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. VIII.

Bessus stirs up the Bactrians. Alexander discharges the Greek Auxiliaries with Re∣wards. The River Stiboetes. He enters Hircania; Its Richness. Enters the Mardis Country. Loses his brave Horse, but is restor'd. Thalestris the Ama∣zon Queen meets him. He falls into the Effeminacy of the Persians. Enters Drangina. A Plot against Alexander. Philotas and others put to Death. Marches against the Arimispi. Subdues Arachosia.

WHen this Year ended, Cephisophon executed the Office of Chief Magistrate at * 1.1 Athens, and Caius Valerius, and Marcus Claudius were created Roman Consuls. At that time, Bessus, with Na••arzanes and Barxaentes, and many others, after the Death of Darius, having escap'd the hands of Alexander, came into Bactria. And in regard he was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of this Country by Darius, and upon that account was * 1.2 well known by the Inhabitants, he persuaded the People to stand up for their Liberty, and told them, That the Situation and Condition of their Country was such, being full of

difficult Passes, and very Populous, that they had an extraordinary advantage to succeed in the Attempt, and promised that he himself would take upon him the whole Manage∣ment of the War.

Hereupon, he so far prevail'd, that he got a considerable Number to join with him, and to own him for King. Then he Listed Men, prepar'd Arms, and procur'd whatever was necessary for the present State of his Affairs.

In the mean time, Alexander perceiving that the Macedonians had a design to end the War with the Death of Darius, and to return to their own Country, he call'd them to∣gether; and so courted them by an Oration fitted for the purpose, that he prevail'd with them readily to go on with the Expeditions that then yet remain'd. Then he call'd together all the Greek Auxiliaries, and having highly commended them for their Valour, bestow'd upon every Horseman as a Reward a Talent, and every Footman Ten * 1.3 Minas, and discharg'd them from further Service in the Army. And over and besides he paid to every one of them what was due to them for their common Pay, and gave them likewise sufficient Provision to carry them into their own Country; and to every one that was willing still to continue in the Army, he gave Three Talents. He gave indeed large Rewards to the Soldiers, being naturally of a generous Disposition, and besides, in pursuing Darius had possess'd himself of a vast Treasure: For he had receiv'd Eight thousand Talents out of the Treasures; and besides what he gave to the Soldiers, he rais'd Thirteen thousand Talents by sale of the Cups, Flaggons, and Furniture. And it was believ'd, that what was stollen and taken away by force was much more.

Having done this, he march'd with his Army towards Hircania, and the third day came near the City * 1.4 Hecatompylon, and there encamp'd. Here he continu'd some Days to refresh his Army, because the Country was exceeding Rich, and abounded with every thing for Man's Use. Thence he mov'd forward an Hundred and fifty Furlongs, and encamp'd near a very high Rock, at the foot of which is a Cave not unbecoming the Gods, from whence (as the Spring-head) issues the great River Stiboetes. Thence it runs with a fierce and violent Stream for the space of Three Furlongs, 'till it dash it self upon a great Rock in shape like a Woman's Pap, under which is a vast Gulph, or opening of the Earth, into which, being now divided into two Channels, it falls down with a mighty Noise, turn'd all into Froth and Spume, and there runs under-ground * 1.5 Three hundred Furlongs; and then appears again, as if that we e its Spring-head. Having en∣tred Hircania with his Army, he gain'd all the Town, and Cities as far as the Caspian Sea, which some call likewise the Hircanian Sea. It's reported, that in that Sea are many Serpents of * 1.6 an extraordinary Bigness, and Fish of all sorts, much differing in Colour from those in our Parts. When he entred further into Hircania, he came to Towns call'd the Fortunate Towns, * 1.7 which are so in Deed, as well as in Name For this Country excels all the rest in fertility of Soil; for every Vine, they say, affords a * 1.8 Metrete of Wine: And that some Fig-trees are so very fruitful, that they'll bear Ten † 1.9 Medimnas of dried Figs; and that what are left upon the Tree after Harvest, fall upon the Ground, and spring up again of themselves, and bring forth abundance of Fruit to perfection. There's a Tree in that Country much like to an Oak, which distills Honey from its Leaves; and this the Inhabitants gather in great plenty for their own use. There's likewise a little Insect in this Tract call'd an An∣thredon, less than a Bee, but very remarkable; it gets its living in the Mountains, sucking the Flowers that grow here and there in those places. It works its Combs within hollow Rocks, or Trees shatter'd or made hollow by the Thunder-bolts, and there makes a Li∣quor not inferiour to any for sweetness.

