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. III.

The Innundations at Rhodes. Antigonus kills Pitho, getting him into his power by Dissimulation. Then marches into Persia. Revolters from Antigonus cut off in Media. He divides the Asian Provinces, and contrives to destroy all the Argy∣raspides. Gets great Treasure in Susa. Cassander besieges Olympias in Pydna; The great Distress to which it was reduc'd. Amphipolis surrender'd to Cassander. He kills Olympias. Marries Thessalonices; Builds Cassandra. Imprisons Rhoxana and her Son Alexander. His Expedition into Peloponnesus against Alexander, the Son of Polysperchon: The History of Thebes. Cassander re∣builds Thebes.

ABout this time hapned a Flood near the City of Rhodes, which destroy'd many of the Inhabitants. The first Flood did little prejudice, because the City was but * 1.1 then newly built, and far larger in Compass: But the second was more Mischievous, and destroy'd Multitudes. The last fell out at the Beginning of the Spring, accompany'd with violent Storms of Rain, and Hail-stones of an incredible Bigness; for they were a Mina in weight, and sometime more, so that they not only beat down Houses, but kill'd * 1.2 many Men. And in regard Rhodes was built in Form of a Theatre, and that the Water ran for the most part into one Place, the lower Parts of the City were presently fill'd with Water, (for that the Winter being now look'd upon to be over) no care was taken to cleanse the Channels and Aqueducts; and the Pipes likewise in the Walls were choked up; so that the Waters flowing in altogether on a sudden, all the Ground about the * 1.3 Deigma, (as it is call'd) and the Temple of B••cchuss was fill'd with Water; and now it rising up like a standing Pond to the Temple of Esculapius, all were in a Consternation,

and could not agree together what should be done, in order to their Preservation. Some were for making to the Ships, and others for hasting to the Theatre. Some now almost surrounded with the Evil that threaten'd them, in great Terror and Amazement climb'd up to the top of the highest Altars, and others to the top of the Pedestals of the Statues. The City being in this Danger to be overwhelm'd and ruin'd, with all its Inhabitants, * 1.4 on a sudden they were unexpectedly deliver'd: For the Wall burst asunder in a large Breach, and the Water that stood on an Heap made its way through, and ran with a violent Current into the Sea, and so every one presently had free passage to his own House.

It was of great advantage to these distressed People, that this Inundation was in the day time: For most of the Citizens ran to the highest parts of the City for shelter. And another advantage was, that the Houses were not built of Tile, but of Stone; so that they who got to the House-tops escap'd without any great Damage: However, there perish'd in this common Calamity above Five hundred Souls; and some of the Houses were born down to the Ground, and others very ill torn and shaken. And in this dan∣ger was Rhodes.

Antigonus, while he Winter'd in Media, discover'd Pitho plotting to draw over the Sol∣diers then in their Winter-Quarters, partly by Bribes, and partly by fair Promises to his own Interest, and to make a Turn and Defection in the Army. But Antigonus cover'd and conceal'd his Design, and made show as if he gave no Credit to the Informers, but chid them as those that contriv'd only to set him and Pitho together by the ears. In the mean while, he caus'd it to be nois'd abroad, That he intended to leave Pitho, with a conside∣rable * 1.5 Army for his Defence, Lord-Lieutenant of the higher Provinces; and he wrote like∣wise to him, and desired him to hasten to him with all speed, that after they had consulted together of some weighty Affairs, they might forthwith march away into the Lesser Asia. * 1.6 Thus he manag'd his Business, whereby to remove all ground of Suspicion, and to get the poor Man into his hands, upon an expectation and hopes to be left Governor of those Provinces: For it was a difficult matter to take one by force who was in so great Repute with Alexander, and for his Valour advanc'd by him to Places of Honour; and who being then Governor of Media, was a help and support to the whole Army.

