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. IV.

Antigonus his March into Egypt. A Tempest near Raphia, where he lost some of his Ships. He returns into Syria. Dinocrates prevails in Sicily. Agathocles is willing to resign his Government; but Dinocrates stands off. What was done in Italy. Antigonus his War with the Rhodians. Rhodes besieg'd by Demetrius. Agathocles routs Dinocrates his great Army with a few Men. His Cruelty to those that submitted upon Terms, where he butchers Seven thousand. Dinocrates in Favour with Agathocles, and betrays all the Confederates. What was done in Italy.

THE Year following Corybus was chief Magistrate at Athens, and Quintus Martius * 1.1 and Publius Cornelius were created Consuls at Rome. About that time King Antigo∣nus buri'd his youngest Son with Royal Pomp and Splendour; and calling home Deme∣trius out of Cyprus, commanded his whole Army to meet at his new City Antigonia, for he purpos'd to march from thence into Aegypt: Wherefore leading the Foot himself, he pass'd through Coelo-Syria, having an Army of Fourscore thousand Foot, and above Eight * 1.2 thousand Horse, and Fourscore and three Elephants: He made Demetrius Admiral of his Fleet, giving him order to keep close to the Shoar in sight of the Land-Army, having in all a Hundred and fifty fighting Ships, and a Hundred more of Burden, wherein was an infinite store of Arms of all sorts: And when the Pilots told him, That they were to stay till the setting of the Seven Stars, which would be the * 1.3 Eighth Day from thence, he con∣demn'd them for being too Timorous. Coming to Gaza, and purposing to fall upon Ptolemy before he was provided for him, he commanded his Soldiers to take with them Ten Days Victual; and getting together Camels out of Arabia, he loaded on them a Hun∣dred and thirty thousand Bushels of Wheat, and infinite store of Hay upon other Beasts * 1.4 of Carriage; and carrying his Munition on Carts, went through the Desart, not without some Trouble to the Army; for that they met with sundry Fens and dirty Places by the way, especially about the Place call'd Barathra. Demetrius loosing from Gaza in the dead of Night, was for many Days together becalm'd; so that the lighter Ships were fain to tow the Ships of Burden after them with Ropes. But after this, and as soon as the Seven Stars were set, a Northerly Wind arose, and fell upon them, with which many of the Ships with four Tire of Oars apiece were driven on shoar near to the City Rhaphia, where was no commodious Landing for them: But of those which carry'd the Artillery, some of * 1.5 them were sunk, and the rest recover'd Gaza again. Yet some of the best of them bare up, and came under the Promontory of Cassius: That Foreland is not far distant from the River Nile, but is no place fit for Shipping; especially if any Tempest be, there is no coming near it: Wherefore every Ship dropping two Anchors apiece, two Furlongs off from Land, were fain to ride it out in a huge Sea in the midst of a Thousand Dangers; for the Fury of the Waves was such, that the great Danger was, lest both Men and Ships should sink down together; and because there was no fit Landing place, and likewise for * 1.6 that the Shoar was guarded by the Enemy, the Vessels could neither make to Land, nor any swim out without extream Hazard: But that which was most grievous, was, That they had spent all their fresh Water, and were Reduc'd to that extremity of Want, that had the Tempest lasted but one day longer, they must all necessarily have perish'd for very Thirst. But in this great Extremity of theirs, and when they expected nothing but Death, the Storm ceas'd; Antigonus with his Army coming to the place, there encamp'd, and the weather-beaten Men came ashoar and refresh'd themselves in the Camp, and waited for the Ships that were separated from them by the Storm. Nevertheless there were lost in this Tempest Three Ships of Five Tires of Oars apiece, out of which some Men escap'd alive to Land. For hence Antigonus remov'd, and sate down with his Ar∣my Two Furlongs off from the River Nile. But Ptolemy having Mann'd all the Bank of the River with strong Garisons, sent some in River-Boats, with Commands, that going as near the further Bank as safely they could, they should there proclaim, That if any of Antigonus his Army would come to him, he would give him, if a common Soldier * 1.7 Two Minas, if a Captain a Talent. No sooner was this Proclamation made, but a Multitude of Antigonus his Men, which serv'd him for Pay, grew very desirous to be gone; yea, and some of his Captains too, for that and some other Reasons, had a mind to go also. But when Antigonus perceiv'd, that a multitude of his Men were flying away from him,

