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. II.

The Acts of Ptolemy in Cilicia, and elsewhere. Polysperchon murders Hercules, Alexander's Son, by Instigation of Cassander. Amilcar taken, and put to Death by the Syracusians. His Head sent to Agathocles in Africa. The Transactions in Sicily. Archagathus Agathocles's Son, kills Lysiscus; he and his Son in in great Danger by the Army. Affairs in Italy. The Works of Appius Clau∣dius; the Appian Way. Ptolemy comes to Corinth; his Acts there. Cleopa∣tra, Alexander's Sister, kill'd by the Governor of Sardis. The further Acts of Agathocles in Africa. Ophellas decoy'd, and cut off by Agathocles. Ophellas his troublesome March to Agathocles. Lamias's Cruelty, and the Story of her. Bomilcar seeks to be Prince of Carthage, but is put to Death by the Citizens. Agathocles sends the Spoils of the Cyrenians to Syracuse; most lost in a Storm, Affairs in Italy.

WHen Demetrius Phalerius was Lord Chancellor of Athens, Quintus Fabius (the se∣cond * 1.1 time) and Caius Martius were invested with the Consular Dignity at Rome. At that time Ptolemy King of Egypt hearing that his Captains had lost all the Cities again in Cilicia, put over with his Fleet to Phaselis, and took that City by Force, and from thence * 1.2 passing into Lycia, took Xanthus by Assault, and the Garison of Antigonus that was therein. Then sailing to Caunus, took the City by Surrender, and then set upon the Citadels and Forts that were in it, and took them by Assaults.

As for Heracleum, he utterly destroy'd it; and the City Persicum came into his Hands by the Surrender of the Soldiers that were put to keep it. Then sailing to Coos, he sent for Ptolemy the Captain, who was Antigonus his Brother's Son, and had an Army com∣mitted to him by Antigonus: But now forsaking his Uncle, he clave to Ptolemy, and join'd with him in all his Affairs. Putting therefore from Cholcis, and arriving at Coos, Ptolemy the King at first receiv'd him very courteously; yet after a while, when he saw the Inso∣lency of his Carriage, and how he went to allure the Officers by Gifts, and held secret Cabals with them, for fear of the worst he clap'd him up in Prison, and there poison'd him with a Draught of Hemlock: As for the Soldiers that came with him, he made them his own by large Promises, and distributed them by small Parcels among his Army. Whilst these Things were acting, Polysperchon having rais'd a great Army, restor'd Hercu∣les the Son of Alexander, begotten upon Barsinoe, to his Father's Kingdom. And while he lay encamp'd at Stymphalia, Cassander came up with his Army, and both encamp'd near one to another: Neither did the Macedonians grudge to see the Restoration of their King.

Cassander therefore fearing, lest the Macedonians (who are naturally Inconstant) should Revolt to Hercules, sent an Agent to Polysperchon, chiefly to advise him concerning the Bu∣siness * 1.3 of the King. If the King was restor'd, he told him, he must be sure to be under the Commands of others; but if he would assist him, and kill the young Man, he should enjoy the same Privileges and Honours in Macedonia that ever he had before. And be∣sides, that he should have the Command of an Army; that he should be declar'd Genera∣lissimo of Peloponnesus; and that he should share in the Principality, and be in equal Ho∣nour with Cassander. At length he so caught and ensnar'd Polysperchon with many large Promises, that they enter'd into a secret Combination, and Polysperchon undertook to murder the young King, which he accordingly effected; upon which Polysperchon openly * 1.4 join'd with Cassander in all his Concerns, and was advanced in Macedonia, and receiv'd (according to the Compact) Four thousand Macedonian Foot, and Five hundred Thessa∣lian Horse; and having listed several other Voluntiers, he attempted to pass through Boeotia into Peloponnesus: But being oppos'd by the Boeotians and the Peloponnesians, he was forc'd to retire, and march into Locris, where he took up his Winter-Quarters.

During these Transactions, Lysimachus built a City in Chersonesus, and call'd it after his own Name, Lysimachia. Cleomenes King of Lacedaemon now dy'd, when he had reign'd Threescore Years and Ten Months; and was succeeded by Aretas his Son, who Rul'd * 1.5 Forty Four Years.