Pitho was at that time in the furthest Parts of all Media in his Winter-Quarters, and had now corrupted many, who had promis'd to join with him in the Defection. His Friends likewise acquainting him by their Letters with Antigonus his Purpose, possess'd him with an Expectation of mighty Things: And thus guil'd, to Antigonus he went; who having now seiz'd his Prey, brought him before a Council of War even of his own * 1.7 Confederates, where he was easily convicted, and forthwith had his Head chopp'd off.

Hereupon Antigonus gathering all his Army together, committed the Government of Media to Orontobates a Median born; but made Hippostratus General of the Army, who * 1.8 had Three thousand 500 foreign Foot-Soldiers under his Command. He himself taking with him the Body of his Army, went to Ecbatana, where receiving Five thousand Ta∣lents of massie Silver, he march'd into Persia; and it cost him twenty days march before * 1.9 he arriv'd at the Capital City Persepolis.

In the mean time, while Antigonus was on his march, Pitho's Friends, who were con∣cern'd with him in the Conspiracy (the chief of whom was Meleager and Menoetas) and other Well-willers of Eumenes and Pitho, who were scatter'd abroad into Corners, met together, to the number of Eight hundred Horse; and in the first place wasted the Ter∣ritories of the Medes who refus'd to join with them. Then receiving Intelligence where * 1.10 Hippestratus and Orontobates lay encamp'd, they broke in upon them in the night, and were not far off from effecting what they design'd; but being overpower'd by number, and having only entic'd some of the Soldiers to run the same course with them, they were forc'd to retreat; yet some of the nimblest of them (all being Horse-men) made many sudden Incursions upon the Country, and caus'd a great Consternation and Hubbub amongst them; but were atlast inclos'd in a place compass'd about with Rocks, and were there all kill'd or taken. But Meleager and Cranes the Median, and some of the better sort of them stood it out to the last, and died with their Swords in their hands. And this was the Condi∣tion of the Conspirators in Media.

As for Antigonus, as soon as he came into Persia, the People honour'd him as a King, as he that was now undoubtedly absolute Lord of all Asia: There calling together a Council of his Nobility, he propounded to them the matter concerning the Government * 1.11 of the Provinces: In which Consultation they left Carmania to Tlepolemus, and Bactria to Stasanor; for it was no easie matter to expel them, having gain'd the Hearts of the People by their fair Deportment, and likewise were associated with potent Confederates.

Eritus he sent into Aria; who dying shortly after, was succeeded by Evagoras, a Man of wonderful Valour and Prudence. Oxyatres likewise, the Father of Roxana, was permitted to enjoy the Province of Parapamisus, as he did before: For neither could he eject him without a long expence of Time and a very great Army.

But he sent for Sibyritus, a Well-willer of his, out of Arachosia, and bestow'd upon him the Government of that Province, and gave him the most turbulent of the Silver Shields, under colour of serving him in the War, but in truth with a design to have them all cut off; for he gave him private Instructions to employ them in such Services as that by degrees they might all be destroy'd. Amongst these were those that betray'd Eumenes, that Ven∣geance * 1.12 might in a short time after overtake these perfidious Villans for their Treachery against their General. For Princes, by reason of their great Power, may reap advan∣tage by the wicked Acts of others; but private Men who are the Actors, for the most part are by those means brought into miserable Disasters.

Antigonus moreover finding that Peucestes was much belov'd in Persia, made it one of his first Works to strip him of that Government. At which all the Natives greatly re∣pin'd; and a Chief Man amongst them call'd Thespias spake openly against it, and said, * 1.13 That the Persians would be govern'd by no other Man but Peucestes; whereupon he flew Thespias, and made Asclepiodorus Governor of Persia, and committed to him a con∣siderable Army; and held on Peucestes with vain Hopes of preferring him with higher Preferments elsewhere, until he had drawn him quite out of the Country.