he dispos'd Archers and Slingers, and other Engines of War upon the Shore, to keep them from flying over the Water in Boats; and some he lighted on that ran away, and * 1.8 those he put to horrible Torments, to deter others from the like.

Antigonus gathering together his Ships that came in after the Tempest, though late to him, went to a Place call'd Pseudostomon, thinking there to have Landed some of his Men: But he found a strong Garison, and was beaten off with Bows and Slings, and other En∣gines * 1.9 of War: The Night therefore drawing on, he went his way, giving Order to the Masters of every Ship, to follow the Admiral's Lanthorn, and to make to the Mouth of the River Nile, which is called Phagneticum: But the next Morning, finding that many of his Ships had lost their way, he was forc'd to come to Anchor there, and to send away the swiftest Ships he had to seek them out.

The time thus spent and protracted, Ptolemy being advertis'd of the approach of the Enemy, came in speedily to the Relief of his Men, and rang'd his Army all along the Shore. Whereupon, Demetrius finding no possibility of Landing here neither, and being inform'd that the Country adjoining was naturally fenc'd with Fens and Moorish Grounds, set sail and return'd. But as he was going, the Wind struck up to the North, and with a mighty Tempest drove three of his Ships of Four Tire of Oars, and some others of his Transport Ships upon the Shore, all which came into Ptolemy's hand; the rest with much ado recover'd Antigonus his Camp. Now Ptolemy had plac'd strong Garisons at every one of the Mouths of the River Nile, and had an infinite Number of River-Boats every * 1.10 where ready, stor'd with Darts and Slings, and Men which knew well how to use them, which greatly vex'd and troubled Antigonus: For the Mouth of the River at Pelusium be∣ing strongly guarded by Ptolemy, he could make no use of his Ships at all; and for the Land Forces, they were not able to do any thing, because of the height of the River; and that which was worse, with his long Lying, both Food for Men, and Fodder for Cattle began to grow low. Wherefore Antigonus seeing his Army to hang the Head, * 1.11 call'd them all together, and propounded it to the Captains, Whether of the two were best, to stay and Fight it out now, or to return into Syria for the present, and to return again better provided, and when the Waters should be lower? And when every Man's Voice was to be gone, he had his Soldiers truss up their Trinkets, and so with his Navy keeping still along the Shore by them, he return'd into Syria.

Ptolemy growing glad at heart that the Enemy was thus gone, offer'd Sacrifice to his Gods for this great Deliverance; and made withal a most magnificent Feast for his No∣bles, and wrote away Letters to Seleucus, Lysimachus, and Cassander, of his prosperous Suc∣cess, informing them likewise, how a Multitude of Antigonus his Men had fled over to him. * 1.12 And now having rescu'd as it were Aegypt a second time, and gotten it by his Sword, judging therefore he might lawfully reckon it as his own, he return'd to Alexandria.

While these things thus pass'd in Aegypt, * 1.13 Dionysius, the Tyrant of Heraclca in Pontus, dy'd, having reign'd Thirty two Years: And his Sons Zathras and Clearchus succeeding him reign'd Seventeen years.

In the mean time, Agathocles visited all the Cities in Sicily that were under his Com∣mand, filling them with Garisons, and poling them for Money: For the Man was in a terrible Fright, lest when he should fall under a Cloud, they should recover their Liberty by Force of Arms.