In the mean time, Alexander, while he was on his March through Hircania, and the bordering Countries, gain'd great Reputation, and was highly honour'd for his Cle∣mency, in carrying himself with so much Humanity towards all those Commanders who fled away with Darius, and afterwards submitted themselves to him: So that Fifteen hun∣dred brave and valiant Grecians (who sided with Darius) forthwith came unto him, and laid themselves at his Feet, whom he readily pardon'd, and plac'd them in several of his * 1.10 Regiments, and allow'd them the same Pay with the rest.

Having run through the Sea-Coasts of Hircania, he entred the Country of the Mardi; who being a Warlike Nation, slighted the growing Power of the King, and shew'd him not the least Respect, either by sending Ambassadors, or otherwise; but having possess'd themselves of the strait Passes of the Mountains with Eight thousand Men, stood there, waiting for the coming of the Macedonians. Hereupon the King sets upon them, kills many, and drives the rest within the Straits. But while he was burning up the Country all before him, it fell out that (some of the King's Boys who led his Horses, being at some distance from the rest of the Army) his best Horse, by a sudden Incursion of the * 1.11

Barbarians, was carry'd away. This Horse was given him by Damarotus the Corinthian, and the King had made use of him in all his Battels in Asia. When he was bare-back'd, he would admit only his Tender to mount him; but when he had the King's War-Saddle, and the rest of his brave Trappings upon him, he would not suffer his former Rider to get upon his Back, nor any other Person but Alexander; and to him he would down up∣on his Knees for the King to get into the Saddle. Because of these excellent Properties of the Horse, the King was the more griev'd and troubled; and therefore he order'd all the Trees in all parts of the Country as he went to be hewn down, and caus'd a Pro∣clamation to be made in their own natural Tongue, That unless his Horse were restor'd, he would waste and destroy all before him with Fire and Sword; which he began pre∣sently to put in execution. Upon which, the Barbarians were so terrify'd, that they * 1.12 not only restor'd the Horse, but brought along with them many rich Presents for the King, and by Fifty Ambassadors begg'd his Pardon. Upon which, the King accepted some of the most Honourable among them for Hostages.

When he came back into Hircania, Thalestris Queen of the Amazons met him, whose Dominions lay between Phasis and Taermodon; of an admirable Beauty, and strong Body, * 1.13 greatly honour'd in her own Country for here Brave and Manly Spirit. She presented herself to the King, with Three hundred Amazons in their Warlike Habit, having left the rest of her Forces on the Borders of Hircania. The King being struck with admira∣tion at the sudden and unexpected approach of the Queen, and the graceful appearance of the Women, ask'd Thalestris, what was the Reason of her Journey thither? Who answer'd him, That she came there to have Issue by him; for she look'd upon him to transcend all other Men for Great and Noble Actions; and she her self to exceed all other Women both in Body and Mind, as to the Strength of the one, and Courage of the other: And therefore there was good ground to hope that the Issue of such Parents, would excell all other Men in Valour. The King was greatly pleas'd with what she said, and gratisy'd her Request; and after he had convers'd with her for the space of Thirteen Days, he presented her with honourable Gifts, and suffer'd her to return to her own Kingdom.

Alexander conceiving that he had now effected all that he design'd, and that there was no Competitor with him for the Empire, began to indulge the soft and effeminate Man∣ners * 1.14 of the Persians, and to imitate the Luxury of the Asian Kings: And therefore in the first place he order'd all the * 1.15 Officers of the Court to be Asiaticks, and the Nobility of Asia to be * 'Squires of the Body, amongst whom Oxathres, the Brother of Darius, was one. He put likewise the Persian Diadem upon his Head, and wore the White Cassock and Belt, after the manner of the Persian Kings, and all the rest, except the Persian Hose * 1.16 and Vestment, call'd the Candys. He bestow'd likewise Purple Gowns upon his Friends, and cloath'd all his Horsemen in the Persian Habit. He began likewise to carry his Concu∣bines along with him from place to place as Darius us'd to do, who had almost as many as the Days in the Year, and were the greatest Beauties that could be found throughout all Asia. These stood round the King's Bed every Night, that he might take his choice of whom he pleas'd to lie with him. However, for the most part he follow'd the ancient Customs of his Ancestors, and us'd the other but seldom, lest he should offend the Macedonians; and when some notwithstanding complain'd of the King, he stopp'd their Mouths with Gifts and Bribes.