About this time Amilcar, General of the Forces in Sicily, having reduc'd the rest of that * 1.6 Island, marches with his Army to Syracuse, as if he would presently gain that City by force of Arms; and to that end hindred all Provision from the Town, having been a long time Master at Sea; and having wasted and destroy'd all the Corn, and other Fruits of the Field, attempted to possess himself of all the Places about * 1.7 Olympias lying before the Town. Then he resolv'd forthwith to assault the Walls, being incourag'd thereunto by the Augur, who by viewing of the Intrals of the Sacrifice, foretold that he should cer∣tainly sup the next day in Syracuse. But the Townsmen smelling out the Enemies Design, sent out in the night Three thousand Foot, and about Four hundred Horse, with Orders to possess themselves of * 1.8 Euryclus, who presently effected what they were commanded to do. The Carthaginians thinking to surprize the Enemy, fell on about midnight. Amilcar commanded the whole Body, and led them up, having always a strong Party near to support him. Dinocrates, Master of the Horse, follow'd him. The Army was divided into two Battalions, one of Barbarians, and the other of Grecian Confederates. A Rabble likewise of divers other Nations follow'd, to get what Plunder they could; which sort of People, as they are of no use in an Army, so they are many times the cause of sudden Alarms, and vain and needless Fears, which often occasions great Mis∣chief and Prejudice. And at that time the Passes being strait and rough, the Drivers of the Carriages, and other Servants and Attendants of the Army that were not of any * 1.9 form'd Companies, quarrell'd one with another for the Way, and not being able to move forward by reason of the Throng, some fell to down-right Blows; so that many on each side coming in to help their several Parties, a great Tumult, Noise and Clamour, ran through the whole Army. Upon which, the Syracusians, who were posted at Euryclus, understanding the approach of the Barbarians by their tumultuous March, and having the higher Ground, fell in upon the Enemy. Some from the high Places where they were posted, gall'd them as they came on with their Darts and Arrows, and some prevented them by gaining the necessary Passes, and so block'd up their Way. Others drave those that fled Headlong down the Rocks; for by reason of the Darkness of the Night, and want of Intelligence, they thought the Enemy was coming upon them with a mighty Army; so that the Carthaginians. by reason of the Disturbance and Tumult amongst their own Men, * 1.10 their Ignorance of the Ways, and straitness of the Passages, were at a stand, and confounded, and at last fled outright: And because there was no room to give way, great numbers of them were trodden under Foot by their own Horse; and part of the Army fought one with another, as if they had been Enemies, led into the Error by the Darkness of the Night. Amilcar indeed at the first receiv'd the Enemy's Charge with great Resolution, and call'd out to the Colonels and Commanders to stand to it, and valiantly bear the Brunt with the rest. But afterwards being deserted by his Soldiers, through the Consternation that was amongst them, (having much ado to save his Life) * 1.11 he fell into the hands of the Syracusians.

Here a Man may justly observe the Inconstancy of Fortune, and the surprizing Events Men are overtaken with, contrary to what they expected. For Agathocles not inferiour to any for Valour, and who had the Command of a great Army in the Battel at Hi∣mera, was not only beaten by the Barbarians, but lost the best and greatest part of his Army. But those that were left, and penn'd up within the Walls of Syracuse, with a small handful of Men, that had been before beaten, not only routed the Army of the Carthaginians, by whom they were besieg'd, but took Amilcar the General, one of the no∣blest of the Citizens of Carthage, Prisoner: And that most to be admir'd is, that a small Body of Men by an Ambuscado, and the Advantage of the Place, should utterly rout * 1.12 an Army of an Hundred and twenty thousand Foot, and Five thousand Horse. So that it's very true what's in every Body's Mouth, Many things are vain and to no purpose in * 1.13 War.

After this Flight, the Carthaginians scatter'd and dispers'd far one from another, scarce got together the next day. But the Syracusians returning to the City with much Spoil, deliver'd Amilcar to them that were resolv'd to revenge themselves of him: They remem∣bred what was foretold by the Augur, That he should Sup in Syracuse the next day; the Truth of which, the Deity now confirm'd by the Event. The Kindred therefore of them that were slain, led Amilcar bound through all Parts of the City, and after they had most horridly tormented him, kill'd him with the greatest Scorn and Contempt ima∣ginable. Then the principal Men of the City sent his Head to Agathocles, with an Ex∣press * 1.14 to give him an Account of the late Victory.

But the Army of the Carthaginians after their Defeat, though they came to understand what was the Cause of such great Calamities and Misfortunes, yet were scarce after all * 1.15

freed from their Fears: And because they wanted a General, Quarrels arose between the Barbarians and the Grecians. The Exiles therefore, and the rest of the Greeks, made Dino∣crates General over themselves: And the Carthaginians intrusted the supream Command with those that were next in Dignity to the late General At this time, when the Agrigen∣tines * 1.16 perceiv'd that Sicily was now in that Condition, as that it might be easily gain'd, they began to seek after the Sovereign Command of the Island themselves. For they suppos'd, that the Carthaginians were not able to deal with Agathocles in the War; and that Dinocra∣tes, who had none but a company of Fugitives about him, might be easily vanquish'd; and that the Syracusians, who were grievously press'd for want of Provisions, would not so much as attempt to gain the Sovereign Command. And lastly, that which was of greatest weight was, That inasmuch as they took up Arms to free all the Greek Cities, they concluded, that all would readily concur, both upon the account of the Hatred they bore against the Barbarians, and the Natural Love and Regard they all had to the Laws of their own Country. They created therefore Xenodicus General, and sent him forth to the War with a considerable Army, who forthwith makes to Gela, and by some of his own Friends, was in the Night let into the City; and so gain'd both the Town more Forces, and a great deal of Money, at one and the same time. The Geloans having thus * 1.17 recover'd their Liberty, join'd in the War with the whole Strength and Power of the City, and most readily put to their helping Hands for the restoring all the Cities to their ancient Laws.