About that time, Pasiphilus, the General, hearing of the Death of Agathocles his Sons, * 1.14 and the rout of his Forces in Lybia, had the Tyrant in Contempt: And falling off to Di∣nocrates, join'd in Confederacy with him; and being possess'd of the Cities which were before committed to his Care and Trust, he entic'd and drew off the Army (then un∣der his Command) from the Tyrant, by fair Promises, and hopes of mighty things.

Agathocles therefore being now every where disappointed and frustrated of his Hopes, was so far dejected, that he sent an Agent to Dinocrates, and offer'd to make Peace with * 1.15 him upon these Conditions, viz. That he would lay down his Sovereignty, and restore Sy∣racuse to the Citizens; and that Dinocrates should be no longer in Exile, so that he would deliver up two Castles, Tharma and Cepaloedium, together with their adjoining Territories, to Agathocles. Here some may justly admire how it came to pass, that Agathocles, who was at all other times, and in all other things Resolute and Obstinate, and never in the least discourag'd when his Condition was most Desperate, should be now so dastardly, as to be willing to give up all into the Enemy's hands, without striking a stroke for the obtaining and compassing of which he had fought so many and great Battels: And that which is * 1.16 the strangest of all, was, that he who was yet Lord of Syracuse, and of many other Ci∣ties, and had a considerable Navy at Sea, and an Army at Land, should become so Weak∣headed, as not to remember any thing of that which hapned to Dionysius; for when he

was reduc'd to most miserable Streights, and to that degree of fear of those Mischiefs that hung over his Head, as that he was altogether hopeless of retaining his Principality, and was upon the very Point of mounting his Horse, and ••lying away from Syracuse; Heloris, one of the ancientest of his Noblemen (to put a stop to his Carreer) said to him, The Sepulchre of a King is honourable. And the like to this is what his Father-in-Law, Mega∣cles, said to him, that He who is depriv'd of a Kingdom, should part with it so, as if forc'd from between his very Thighs, and not as one making a voluntary Abdication. By which serious admonitions, Dionysius was so encourag'd, that he went through all courageously, though they seem'd never so terrible; and afterwards mightily enlarg'd his Dominion; and continu'd in this height of Prosperity till he was old, leaving the greatest Principa∣lity in Europe to his Children.

But Agathocles not in the least incourag'd by any of these Considerations, nor consi∣dering the vanity of Humane Confidence and Expectations by what he had learnt by his own Experience, set to Sale so great a Principality for a trifle: But yet the Proposals took no effect; for though Agathocles would willingly have had them confirm'd, yet the Am∣bition of Dinocrates rejected them; for he affected an absolute Monarchy, and therefore * 1.17 hated the Syracusian Democracy, and was better pleas'd with the Command (as General of the Army) which he then enjoy'd: For he had at that time under his Command above Twenty thousand Foot, and Three thousand Horse, and many of the largest and chiefest Cities; so, that though he was call'd only General of the Exiles, yet in truth he had the Majesty and Authority of a King; the chief and absolute Power of every thing being in his hands; for if he return'd to Syracuse, he concluded he must of necessity be no more than a private Man, and be reputed but one of the many (for Liberty loves Equa∣lity) and subject to be undermin'd and degraded by the suffrage of every Demagogue in the publick Assemblies; for the common People are ever Enemies to those that are rising Men, and speak their Minds most freely. And therefore a Man may justly say, that Aga∣thocles voluntarily Lower'd his Sails; and that Dinocrates was the only cause of what ever Good was done by this Prince at any time afterwards. For Agathecles often sent Agents to him to Sollicite and Treat about the Conditions of Peace, still insisting upon having the Two Castles for his Subsistence, and he as often contriv'd some specious pretence or another, to dash and break all in pieces; sometimes requiring that he should depart wholly out of Sicily, and at others, that he should give up his Children as Hostages.