While Antigonus was on his way to Susa, Xenophilus, who had the keeping of the King's Treasure there, being sent by Seleucus, went and met him at Pasitigris, and of∣fer'd him his Service in whatsoever he pleas'd to command him. Antigonus receiv'd him very graciously, and seem'd as if he honour'd him above all the Friends he had, fearing left he might alter his Mind, and keep him out when he came thither. But when he * 1.14 came into the Castle of Susa, he possess'd himself of it, and there seiz'd upon the Gol∣den Vine, and store of other such Rarieties, to the value of Fifteen thousand Talents: All which he turn'd into ready Money, besides what he made of Crowns of Gold, and other Presents and Spoils taken from the Enemy, amounting to Five thousand Talents more, and a like quantity collected out of Media, besides the Treasure had from Susa; so that in the whole he heap'd together Five and twenty thousand Talents. And thus stood the Affairs of Antigonus at that time.

Since we have handled the Affairs of Asia, we shall now pass over into Europe, and relate what was done there concurring and cotemporary with the former. Cassander ha∣ving * 1.15 shut up Olympias in Pydna in Macedonia, could not assault the Walls by reason of the Winter Season; but he block'd up the City with his Forces on every side, and drew a * 1.16 Mud-wall from Sea to Sea; and to prevent all Relief by Sea as well as by Land, he guarded the Mouth of the Harbour with his own Shipping. Insomuch as their Provisions being near spent, the Besieg'd were reduc'd to that Extremity of Want, that they were near starv'd. For they were brought to that strait, that every Soldier was allow'd but * 1.17 Five Choenices of Bread-Corn every Month, and the Elephants were fed with Saw∣dust. At last they kill'd the Draught-Beasts and Horses for Meat.

While the City was in this State, and Olympias earnestly expecting Foreign Aid, the Elephants pin'd away for want of Food. And the Horse-men that were Foreigners al∣most all dy'd, having no proportion of Bread allotted them, and many of the other Sol∣diers far'd no better. Some of the Barbarians (Hunger overcoming what Nature would have otherwise dreaded and abhorr'd) fed upon the Carkasses of the Dead.

The Town being now fill'd with dead Bodies, the Colonels and Captains of the King's Guards buri'd some, and threw others over the Walls; insomuch as not only the Queens, (who were bred up deliciously all their Days,) but even the Soldiers, who were * 1.18 always inur'd to Hardship, could not indure the Sight, nor Stink of the Carkasses.

And now the Spring came on, and the Famine increas'd every day, whereupon most of the Soldiers came up in a Body, and intreated Olympias to suffer them to leave the Place because of the Scarcity, who (not being able to supply them with Bread, nor in a condition to raise the Siege) let them go; and they were all kindly received by Cas∣sander, * 1.19 and dispos'd of into several Towns and Cities round about. For he hop'd, that the Macedonians coming to understand by them how weak Olympias was, would conclude her Affairs Desperate and Remediless. And he did not miss the Mark in his Conjecture; for they who were just now sending Relief to the Besieged, presently alter'd their Pur∣pose, and sided with Cassander. Only Aristonous and Monimus of all the Macedonians continu'd firm and faithful to Olympias, of whom Aristonous was Governor of Amphipolis, and the other of Pella. At length Olympias perceiving that many went over to Cassander, and those who were her Friends were not able to help her; without further delay got ready a Galley of

Five Oars on a Bank, with a design to rescue her and all her Kindred out of the present Danger: But being discover'd to the Enemy by some of the Deserters, Cassander sail'd to the Place, and seiz'd the Vessel. Whereupon Olympias looking upon her self in a despe∣rate Condition, sent an Herald to Cassander to treat upon Terms of Pacification; but he insisting upon the delivering up of her self to his Mercy, with much ado she at length prevail'd only for the preservation of her Person: Being therefore now possess'd of the City, he sent some away to summon Pella and Amphipolis.

Monimus the Governor of Pella hearing how Things went with Olympias, presently surrender'd: But Aristonous at first resolv'd to hold out and maintain the Cause of the Kings, in regard he had a strong Garison, and had been then lately Prosperous and Suc∣cessful. For a few days before, he had fought with Crateuas, one of Cassander's Captains, * 1.20 and cut off many of the Enemy, and drave Crateuas himself, with Two thousand of his Men, into the City Bedys in Bisaltia, and there besieg'd him, took him and disarm'd him, and then upon mutual Pledges of Faith given and taken, discharg'd him. Being encourag'd upon this account, and knowing nothing but that Eumenes was still living, and concluding he should be sure of Aid and Relief from Alexander and Polysperchon, he refus'd to surrender Amphipolis.