This Attempt of the Agrigentines being nois'd abroad throughout the whole Island, a sud∣den itch of Liberty spread over all the Cities: And first, the Enneans sent Agents, and deli∣ver'd up their City to the Agrigentines, who freeing this City, march'd on to Erbessus, a Garison of the Carthaginians: Here was a sharp Engagement; but the Citizens coming in to the Assistance of the Agrigentines, the Garison was expuls'd, and many of the Bar∣barians kill'd, and Five hundred laid down their Arms and gave up themselves.

While the Agrigentines were busi'd in these Affairs, some of Agathocles his Soldiers in Syracuse having taken Echetla, wasted and harrass'd the Country of the Leontines and Ca∣mareans. This Calamity grievously afflicted the Cities, because the Country was laid wast, and all the Corn and Fruits destroy'd: Whereupon Xenodicus the General march'd into those Parts, and drave the Enemy out of the Country of the Leontines and Camare∣nians, and then retaking Echetla, which was a very strong Fort, he restor'd the Democra∣tical Government to the City, and struck a Terror into the Syracusians. To conclude, he march'd up and down to the several Garisons and Cities, and freed them from the Cartha∣ginian Government. * 1.18

In the mean time, the Syracusians being in great Straits and Perplexity for want of Pro∣vision, * 1.19 when they understood that some Ships were coming with Corn, fitted out Twen∣ty Gallies; and understanding that the Barbarians kept but a slight Guard where they lay, they slipt by undiscern'd, and got as far as to the Megareans, and there waited for the * 1.20 Merchants. But Thirty Carthaginian Gallies making up to them, they prepar'd themselves at first to fight: But being presently driven ashore, they left their Ships and swam out, and so escap'd to a certain Temple of Juno, upon which there was a sharp Dispute about the Ships; the Carthaginians threw in Grappling-Irons, and hal'd them with Force off from the Land, and so took Ten of them; the rest were sav'd by some Help that came in out of the City. And this was the Condition of Sicily at that time.

In Africa, after that they who brought the Head of Amilcar were arriv'd there; Aga∣thocles, as soon as he had receiv'd it, rid up so near to the Enemy's Camp as that his Voice might be heard, and shewing them the Head, told them how all their Forces in Si∣cily were destroy'd, which presently caus'd most bitter Mourning and Lamentation among the Carthaginians, who bowed down themselves in Adoration of the Head of their King, (according to the Custom of their Country,) and looking upon his Death to be their own Calamity, had no Hearts further to prosecute the War. Agathocles on the other side, (lifted up with his Successes in Africa, and with such Confluence of Prosperity,) bore himself high in mighty Hopes and Expectations for the future, as if he had been now out of the reach of all Dangers. But Fortune did not think it fit to suffer Things to run on * 1.21 in the same course of Prosperity, but brought him under most imminent Hazards and Diffi∣culties from his own Soldiers. For one Lysiscus, one of his Colonels, being invited by Agathocles to Supper, when he was heated with Wine, and in his Cups fell a railing against him with most bitter Imprecations. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because he had a great Esteem for the Man upon the account of his Valour, pass'd by all with a left: But Archagathus his Son on the contrary being enrag'd at him, ••••torted upon him with bitter Reproaches and Threats. When Supper was ended, and every one was return'd to his Tent, Lysis∣cus

contemptuously charg'd Archagathus as an incestuous Adulterer with his own Step-mother: For he was judg'd to be too familiar with Alcia, his Father's Wife. Whereupon * 1.22 Archagathus, stirr'd up to a higher degree of Madness and Rage, snatch'd a Lance out of the Hands of one of the Guard and ran him through the Side, who falling down dead, immediately was carry'd into his Tent by those that attended him. As soon as it was day, the Friends of him that was slain, and many others of the Soldiers, ran up and down, and (inrag'd at the Fact that was committed) fill'd the Camp with Tumult and Confusion. Many likewise of the Captains, who were subject to be call'd in Question for their Crimes, fearing what might ensue, made use of the present Occasion, and stirr'd up the Soldiers to a terrible Mutiny: So that the whole Army inflam'd with the Hatred of his Cruelty, ran to their Arms to execute condign Punishment upon the Murderer. At length they resolv'd to put Archagathus to Death; and that if Agathocles did not deli∣ver up his Son, he should Die in his Room: Besides, they demanded of him their Ar∣rears, and chose new Officers and Captains to Command the Army. At length they possess'd themselves of the Walls of Tunis, and hemm'd in the Princes round with their * 1.23 Guards. This Mutiny coming to the Ears of the Enemy, the Carthaginians sent some of their own Men, to persuade the Soldiers to a Revolt, promising them larger Pay, and am∣ple Rewards: Whereupon many of the Captains promis'd to bring over the Army to them. But Agathocles, when he saw he was in the utmost extremity of Danger, and * 1.24 fearing lest if he were given up to the Enemy, he should end his Days with Disgrace and Dishonour, concluded that it was much better if he must Suffer, to be kill'd by the Soldiers: Whereupon he laid aside his Purple Robe, and put on a poor Country-fellow's Habit, and came into the midst of them; at which strange Sight there was a deep Si∣lence, and many came in from every Quarter flocking about him; where he made a Speech to them fitted for the present Occasion, wherein he set forth the Acts he had done to that time, and told them, He was now ready to Die, if they (his Fellow-Sol∣diers) thought fit it should be so. For he was resolv'd never (like a Coward) to make exchange of his Honour for his Life, of which (he said) they should be then Eye-wit∣nesses, and thereupon drew out his Sword as if he would run himself through: And just as he was ready to thrust it into his Body, the whole Army call'd out aloud to him to For∣bear, and all gave their Voices generally, That he should be Acquitted and Discharg'd from all further Accusation. The Soldiers then wishing him to put on his Royal Robes, he * 1.25 return'd them many Thanks, shedding many Tears, and then Cloath's himself again as became his State and Dignity, and the People with chearful Countenances congratulated the Reassumption of his former Power. In the mean time, the Carthaginians expected every hour that the Greeks would come over to them.

