approv'd themselves with more Valour and Courage. For the Boeotians and Lacedemonians who were in that Age counted the best Land Soldiers in the World, front∣ed one another, and began the Onset with that Fury as if they valu'd not their Lives in the least. They first began with their Lances, which being for the most part broken in pieces by the violence and heat of the Charge, they fell to their Swords. Then setting Foot to Foot all sorts of Wounds, curable and Mortal, slight and deadly, were given and receiv'd without remitting any thing of their first Heat or Resolution; And they conti∣nu'd in this sharp Engagement with that Valour, and so long a time (neither side gi∣ving the least ground) that Victory seem'd to hover over both (uncertain where it would fall) For every one slighted and contemn'd Danger, and (desiring nothing more * 1.15 than to make himself remarkable by some Glorious piece of Service for his Country) with a brave Gallantry of Mind coveted to exchange Life for Honour. After the Battle had continu'd long, and none were able to judge who would be the Conquerors; Epaminondas (conceiving the present state of the Parties engag'd requir'd his assistance) resolv'd to decide the Matter with the hazard of his own Life. To that end taking a choice Band of the most able Men he had with him, and drawing them up in close Or∣der, he forthwith Charg'd at the head of them, and was the first that cast his Javelin and kill'd the Lacedemonian General, and then broke into the midst of his Enemies; * 1.16 then others presently following (beating down all before him) he clave asunder the Enemies Battle. For the Fame of Epaminondas, and the strength of that Body he then had with him, struck such a Terror into the Lacedemonians, that they turn'd their backs, and began to make away: Upon which the Boeotians pursu'd close, and kill'd all that were in the Rear, so that heaps of Carkasses cover'd the Ground. At length when the Lacedemonians perceiv'd that the fierceness and heat of Epaminondas had precipitated him too far, they all in a Body made up upon him, throwing infinite number of Darts at him, of which he put by some, and receiv'd others upon his Target, and pluckt others out of his Body with his own hands, and threw them back into the face of the Enemy. At last whilst he was most Heroically bestirring himself to gain the Victory for his Coun∣try, he receiv'd a Mortal wound in his Breast by a Dart * 1.17 thrown with such a force, as that the Wood broke, and the Iron with the Trunchion remain'd in his Body, so that by the greatness of the wound he suddenly fell to the ground. And now the Con∣test grew very sharp and hot for the recovery of his Body, and after a great slaughter made, the Thebans being of much stronger Bodies than the Lacedemonians, at length put their Enemies to flight. The Boeotians pursu'd them a little way, but presently return'd, as looking upon it absolutely necessary to have the power of the Bodies. The Trum∣pets therefore sounding a Retreat, both Armies drew off; and each party erected a Trophy, both pretending to the Victory. For the Athenians possess'd the Bodies of all those Eubeans and Mercenaries that were slain at the Hill: On the other side the Boeoti∣ans

that had routed the Lacedemonians, and were Masters of the dead, challeng'd the Victory. And for some time neither side sent any Trumpets to Treat for burying the * 1.18 Dead, lest they that were first should be thought to yield the day. Yet at last the La∣cedemonians first sent a Trumpet to procure Liberty to bury their Men: Whereupon all were buried that were slain on both sides.

But Epaminondas (yet living) was brought back into the Camp; and when the Phy∣sitians that were sent for, told him that he would certainly Die as soon as the Dart was drawn out of his Body, he was not at all daunted: But first call'd for his Armour-bearer, and ask'd whether his Shield was safe? When he answer'd it was, and shew'd it to him; then he enquir'd whether side had got the day. The Youth making return that the Boeotians were Victors: Why then, saith he, Now is the time to die: And forthwith order'd the Dart to be drawn out. And when all his Friends round about him cry'd out, and one with great Lamentation express'd himself thus; And what, O Epaminondas, Dost thou die Childless? No, by Jupiter (said he,) But I leave behind me Two Daughters, where∣of the one is Victory at Leuctra, and the other at Mantinea. And so upon drawing out the head of the Dart, he quietly breath'd out his last, without any shew of Trouble, or Dis∣order * 1.19 of Mind.