But as soon as he receiv'd Letters from Olympias, (whereby she commanded him upon the Faith of his former Engagement to restore the City,) he observ'd her Commands, and * 1.21 deliver'd it up, upon assurance of his own Preservation. But Cassander perceiving that he was a Man of great Interest by reason of the Honours conferr'd upon him by Alexan∣der, and minding to take all such out of the way as might be in a Capacity to make any Disturbance, by the help of Crateuas his Kindred he put him also to Death. Then he incited the Relations of such as were put to Death by Olympias, to prosecute her in the General Assembly of the Macedonians, who thereupon very readily comply'd with what they were put on to do; and though she her self was not then present, nor had any Person there to plead her Cause, yet the Macedonians condemn'd her to Die. Cas∣sander thereupon sent some of his Friends to Olympias, and advis'd her to get out of the way, and promis'd to procure for her a Ship, and cause her to be convey'd safe to Athens. And this he did not as any ways minding her Preservation, but as one conscious of her own Guilt by her flight, it might be judg'd a just Vengeance upon her if she pe∣rish'd and was cut off, as she was in her Voyage. For he was afraid as well of the Fickle∣ness of the Macedonians, as of the Dignity of her Person. But Olympias refus'd to fly, but said, She was ready to defend her Cause before all the Macedonians.

Cassander therefore fearing lest the People calling to mind the worthy Acts and Kind∣nesses of Philip and Alexander towards the whole Nation should change their Minds, and so take upon them to defend the Queen, sent to her a Band of Two hundred Soldiers * 1.22 well Arm'd and Accouter'd, with Orders to dispatch her forthwith; who rushing on a * 1.23 sudden into the Palace, as soon as they saw her, (in Reverence to her Person,) drew back, without executing what they were commanded. But the Kindred of those she * 1.24 had put to Death, both to ingratiate themselves with Cassander, and likewise to gratify their own Revenge for the Death of their Relations, cut her Throat, she not in the least crying out in any Womanish Terror or Fear to spare her. In this manner died Olympias, the greatest and most honourable Woman in the Age wherein she liv'd, Daughter of Neoptolimus King of Epirus; Sister of * 1.25 Alexander, who made the Expedition into Italy; Wife of Philip, the greatest and most victorious Prince of all that ever were before in Europe; and lastly, the Mother of Alexander, who never was exceeded by any for the many great and wonderful Things that were done by him.

Cassander now seeing all Things go on according to his Heart's Desire, in his Hopes and Expectations was already possess'd of the Kingdom of Macedon: He therefore now marries Thessalonices Daughter of Philip, and Sister of Alexander by the same Father, am∣bitious * 1.26 to be related in Affinity, and esteem'd as one of the Royal Family. He built likewise Cassandria (calling it after his own Name) in † 1.27 Pallene, and Peopled it by Inha∣bitants * 1.28 drawn out of the Cities of the * 1.29 Chersonesus, and out of Potidea and many other neighbouring Cities, and plac'd there likewise those Olynthians that were left, of whom there were still a considerable Number. To this City he laid a large and rich Territory, and made it his earnest Care to advance the Glory and Splendour of this Place; so that it grew up in a short time to that degree of Power, as to excell all the Cities of Mace∣donia.

Cassander likewise minding to cut off all the Posterity of Alexander, (that there might be none of his Line left to succeed in the Kingdom,) purpos'd to kill the Son of Alexan∣der, and Roxana his Mother. But for the present being willing first to observe what Peo∣ple's

Discourses were concerning the cutting off of Olympias, and having as yet no cer∣tain Account how Things went with Antigonus, he committed Roxana and her Son close Prisoners to the Castle at Amphipolis under the Charge of Glaucias, then by him made * 1.30 Governor, and one of his Friends, in whom he plac'd great Confidence. He likewise took away from the young King those Children that were bred up with him as his Com∣panions, and order'd that he should be no longer attended as a King, nor regarded other∣wise than as a private Person.