But Agathocles, that he might not lose the Advantage of the present Occasion, led the Army out against them; for the Carthaginians expecting continually a Revolt and a De∣sertion from the Enemies Camp, never in the least dream'd of what was really in Agita∣tion. But Agathocles, as soon as he approach'd the Enemies Camp, presently commanded his Men to sound a Charge, and so forthwith fell in upon them, and hew'd them down before him. The Carthaginians being surpriz'd by this sudden Attack, after the Loss of many of their Men, fled to their Camp. And thus Agathocles, who was near losing of his Life through the Rashness of his Son, by his own Valour not only extricated himself out of the Snare, but utterly routed his Enemies: But they who were the Heads and Ringleaders of the Mutiny, and as many others as bore a Grudge to the Prince, to the Number of Two hundred and upwards, vilely deserted, and went over to the Car∣thaginians.

Having now gone through the Affairs of Africa and Sicily, we shall next take notice of what was done in Italy. For there the Hetruscans came with a great Army against Su∣trium, a Roman Colony: To whose Defence the Consuls march'd out with great Forces * 1.26 and fought and routed the Hetruscans, and pursu'd them to their very Camp. About' the same time the Samnites (when the Roman Army was abroad at a great distance without the least fear of an Enemy) besieg'd the Japyges, Allies to the Romans: Therefore the Consuls were forc'd to divide their Forces. Fabius continu'd in Hetruria; but Marcius march'd against the Samnites, and took the City of Allita by Storm, and freed their Allies from the Siege of Japyges. But Fabius, while the Hetrurians flock'd in great multitudes to besiege Sutrium, slipt secretly by the Enemy through the bordering Country, and made an Incursion into the Higher Hetruria, which had for a long time been free from all man∣ner of Inroads and Invasions; where breaking in upon the sudden, he wasted and harass'd the Country up and down, and routed those of the Inhabitants that made head against him, and kill'd many of them, and took a great number of Prisoners. Afterwards he

overcame and kill'd many of them in another Battel at a Place call'd Perusia, and put that People into a great Consternation. He was the first of the Romans that ever enter'd with an Army into those Parts. But he made Peace with the Arretines and Crotoneans, and them of Perusina; and taking the City call'd Castula, he forc'd the Hetrurians to raise their Siege before Sutrium.

This Year there were two Censors created at Rome; the one of whom was Appius Clau∣dius, who with the concurrence of his Collegue, Caius Plautius, abrogated many of the ancient Laws: For to gratifie the People, he made no account of the Senate. He brought Water (which was from him call'd Appia) into Rome from Places * 1.27 fourscore Furlongs di∣stant, * 1.28 and expended a vast Sum of Money in this Work, receiv'd out of the Treasury by Consent of the Senate. Then he laid a Causey of hard Stone the greatest part of that way, which is from him call'd Appia, extending from Rome to Capua, a * 1.29 Thousand Fur∣longs * 1.30 and upwards; and with great Costs and Expence levell'd all the rising Grounds, and fill'd up all the Holes and hollow Places, making all even and plain; but hereby drain'd the Treasury almost of all the Money that was in it. And by this his laying out of himself in promoting the Publick Good, he left behind him an immortal Memorial. He also made up the Senate not only of the Nobility (as the ancient Custom was) but likewise of the * 1.31 Libertines, by chusing many of them, and mixing them with the other, which the Patritians took very heinously. Moreover, he gave liberty to the Citizens to incorporate themselves into what Tribe they thought fit, and to be tax'd in what Rank soever they pleas'd.