And because it was our usual Method to give an Honourable Testimony of Worthy and Deserving Men after their Deaths, we think we might be justly blam'd if we should * 1.20 omit so brave a Man, without a peculiar remark. For he seems to me to be not only the most skilful General, and of the most Just and Generous Disposition of any of his own time, (among whom the most famous were Pelopidas the Theban, Timotheus, Conon, Chabrias, Iphi∣crates, Athenians, and Agesilaus the Spartan (who was a little before him) but likewise * 1.21 of any that liv'd before him in the time of the Medes and Persians, as Solon, Themistocles, Miltiades, Cimon, Mironides, Pericles, and some other Athenians; and Gelo the Son of Di∣nomenes in Sicily, and some others, whose several Excellencies if any will compare with the Military Art, and the Glory of the Arms of Epaminondas, he shall soon find him to exceed them in many degrees. For among them some one peculiar Excellency was only remarkable in each particular Person; but in him a Constellation of Virtues were Hous'd together. For in Strength and Comliness of Body, Volubility of Tongue, Gal∣lantness of Spirit, Contempt of Wealth, and impartial Justice (and that which was far before all the rest) in Valour and Skill in Martial Affairs (absolutely necessary for a General) he far excell'd 'em all. When alive, he gain'd the Sovereign Power for his Country; but by his Death they lost it again, and their Affairs declin'd to the worse ever afterwards; and at length by the Sloth and Ignorance of their Commanders they were utterly ruin'd, and reduc'd to perfect Slavery. And this was the end of Epami∣nondas, a Man honoured, and esteemed of all.

After this Battle, the Grecians being tir'd out with continual Wars, and contented now to draw stakes, put an end to the War, and entred into a general League Offen∣sive and Defensive, in which the Messineans were included. But the Lacedemonians (by * 1.22 reason of the implacable Hatred they bore the Messineans) would not subscribe the Articles of Peace: And therefore they of all the Grecians were the only Men that swore not to the League. As to the Writers in this year; Xenophon the Athenian con∣cludes his History of the Wars of Greece with the death of Epaminondas. Anaximenes like∣wise * 1.23 of Lampsacus writ the First Part of his History of the Grecian Affairs * 1.24 from the Origin of the Gods, and the First Being of Mankind to the Battle of Mantinea, and the death of Epaminondas, containing almost all the Affairs both of the Grecians and Bar∣barians in Twelve Volumes. Lastly Philistus, who writ the History of Dionysius the young∣er in Two Books, ends them here.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp. 104. 2. Ant. Ch. 361.
• * 1.2

  War between the Tegeans and Mantine∣ans.
• * 1.3

  The Thebans join with the Tegeans under Epaminondas.
• * 1.4

  Lacedemoni∣ans join with the Mantine∣ans.
• * 1.5

  The design of Epaminon∣das to surprize Sparta, pre∣vented.
• * 1.6

  P. 501.
• * 1.7

  Ant. Ch. 361. Epaminondas Assaults Spar∣ta.
• * 1.8

  Draws off.
• * 1.9

  The taking of Mantinea prevented.
• * 1.10

  Ant. Ch. 361.
• * 1.11

  The Battle at Mantinea.
• * 1.12

  P. 502.
• * 1.13

  The Manti∣nean Army.
• * 1.14

  Ant. Ch. 361.
• * 1.15

  P. 503.
• * 1.16

  Ant. Ch. 361.
• * 1.17

  By one Anti∣ciates a Spar∣tan. Justin. Epaminondas falls.
• * 1.18

  Ant. Ch. 361.
• * 1.19

  Epaminondas dies of his 〈…〉〈…〉und.
• * 1.20

  The Commen∣dation of Epa∣minondas.
• * 1.21

  P. 504. Ant. Ch. 361.
• * 1.22

  Peace made. Ant. Ch. 361.
• * 1.23

  Xenophon's History ends. Anaximenes.
• * 1.24

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