Agathocles therefore smelling out his Design, sent Agents to the Exiles to accuse Dino∣crates of the Project he was carrying on, to obstruct the Restitution of their ancient Li∣berties. * 1.18 He sent likewise an Ambassador to the Carthaginians, and made Peace with them upon the following Conditions, viz. That all the Cities the Carthaginians formerly enjoy'd, should be forthwith surrender'd to them: For which he receiv'd of the Carthaginians Three * 1.19 hundred Talents of Gold, according to the Account and Value of Silver: But as Timaeus says, a Hundred and Fifty Talents, and Two hundred Thousand * 1.20 Medimnas of Wheat. Thus stood the Affairs of Sicily at that time.

In Italy the Samnites took Sora and Atia, (two Confederate Cities of the Romans) by Storm, and sold all the Captives for Slaves: Upon which, the Consuls broke in with mighty Forces into Japygia, and sate down before the City Sylvia, a Garison of the Sam∣nites, which the Romans took by Assault after a few days Siege, and carry'd away above Five thousand Prisoners, and abundance of rich Spoil and Booty. Then they harrass'd the Country of the Samnites, cutting down all the Trees, and making havock and spoil where-ever they came. For Rome having for many years been in contest with this Nation for the supream Command, hop'd at length, that the Enemy being strip'd out of all they had all over the Country, would be forc••d to sloop to the Stronger; and to that end they continu'd Spoiling and Wasting the Country Five Months together, within which time they burnt down to the Ground almost all the Towns, and rooted up every Plant and Tree, and whatever other thing that might yield any Fruit for Daily Food. After this the * 1.21 Aeginetes proclaim'd War for the Injuries done them, and took * 1.22 Fr〈…〉〈…〉 by Assault, and Sold the Territories belonging to it.

After the End of this Year, Xenippus Govern'd at Athens, and Lucius Posthumius, and Tiberius Minucius, bore the Office of Consuls at Rome. About this time the Rhedians were at War with Antigonus upon the accounts following. The City of Rhodes was very strong in Shipping, and the best Govern'd of any City among the Greeks, and therefore all the Kings and Petty Princes strove which should gain the greatest Interest in the Citizens, every one endeavouring to have her for their Confederate. But foreseeing afar off, what would be most for her Advantage, she secretly made Peace with all, but would not med∣dle

with any of the Wars wherein the Princes were ingag'd one against another; so that she was courted and richly presented by every one of them, and grew exceeding rich by the injoyment of a long Peace. For she became so potent, that in the Pyrattick War. * 1.23 undertaken for the Common good of all Greece, she scowr'd the Seas and freed them from Pyrats at her own charge.

Alexander the most potent Prince of any that is recorded, honour'd this City above all others; for there he laid up his last Will concerning the disposal of his whole King∣dom, and honouring her in other respects, advanc'd her to the state of a Royal City. The Rhodians thus in amity with all the Princes, kept themselves (with all the Art they could) from giving any just offence by outward appearance; though in their hearts they most favour'd Ptolemy: for they were most inricht by the Merchants which traded thence into Aegypt; and the whole City was maintain'd and supported by the Wealth of that Kingdom: which being understood by Antigonus, he did all he could to draw them off from siding with Ptolemy: And therefore at first when he was ingag'd in a War against Ptolemy for the Island of Cyprus, he sent Ambassadors thither to sollicit them them to send Aid and shipping to Demetrius; which they denying, he commanded one his Admirals to sail away with his Fleet against them, and intercept and rifle all the Ships that made out of the Port at Rhodes for Aegypt. But the Rhodians beating the Admiral, he charg'd them to be the Aggressors and beginners of an unjust War, and threatn'd to besiege their City with the strength of his whole Army: upon which the Rhodians decreed him great Honours; and sent Ambassadors to him to intreat him that he would not force them to ingage in a War against Ptolemy, contrary to the League they had made with him: But the King hereat growing more inrag'd, sent Demetrius with the Army and all manner of Engines, for a Siege against them, who were thereupon so terrifi'd with the mighty power of the King, that at first they signifi'd to Demetrius by their Ambassa∣dors that they would assist Antigonus against Ptolemy: But afterwards when he requir'd a * 1.24 Hundred of the Nobility for Hostages, and that his Fleet might be admitted into the Har∣bour; they concluded that he design'd to surprize the City, and therefore they prepar'd for War.