At length, perceiving how greatly he was envy'd by the Nobility, he avoided the Storm by insinuating himself into the favour of the Common People, and making use of them as a Bulwark against the Envy of the Patricians. In must' ring of the Horse, he never took any Mans Horse from him; neither ever remov'd any Person never so mean out of the Senate (that was once chosen) when he took an account of the Senators, which the Censors us'd to do. But the Consuls, both out of Envy, and to gratifie the Nobility, conven'd a Senate of such as were inroll'd by the former Censors, and not those that were allow'd by him: But the People oppos'd them, and sided with Appius; and that he might confirm the Ad∣vancement of such as were but of mean and obscure Birth, he preferr'd one Cains Flavius, the Son of a Libertine, to the Office of Aedilis, and to the highest Place in that Office. And this was the first Roman born of a Libertine, that ever before was advanc'd to that Honourable Station. Appius at length being remov'd out of his Office, out of fear of the Senate's Malice, kept his House, under pretence of being blind.

Now Charinus was Chief Governor at Athens, and the Romans created Publius Decius and * 1.32 Quintus Fabius Consuls. And at Elis was celebrated the Hundred and eighteenth Olympiad, in which Apollonides of Tegeata bore away the Prize: At which time Ptolemy sailing from Myndus along the Islands which lay in his way, came to Andros, and putting out the Garison that was there, restor'd it to her former Liberty: Thence he sail'd to the Isthmus, and re∣ceiv'd Sicyon and Corinth from Cratesipolis. But for what reasons, and upon what account he took these eminent Cities into his hands, we have related in the former Books, and therefore we shall forbear repetition. He design'd also to restore the rest of the Greek Cities to their Liberties, judging that by gaining the Hearts of the Grecians, he should very much promote his own Interest. But when the Peloponnesians were order'd to pro∣vide Money and Victuals, but perform'd nothing of what they had agreed to, he was so incens'd, that he made Peace with Cassander, upon this Condition, That each of them should retain those Cities they had then in their hands. Then having put Garisons into Sicyon and Corinth, he return'd into Aegypt.

In the mean time, * 1.33 Cleopatra being incens'd against Antigonus, of her own accord in∣clin'd to Ptolemy, and left Sardis to go to him: She was Sister of Alexander, the Conque∣ror of the Persians, the Daughter of Philip Son of Amyntas, and the Wise of Alexander, who undertook an Expedition into Italy. And therefore upon the account of the Noble∣ness of her Birth, Cassander, Lysunachus, Antigonus, and Ptolemy, and even the Chiefest of Alexander's Captains after his death, were every one ambitious to marry her: For every one hop'd by this Marriage to draw all the the Macedonians after them; and therefore * 1.34 each coveted to be related to the Royal Family, looking upon that as the way to gain the Sovereign Power and Command over all the rest. But the Governour of Sardis (whom Antigonus had commanded to retain Cleopatra) stopt her Journey; and afterwards by Order from Antigonus, with the help of some Women, privily murther'd her. But Antigonus, * 1.35 who would no ways be thought guilty of her death, struck off the Heads of some of those Women, for having a hand in her Murder, and bury'd her with all the Magnificence

that might be. And such was the end of Cleopatra, before any Solemnization of Marri∣age; who was earnestly coveted as a Wife by all the most Noble Captains and Generals of the Army.

Having now gone through the Affairs of Asia and Greece, we shall pass over to other Parts of the World.

In Africa the Carthaginians sent an Army against the Numidians (who had revolted from them) in order to reduce them. Upon which, Agathocles left his Son Archagathus with * 1.36 part of the Army at Tunis; and he himself, with Eight thousand Foot, and Eight hun∣dred Horse of the most Valiant Men of his Army, and Fifty African Carriages, made after the Enemy with all speed possible. In the mean time the Carthaginians being come among the Numidians, call'd Suphons, caus'd many of the Inhabitants to join with them; and reduc'd likewise some of the Revolters to their former Alliance and Confederacy with them; but when they heard of the Enemies approach they Incamp'd upon an high piece of ground lying on the other side of a deep and unpassable River, to secure them∣selves against all suddain Attacks and incursions of the Enemy; and commanded the most active Numidians to hinder the march of the Grecians by vexing them ever and anon with continual Attacks in the Rear; who accordingly executing their Commands, Aga∣thocles sent out the Archers and Slingers against them; and he himself with the rest of the Army made towards the Enemies Camp. But the Carthaginians understanding his design drew the Army out of the Camp, and stood rang'd in Battle array, ready and prepar'd for fight: As soon as they saw Agathocles his Soldiers pass the River, they fell upon them in a full Body, and made a great slaughter at that part of the River where it was so difficult to pass; and in this indeavour to force their way through the River, the Greeks as far excell'd the Barbarians in valour as they did them in number and multitude; while both sides stood * 1.37 stoutly to it for a long time, the Numidians in each Army left off fighting expecting the issue of the Ingagement, with a design to rifle the Carriages of that party that was Routed. At length Agathocles with those brave and valiant men he had about him, broke through that part of the Enemies Battalion, that was oppos'd to him, and put them to flight, and the rest presently follow'd them; only the Grecian Horse that sided with the Car∣thaginians under the Command of Clino bore the shock of the Agathocleans, who prest very sore upon them; upon which there was a very sharp Ingagement, and many fighting couragiously di'd upon the spot, the rest by good fortune escaping: Then Agathocles leaving off the pusuit, bent all his strength against them who had fled back into the Camp; but endeavouring to break in at places strongly fortifi'd and of difficult ap∣proach, he sustain'd as much loss as the Carthaginians; however he remitted nothing of his resolution, but being lifted up with his Victory still prest upon the Enemy, confidently concluding he could force the Camp. In the mean time the Numidians were very in∣tent in observing how things were like to go, but could not fall upon the Bag and Bag∣gage * 1.38 of the Carthaginians because both Armies were so near the Camp. When therefore they saw that Agathocles was at a great distance, and the Guards but small in the Grecians Camp, they broke in there, and easily kill'd those that withstood them, and took many Prisoners, and possess'd themselves of other prey and plunder. Which as soon as Aga∣thocles came to understand, he hasted thither with his Forces, and recover'd some of the spoil: but the Numidians carri'd most away with them, and in the night got a long way off from the place. Then the Prince erected a Trophy, and divided all the Booty * 1.39 amongst the Soldiers that none might repine at the losses they had sustain'd. The Greeks likewise that sided with the Carthaginians, he committed Prisoners to a Castle, who fearing the Prince would revenge himself of them in the Night fell upon the Guard in the Castle; but being worsted, they got into a Fort and shelter'd themselves there to the Number of a Thousand at least, amongst whom were above Five hundred Syracusians. As soon as Agathocles came to know what was done he march'd with his Army thither, where after Terms and Articles agreed upon, those Complotters came forth of the Hould, but he put them all to the sword. Being crown'd with this Victory, and having done all that he could possibly contrive for the subduing of the Carthaginians, he sent Ortho the Syracusian to Cyrene as his Ambassador to Ophellas, who was one of Alexander's Captains all along in the late Wars, and was then possess'd of Cyrene with the * 1.40 neighbouring Cities, and had the Command of a great Army, and was contriving how to inlarge his Dominion, and while he was beating his brains with these ambitious pro∣jects, Agathocles his Agent just then arriv'd, to solicite him to join with him in affording his assistance to subdue the Carthaginians. In return of which piece of service Agathocles promis'd him he would yield up to him the Soveragin Command of all Africa, and