And now Ruling the Kingdom in all Things as King, he Royally and Sumptuously In∣terr'd at Aegis, Eurydice and Philip, the late King and Queen; and Cinna, whom Al∣cetas had put to Death, gracing the Dead with the Solemnity of Funeral Sports and Plays.

Then he rais'd Soldiers out of Macedonia for the Expedition resolv'd upon into Pelopon∣nesus. While he was employ'd in these Affairs, Polysperchon, who was then besieg'd in Naxius in Perrebea, when he heard of the Death of Olympias, in despair of retrieving of his Affairs in Macedonia, with a few in his Company broke out of the City, and pass'd through Thessaly, together with Aeacides, and came into Aetolia, where he judg'd he might safely abide, and observe how Things went, for that there was a good Understanding be∣tween him and this Nation.

But Cassander having now rais'd a considerable Army, marches out of Macedonia with an * 1.31 intent to drive Alexander the Son of Polysperchon out of Peloponnesus: For he with his Ar∣my was the only Enemy left, and had possess'd himself of many convenient Posts and Towns there. Through Thessaly he march'd without any opposition; but found the Pass at Pylas guarded by the Etolians, whom having with much difficulty beaten off, he came into Boeotia, where getting all the Thebans together that were remaining from all Parts, he set upon repeopling of Thebes, conceiving now he had a fair opportunity put into his hands for the rebuilding of that City, famous both for its renowned Actions, and the an∣cient Stories concerning it. And by so good a Work, he concluded he should reap the Fruit of an Immortal Fame and Glory.

This City had felt very many Changes and Turns of Fortune, and those to the utmost * 1.32 Extremity, being sometimes in danger of being raz'd to the Ground. Of which, to say something briefly will not be any foreign Digression.

After Deucolion's Flood, when Cadmus had built the Cittadel, call'd Cadmea after his own * 1.33 Name, the People call'd Spartans or Sparsans flock'd thither in droves, call'd so by some, because they flock'd together from all Places; others call'd them * 1.34 Thebigens, because the Natives of Thebes were forc'd away by the Flood, and dispers'd here and there up and down in the Country. When these were again return'd, they were afterwards expell'd by force of Arms by the Ench••lensians, and then even Cadmus himself was forc'd to fly to the Illyrians. After this, when Amphion and Zethus rul'd, and there first built the City, (as the * 1.35 Poet says,)

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

Who first Thebes Walls with Seven Gates did raise. * 1.36

The Inhabitants were again expuls'd, when Polydorus the Son of Cadmus return'd into the Kingdom, where all Things were then carelesly manag'd, by reason of the sad Condition of * 1.37 Amphion for the Loss of all his Children.

Then again in the time of the Reign of his † 1.38 Posterity, (when all the Country was call'd Boeotia, from one Boeotus the Son of Melanippes and Neptune, who reign'd there,) the Thebans were expell'd the third time by the ‖ 1.39 Epigoni of Argos, when they took the City by force. Those that escap'd of those that were expell'd, fled to Alalcomenia and the Mountain Tilphosius; but after the Death of these Argives, they return'd into their own Country.

‡ 1.40 In the time of the Trojan War, when the Thebans were in Asia, those who stay'd at home, together with other Boeotians, were expell'd by the Pelasgians: and after they had endur'd many and various Calamities in the course of near four Generations, (according to the Oracle relating to the Crows,) they return'd, and inhabited Thebes.

From this time this City continu'd in a State of Prosperity near Eight hundred Years. And the Thebans at the beginning had the chief Command over all the rest of their Country.