Demetrius on the other hand Rendesvouz'd all his Fleet in the Port at Elorymna, and put all in readiness for an Expedition to Rhodes. He had with him Two hundred Men of War of several dimensions; a Hundred and seventy Ships of burthen, in which were carri'd about Forty thousand Soldiers, together with Horse and Auxiliaries from the Pirats, Besides there were on Board abundance of all sorts of Darts, Arrows, and other Engines, fit for the carrying on of an Assault. And along with all these there follow'd almost a Thousand Vessels, belonging to private Men, full of Wares and Merchandize. And whereas the Country of the Rhodians had been free from all devastations for many years together, a vast multitude of men that had inricht themselves by the losses of others in the War, flockt thither from all places. Demetrius therefore drawing up his Fleet in a line of Battle, as ready prepar'd for a Sea sight, commanded his Men of War * 1.25 (which carri'd Engines upon their Fore Castles to cast Darts and Arrows of three spans long) to sail before: and the Transport Ships and such as had Horses on board, they that row'd in lesser Vessels tow'd after them by Cable Ropes. In the Rear came the Pirats Vessels, and a numerous Company (as is before said) of Merchants Ships loaden with Corn and other Provisions; so that all the Sea between them and the Island and opposite shoar seem'd to be cover'd over with Ships, which struck a great Terror and Amazement into those that had the prospect from the City. For the Rhodian Soldiers who were plac'd upon the Walls there, waited for the Enemies ap∣proach: the old Men and Women likewise had a prospect of them from the tops of their Houses; (for the City was in its situation like a Theater) and all being amaz'd and terrifi'd with the greatness of the Fleet, and glittering of the Arms, were in no small perplexity; for all they had in this World was now lying at stake.

Demetrius now at last arriv'd at the Island, and Landed his Men, and then encampt * 1.26 near the City, but not within the Cast of a Dart: which done he forthwith sent out some of the Pirats, and others fit for the purpose to spoil and pillage all before them, both by Sea and Land. He cut down also all the Trees of the Country next adjoining, and raz'd the Towns; and with the Timber and materials from thence he fortifi'd his Camp, drawing round it a treble Trench, and many great and strong Ramparts; so that by the misery and losses of the Enemy he effectually provided for his Armies security. Then by the labour of his whole Army and the Seamen that came along with him, in a few daies he took in with a Rampart of Earth all that part of Ground lying be∣tween

his Landing place and the City, and inlarg'd the Haven for the more com∣modious * 1.27 riding of his Ships.