that he himself would be content with Sicily, where being freed from all fear of future dangers and troubles from the Carthaginians he should be able with ease and safety to * 1.41 reduce the whole Island to his Obedience. And if he should have a desire to inlarge his Dominion, he said that Italy was near at hand, where he might gratifie his Ambition in that respect. That Africa was far from him, separated by a large Sea, and that he came not into it of choice, but was driven thither of necessity. This therefore coming in the way so heightned him in his former hopes that he readily hearkn'd to him, and sent his Agent to Athens to pray their Aid and Association in this War. For he had marri'd from thence Eurydice the Daughter of Miltiades, who was General of the Con∣querors at the Battle of Marathon; and therefore upon the account of this Marriage, and other acts of kindness he was receiv'd into the Franchises of the City; many of the Athenians readily hearkned to this motion, and not a few likewise of the other Grecians willingly join'd in this Expedition, hoping thereby to have the sharing of the richest parts of all Africa with all the wealth of Carthage amongst themselves: For the State of Affairs of Greece by season of the continual Wars, and Quarrels of the Princes among themselves was but in a very weak and low condition, therefore they concluded they should not only reap much advantage, but be freed likewise from those pressing evils which at that time lay heavy upon them.

Ophellas at length (when he had made plentiful provision of all things necessary for the Expedition in hand) led forth his Army, having with him above Ten thousand Foot, * 1.42 and Six hundred Horse, and a Hundred Chariots, and above Three hundred Men-drivers and Soldiers to manage them, besides Extraordinaries and followers of the Camp to the number o•• Ten thousand more; many of which drew their Wives and Children with their stuff and Baggage along with them, so that they looked like to a Colony going to be planted. Having therefore march'd Eighteen days journey, and in them gone * 1.43 Three thousand Furlongs, they came to a City call'd Automolus, and there Encamp'd; thence marching forward, they came to a mountain shelving down on both sides with steep and sharp Rocks, having a deep Valley in the midst, out of which rose a soft stone spiring up like unto a sharp Rock, at the Foot of which was a wide Cave overshadow'd with Ivy and Leaves of the Yew tree, in which is reported, Queen Lamia, a Lady of ad∣mirable * 1.44 Beauty formerly dwelt; but for her Cruelty, they say her face was afterwards transform'd into the shape of a Beast; for it's reported that * 1.45 being bereav'd of all her Children, she took it so grievously, that she envy'd all other women that had Children, and commanded the poor Infants to be pluck't out of their mothers Arms, and forthwith murther'd. And therefore even to this day the Tale of this woman is fresh among Children, and with the Name of Lamia they are presently put into a very great fright. Moreover, being given much to Drunkeness, she let every one do what they pleas'd, without any inquiry after men's manners; and because she never seriously minded what was done in her Province, it was believ'd that she was blind. And therefore there's a * 1.46 Fable told by some that she put her Eyes into a little purse, excusing her drunken Sottishness by such an invented Tale, as if that was the reason she saw nothing. That she was in Africa one brings in Euripides for a witness, for so he says

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

To whom is that most hateful Name unknown? Or of th' African Lamia the spawn?