About this time, Intelligence was brought him that Satibarzanes, one of Darius his Lord Lieutenants, had kill'd all the Soldiers he had committed to his Charge, and was join'd in Conspiracy with Bessus to make War upon the Macedonians; whereupon he march'd out against him.

Satibarzanes had got all his Forces together into Chrotacana, a most Noble City in those Parts, and naturally fortify'd; but as soon as the King came in sight, being terrify'd with the Greatness of the King's Army, and the Valour of the Macedonians, (which was now cry'd up all the World over) he hasted away with Two thousand Horse to Bessus, to procure help from him with all speed. The rest of his Forces he ordered to make to a * 1.17 Mountain near at hand, which was full of straight Passes; and where they might lye close and secure when they durst not Engage with the Enemy in the open Field. Upon this, the King was so intent and diligent (as he always was) that though they had shel∣ter'd themselves in a large Rock, and naturally strong, yet he reduc'd the Besieg'd to those streights, as that he forc'd them to Surrender themselves.

Afterwards, having reduc'd all the Cities in this Province, in the space of Thirty days, he left Hircania, and came to the Royal City of * Drangina, where he Encamp'd and re∣fresh'd * 1.18 his Army.

About t••is time a most wicked Plot was laid against Alexander, very unworthy the * 1.19 Goodness of his Disposition. For one of the King's Friends, call'd Dimnus, blaming the King for something he had done, and thereupon become Enrag'd at him, contriv'd to Assassinate him. This Man had a Catamite, call'd Nicomachus, whom he dearly lov'd; him he went about to persuade to join with him in this Wicked Design: But being a very young Youth, he discover'd the whole Business to his Brother Cebalinus, who (fearing lest some other should be before him in the Discovery) resolv'd to make the first Discovery to the King.

Thereupon he goes to the Court, and first meets Philotas, and acquaints him with what he had heard, and intreats him to inform the King what was hatching out of hand.

Philocas, whether through Covetousness, or that he was one of the Conspirators, (it's not certain) minded not to make the Discovery of what had been imparted to him: For though he went in to the King, and had a long Discourse with him of divers matters, * 1.20 yet he told him nothing of what Cebalinus had related to him. But when he came out, told Cebalinus, that he had not had as yet a fit Opportunity for opening of the Matter to the King; but that the next Day he would take him aside by himself, and discover all that Cebalinus had made known to him. Philotas neglecting the Business the next Day also; Cebalinus was afraid, lest if it should be discover'd by some other Person, and so he himself should be in great danger; Therefore he wav'd Philotas, and goes to one of the King's Pages, and tells him the whole Plot, wishing him forthwith to acquaint the King; and then withdraws himself into the Armory, and there lay private. The Page took the Opportunity when the King was in the Bath, and related to him the whole Matter told him by Cebalinus, and that he then lay hid and secret in the Armory. At this the King was greatly sta••tled, and forthwith order'd Dimnus to be seiz'd; and now fully in∣form'd of the Conspiracy, sent for Cebalinus and Philotas. When every thing after strict Examination was fully discover'd, Dimnus stabb'd himself. Philotas confess'd his Neglect in not making the Discovery, but utterly deny'd that he had any hand in the Conspiracy. The King hereupon committed the Examination of the Business to the Judgment of the Macedonians, who after many Arguments and Debates, Pro and Con, condemn'd Philotas and the rest of the Conspirators to die, amongst whom was Parmenio; who was ever thought to have been one of the King's most faithful Friends. And though he was not * 1.21 then present himself, yet it was suspected that he manag'd the Business by his Son Philotas.