Afterwards when they attempted to be Sovereign Lords of all Greece, Alexander the Son of Philip took it by Storm, and raz'd it to the Ground. In the Twentieth Year next after, Cassander, to make himself Famous, and advance his own Reputation, he so * 1.41 far prevai••d with the Boeotians for their Concurrence, as that he rebuilt the City, and re∣stor'd * 1.42 it to those Thebans that were then remaining of the old Stock. Many of the Greek Cities afforded their Assistance to the rebuilding of this Place, out of Compassion to the distressed Condition of the Thebans, and the ancient Fame and Glory of the City. The Athenians built the greatest part of the Walls, and others assisted according to their several Abilities; and Contributions were sent not only from all Parts of Greece, but from some both in Sicily and Italy. And thus the Thebans came to be restor'd to the ancient Seat of their Ancestors. Then Cassander mov'd with his Army towards Peloponnesus; and when he found that Alexander the Son of Polysperchon had fortify'd the Isthmus with strong Guards, he turn'd aside to Megara; and there he fitted out some Boats, and in them trans∣ported his Elephants to Epidaurus, and the rest of his Army in other Ships. Thence coming to Argos, he forc'd them to quit their Confederacy with Alexander and join with him. Afterwards he brought over to him all the Cities and Towns, with the Territories of Messina, except Ithom; and Hermonides he took in upon Articles of Agreement: But upon Alexander's marching down to fight, he left Two thousand Men at * 1.43 Geraneia, near the Istmos, under the Command of Molycus, and and return'd into Macedonia.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp. 116. 1. An. M. 3656. Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.2

  The 〈…〉〈…〉dations at Rhodes.
• * 1.3

  Some Monu∣ment in the Town, in Me∣mory of some remarkable E∣vent either Go••d or Bad.
• * 1.4

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.5

  Ant. Ch. 314. P. 696.
• * 1.6

  To the parts on the Sea-Coasts.
• * 1.7

  Antigonus kills Pitho.
• * 1.8

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.9

  Antigonus marches into Persia
• * 1.10

  Revolters from Antigonus cut off in Me∣dia.
• * 1.11

  Ant. Ch. 314. Antigonus di∣vides the Asian Provinces.
• * 1.12

  P. 697. The Argyras∣pides contriv'd to be destroy'd.
• * 1.13

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.14

  He gets great Treasure at Susa.
• * 1.15

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.16

  Cassander be∣sieges Olym∣pias in Pydna.
• * 1.17

  About Seven Quarters and half a Pont.
• * 1.18

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.19

  P. 698.
• * 1.20

  Amphipolis surrender'd to Cassander.
• * 1.21

  Amphipolis surender'd to Cassander.
• * 1.22

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.23

  Cassander kills Olympias.
• * 1.24

  P. 699.
• * 1.25

  Sister of A∣lexander, that is, Pyrrhus.
• * 1.26

  Marries Thes∣salonices.
• † 1.27

  Builds Cas∣sandria.
• * 1.28

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.29

  The Cher∣sonesus of Pallene in Thrace.
• * 1.30

  Imprisons Rox∣ana and her Son Alexan∣der. Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.31

  Cassander's Expedition in∣to Peloponne∣sus against Alexander the Son of Poly∣sperchon. Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.32

  The History of Thebes.
• * 1.33

  P. 700.
• * 1.34

  Born at Thebes.
• * 1.35

  Homer.
• * 1.36

  Ant. Ch. 314.
• * 1.37

  His 7 Sons and 7 Daugh∣ters by Niobe were kill'd by Jupiter and Diana with Arrows. Paus. in Boet. Diod. lib. 4.
• † 1.38

  The Posterity of Polydorus.
• ‖ 1.39

  The Posterity of the 7 Cap∣tains who be∣sieg'd Thebes.
• ‡ 1.40

  This Story of the Crows is, That the Oracle said, the Boeotians should be expell'd when they saw white Crows, which happen'd afterward by play∣ful Boys painting Crows white, and then letting them go. A little while after, the Boeotians were ejected by the Aeolians. See the Annot. upon Erasm. Adag. (Ad Corvos.) p. 374.
• * 1.41

  Ant. Ch: 314.
• * 1.42

  Cassander re∣builds Thebes.
• * 1.43

  Geraneia, a Hill near the Istmos, in Megaris.