But Ophellas removing again. Travel'd with great toil and labour through a dry and thirsty Country full of wild Beasts; for they did not only want Water, but Bread and other Provision, so that the whole Army was in danger to perish. These Sandy Deserts near the Syrtes were pester'd with noisom Serpents and all sorts of hurtful beasts, and it being for the most part deadly to be bitten by these venomous creatures, many were brought into a sad condition; out of the reach both of friends help, and remedy from Medicines. For some of the Serpents were of the same colour with the Earth, so that none could see them before they were hurt, so that many treading upon them were stung to death. At last after two months miserable travel with much ado they carne to Agathocles his Camp, where they pitcht their Camps at a small distance one from another; on the other hand the Carthaginians hearing that they were come up to him, were in a great Consternation, seeing the great forces that were making against them.

Agathocles hearing of his approach, went to meet him, and advis'd him by all means to have a care of his Army after so tedious and hard a Journey, and to see them well refresh'd. He himself lay quiet a few days, observing every thing that was done in the neighbouring Camp, at length taking his opportunity when the greater part of Ophellas his Army were gone a forraging into the Country, and taking notice that Ophellas never suspected any thing of what he was in contriving, he suddainly call'd his Army together, and before them accus'd Ophellas, for that being call'd for as an Assistant, in this War, he went about * 1.47 to betray him; and having incens'd the multitude, drew out his whole Army in Bat∣talion against him and his Cyrenians. Ophellas growing amaz'd at this unexpected altera∣tion, put nevertheless himself and the men he had with him, in a posture of defence: but the Enemy being too quick for him, and he too weak for them, he was there slain upon the place. Agathocles persuaded the rest that were left, to lay down their Arms; then telling them what great things he would do for them, he got the whole Army to himself. And thus Ophellas by indulging his Ambition, and being over credulous came to this fatal Catastrophe: In the mean time Bomilcar at Carthage was waiting for an oppor∣tunity * 1.48 to put in execution what he had a long time been hammering in his brain in order to gain the Soveraign power and authority. And although he had several times fit occasions offer'd him for that purpose, yet always some light and inconsiderable cause or other intervening, put a stop to his design. For some superstitious persons many times are preparing to act great and remarkable pieces of Wickedness, and yet always chuse rather to delay, than act, to put off, than execute the thing; which even then * 1.49 came to pass. For concluding he had a fair opportunity offer'd him, the better to effect his purpose, he sent away the most eminent Persons of the Citizens that were about him, in an Expedition against the Numidians, that he might have none of the Nobi∣lity at hand to oppose him; but then checkt by his own Fears, he durst not reveal to any his design of gaining the Principality, and so he let the matter fall again. At length it fell out that he attempted to set up himself at the very same time that Ophellas was cut off by Agathocles; and neither of them knew what was done in one another's Camp. For Aga∣thocles knew nothing of the Ambition of the other, or of the Tumult and Disorder that was in the City, which he might at that time have easily subdu'd: For if Bomilcar had been surpriz'd and taken in the very Fact, he would have chosen rather to have join'd with Agathocles, than to have given up himself to be punish'd by the Citizens: Neither did the Carthaginians know any thing of Agathocles his falling upon Ophellas; for they might easily have overcome him by joining with Ophellas. But I suppose both sides were well enough content to be ignorant, although they were things of great weight and con∣cern, and contrived by them that were near one to another.

For Agathocles being plotting to cut off a Person that was his Friend and Associate, minded not to enquire after any thing that was in doing with the Enemy: And Bomil∣car on the other side, contriving how to overturn the Liberties of his Country, cared not what was in agitation in Agathocles his Camp, whose purpose was now not so much to con∣quer * 1.50 an Enemy, as to subdue his own Fellow-Citizens. Matters being thus, here some may find fault with History, seeing many things of divers Natures falling out at one and the same time, and that Writers are forc'd to break in with new Matter of another na∣ture, and to divide between things done at the same instant, that the Truths related may delight the more. But to Answer this, the History that is deny'd this liberty; al∣though it afterwards represents the things done, yet it Postpones the true pleasure of the thing at too great a distance from the first Relation.

Bomilcar therefore picking out a select number of Men in the * 1.51 New City (as it's call'd) not far distant from the Old Carthage, dismist all the rest; then having call'd togther Five hundred of the Citizens, who were * 1.52 privy to his Design, and about a Thousand Merce∣nary Soldiers, he declar'd himself sole Monarch of the Carthaginians. Then he divided his Troops into Five Bodies, and set upon the City, killing all that he met in the High-ways; upon which, an incredible Terror and Amazement possest the whole City; At first, the Carthaginians suspected that the Town was betray'd, and that the Enemy had broke in by that means. But when the Truth was known, the young Men Marshall'd themselves, and made against the Tyrant; who hasten'd into the Forum, killing all he met in the Streets, and slaughtering great numbers of naked and unarm'd Citizens. But * 1.53 the Carthaginians mounting the tops of the Houses that were round about 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Market-place, cast down showers of Darts from thence, so that the Conspirators (the place be∣ing altogether expos'd to the Shot) were gall'd most grievously. Whereupon in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Body they forc'd their way through the narrow Passes, and got into the New City, be∣ing ply'd and wounded with Darts and Arrows all along as they came under the Hou∣ses.