Philotas therefore being put upon the Rack, confess'd the whole Plot; and so he and the other Conspirators were put to Death, according to the manner of their * 1.22 own Country. Alexander Lyncestes also (who was before accus'd of a Conspiracy against the King) suffer'd in the same manner. He had been now three years in custody, but his Trial was deferr'd to that time for the sake of Antigonus, who had a great kindness for him, and between whom there was a particular Friendship and Familiarity. But being then brought before the Macedonian Senate, and having nothing by way of Plea to say for himself, he was Executed with the rest.

Then Alexander dispatch'd some away upon Dromadary Camels, to prevent the Report of Philotas his Punishment, and by that means caus'd Parmenio, the Father of Philotas, to be seiz'd unawares, and put to Death; he was then Governor of Media, and was intrusted with the King's Treasures in Ecbatana, which amounted to an Hundred and Fourscore thousand Talents. About the same time he sever'd from the rest of his Army all such as had given out harsh Expressions against him, and grumbl'd at the Death of Parmenio, and all those who had written false and scandalous Letters to their Friends in Macedonia, re∣lating to the King's Affairs: All these he cast into one Company or Regiment which he call'd the * 1.23 Unruly Company, lest by their unseasonable Jangling and Prating, they should corrupt the rest of the Macedonians.

After these things thus done, and that he had settl'd his Affairs in Drangina, he march'd against the Arimaspi, (as they were anciently call'd) but now * 1.24 Evergetae, which Name was given them upon the following account; Cyrus (who was the first that translated the Empire from the Medes to the Persians) in a certain Expedition he had undertaken, being brought into great Extremity in a barren Country for want of Provision, insomuch as the * 1.25 Soldiers to satisfy their Hunger, were forc'd to eat the Flesh one of another; the Ari∣mispi at that time brought to his Army Thirty thousand Carts and Wagons, loaden with Provision. And therefore the King being thus unexpectedly Reliev'd and Preserv'd, not only quitted the People from paying of Tribute for the future; but bestow'd upon them many other Privileges and bountiful Rewards, and chang'd their old Name into Everget••.

And now when Alexander came into their Country, they receiv'd him with all the Demonstrations of Love and Kindness, and he rewarded them with marks of his Grace and Favour, suitable to his State and Dignity. And return'd the like Favour to the Ge∣drosians their Neighbours, who had entertain'd him likewise with the same Respect: And over these two Nations he made Teridates Governor.

In the mean time while he staid in these Parts, some brought him Intelligence that Sa∣tibarzmes with a great Body of Horse out of Bactria, had enter'd the Country of the Arians, and had withdrawn the Inhabitants from their Allegiance. Upon which the King sent him part of the Army, under the Command of Erigyus and Stasanor. He himself in the mean time, in a few days subdu'd Arachosia, and caus'd them to submit to his Government.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp p. 112. 4. Ant. Ch. 327. An. M. 3621.
• * 1.2

  Bessus stirs up the Bactrians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is own'd as King
• * 1.3

  Ten Minas, 31 l. 5 s. Alexander discharges the Greek Auxili∣aries, and re∣wards them. Ant. Ch. 327.
• * 1.4

  From its 100 Gates.
• * 1.5

  About 43 Miles.
• * 1.6

  Ant. Ch. 327.
• * 1.7

  The Fertility of Hircania.
• * 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, about 49 Quarts.
• † 1.9

  Every Me∣dimna is about 18 Gallons.
• * 1.10

  Ant. Ch. 327.
• * 1.11

  Alexander's Horse.
• * 1.12

  Ant. Ch. 327.
• * 1.13

  Thalest••is.
• * 1.14

  Alexander i∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Persians.
• * 1.15

  The Lictors, who carry'd Rods before the Magistrates.
• * 1.16

  † 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, such carry'd Lances. Ant. Ch. 327.
• * 1.17

  Ant. Ch. 327.
• * 1.18

  In the Province of Drangiana ••n Persia.
• * 1.19

  A Plot against Alexander.
• * 1.20

  Ant. Ch 327.
• * 1.21

  Ant. Ch. 327.
• * 1.22

  Philotas put to Death.
• * 1.23

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.24

  Benefactors.
• * 1.25

  Ant Ch. 327.