Then possessing themselves of a Hill, (the whole City being now in Arms) the Carthaginians drew up their Camp in the face of the Rebels. At length they sent some * 1.54 of the Ancientest and Gravest of their Citizens to them, and remitted what was past, and so all things were peaceably compos'd. Towards all the rest indeed they perform'd their Articles, and (because of the Cloud that hung over the City,) pass'd by the Crimes committed; but without any regard had to their Oaths, they most ignomi∣niously tormented Bomilcar, and put him to death. And thus the Carthaginians, when their Common-wealth was near upon the point of expiring, recover'd their Ancient Form of Government.

In the mean time Agathocles loaded all his Transport-Ships with Spoils, and such of the * 1.55 Cyreneans as he found not fit and serviceable for the War, he put on board, and sent them to Syracuse: But a fierce Tempest overtook them, in which some of the Ships were lost, and others were cast upon the Pithecusian Islands bordering upon Italy, so that very few arriv'd at Syracuse.

In Italy the Roman Consuls assisted the Marsilians (who were sorely prest by the Sam∣nites,) * 1.56 and were Conquerors, killing great numbers of the Enemy upon the place. Then they march'd through the Country of the Umbri, and invaded Hetruria, then in War with them, and took a Castle call'd Caprium by Storm. But the Inhabitants sending their Ambassadors to Treat upon Terms of Peace, they made Peace with the Tarquinians for Forty Years: But with the rest of the Hetrurians only for one Year.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp. 117. 4. Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.2

  The Acts of Ptolemy in Cilicia, and other Places. Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.3

  Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.4

  Polysperchon betrays and murders Her∣cules by Cas∣sander's Insti∣gation.
• * 1.5

  P. 747.
• * 1.6

  Amilcar ta∣ken, and put to Death by the Syracusians. Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.7

  A strong Fort near the Tem∣ple of Jupiter Olympus.
• * 1.8

  Or Euryalus, a Fort upon the highest Point of the Hill over the City call'd the Epipole.
• * 1.9

  Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.11

  * For that some made away e∣ven upon the appearance of the Enemy, e∣specially being penn'd up, and in amaze through their Ignorance of the Places.
• * 1.12

  Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.13

  P. 748.
• * 1.14

  Amilcar. Head sent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Africa.
• * 1.15

  Ant. C〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.16

  The Agrigen∣tines seek to Command Si∣cily.
• * 1.17

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ch. 307.
• * 1.18

  P. 749.
• * 1.19

  Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.20

  Megara in Sicily, at the Foot of the Mountain Me∣gara.
• * 1.21

  Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.22

  Archaga∣thus, Agatho∣cles his Son, kills Lysiscus; all the Army Mutiny upon it.
• * 1.23

  Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.24

  Agathocles his Stratagem 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deliver him∣self from his own Soldiers. P. 750.
• * 1.25

  Ant. Ch. 30〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.26

  Affairs in Italy. Ant. Ch. 307.
• * 1.27

  About 10 miles.
• * 1.28

  P. 751.
• * 1.29

  About 120 miles.
• * 1.30

  An〈…〉〈…〉 Ch. 307. The Appian 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.31

  Such as had been Slaves, and were see free.
• * 1.32

  Olym. 118. 1. Ant. Ch. 306. An. M. 3642. The Acts of Pto∣lemy in Co∣rinth and other places.
• * 1.33

  Alexander's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ant. Ch. 306.
• * 1.34

  P. 752.
• * 1.35

  Cleopatra kill'd by the Governour of Sardis.
• * 1.36

  Ant. Ch. 306. Agathocles. farther acts in Africa.
• * 1.37

  Ant. Ch. 306
• * 1.38

  P. 753
• * 1.39

  Ant. Ch. 306.
• * 1.40

  Ophellas Lord of Cyrene de∣co〈…〉〈…〉 and cut off by Agatho∣cles.
• * 1.41

  Ant. Ch. 306.
• * 1.42

  Ant. Ch. 306.
• * 1.43

  About 360. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. P. 754.
• * 1.44

  Lamias Cave.
• * 1.45

  All her Chil¦dren (they say) were kill'd by Juno because they were got by Iupiter.
• * 1.46

  Ant. Ch. 306.
• * 1.47

  Ant. Ch. 306
• * 1.48

  Bomilcar ••s∣p〈…〉〈…〉 to b〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of C••r∣thage, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, an is put to a〈…〉〈…〉. P. 755.
• * 1.49

  Ant. Ch. 306
• * 1.50

  Ant. Ch. 306
• * 1.51

  Neopo〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.52

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉∣〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉
• * 1.53

  Ant. Ch. 306.
• * 1.54

  P. 756.
• * 1.55

  Agathocles sends Spoils to Syracuse, most lost in a Storm.
• * 1.56

  Affairs of Italy.