In the mean time the Rhodians sent Ambassadors to him, intreating him he would not do any thing that might be irreparable: But when they perceiv'd he would not hearken to any Terms (laying aside all hopes of composing matters) they sent Messen∣gers to Ptolemy Lysimachus, and Cassander praying their assistance, because that War was made upon them upon their account. Both Inhabitants (that were not Free of the City) and Foreigners (lately come in) were admitted to take up Arms, if they thought fit, for defence of the place; the rest of the Rabble tha were useless they put forth out of the City, both to prevent scarcity of Provision, and lest any uneasie under the present Circumstances they were in, should betray the Town. Then taking an account of the number of them in Arms, they found there were of the Citizens Six thousand; of Inhabitants and strangers One thousand. They made likewise a Decree, that all Servants that had approv'd themselves honest and faithful in all hazards and dan∣gers, * 1.28 should be bought off from their Masters and set free, and inroll'd into the number of the Citizens: Then a Proclamation was made, that whosoever di'd in the War should be buri'd at the publick charge, and that his Parents and Children should be maintain'd out of the City Treasury; that Portions should be given to the Daughters out of the publick stock, and that the Sons when they were grown up should be crown'd, and adorn'd in the Theater at the time of the Festivals of Bacchus with all sorts of Arms and Armour. With these promises all were presently excited to stand to it to the last and * 1.29 indure the utmost extremity; and then they made it their business (as far as it was possible) to provide all other things that were necessary; for all being unanimous, the Rich brought in their Money, and the Smiths and other workmen earnestly set them∣selves to the making of Arms, and all were so intent upon their business, that every one strove to exceed each other. Some therefore imploi'd themselves in making Engines, to cast Darts, and shoot stones, and others in making and preparing other things; same repair'd the Walls where they were defective; and many loaded men with stones to carry to the Walls. They sent out likewise Three swift sailing Vessels against the Enemy, and the Merchants that brought them in Provision: These setting on them upon a sudden sunk many of the Merchant Ships, who were gone ashore to rob and spoil the Country, and burnt no few that were driven up to land; and what they receiv'd for the Redemption of Captives they brought with them back into the City: For the Rhodians had agreed with Demetrius what the value of Redemption on both sides should be; that is, for every Freeman a Thousand Drachma's, and for every Servant and Bond∣man, Five hundred. Demetrius being furnish'd with plenty of all things necessary for the making of Engines, began to make two, call'd Testudo's; the one against the Engines * 1.30 that cast stones, and the other against those that shot Darts and Arrows; these they plac'd upon the Foredecks of two Transport Ships, which mov'd from place to place and were chain'd close together: He likewise made two Towers four stories high apiece, higher than those Turrets belonging to the Town in the Harbour; both which likewise were plac'd upon two Ships of equal height and joyn'd one to another, that both might be equally ballast when they were forc'd forward. He built likewise a Rampart upon a Fore footed piece of Timber nail'd together, to float upon the Water, in order to beat off the Enemy in any Attack they might make upon the Ships where the Engins were plac'd. At the same time while he was making these, he got together a Number of the strongest Water Boats and fenc'd them with Boards and Planks round; and made Loop-holes in the sides (to shut at pleasure) and in these he plac'd Engines (to shoot Darts and Arrows of three spans long at a great distance) together with such Soldiers as knew very well how to make use of them, and with them some Cretian Archers. Coming up therefore with his Ships within the Cast of a Dart, he sorely gall'd the Townsmen with his Darts and Arrows, being the Engines in the Ships were higher, than the Walls next to the Harbour. The Rhodians on the other hand understanding that Demetrius made it his main business to gain the Port, were as earnest in providing all things necessary for its defence: To this end they mounted two Engines upon a Rampart, and put on Board Three others upon two Transport Ships, and lay with them at the mouth of the little Harbour; and in these they put great Numbers of Engins for the shooting of Stones, Darts and Arrows of all sizes, that by the help of these they might repulse the Enemy, if he either attempted to land Men, or make up with his Engines. Besides all this they * 1.31 had contriv'd convenient places and apartments in the Transport Ships which then lay in the Harbour, wherein to place their Engines and Darts as they had occasion. Both sides being now thus ready prepar'd, and Demetrius just upon the point of moving into

the Harbours with his Machines was prevented by a fierce and violent Storm that then arose. But being calm all the night afterwards, he Sails up secretly, and seises upon the highest Rampart of the great Harbour, and forthwith draws a Mud-wall about it, and fences it with stones and planks of Timber: Then he landed Four hundred of his Men, and plac'd them there with all sorts of Darts and Weapons; the Fort was * Five Plethras * 1.32 distant from the Walls. As soon as it was light they came up with the Engines into the Port, with shouting and sound of Trumpet, then with their small shot which did ex∣ecution at a great distance, they beat off those that were building the Wall in the Port, and with their battering Engines broke in pieces the Enemies Machines, and shak'd the the Wall near the Rampart in one part, and batter'd it down in another. For it was but low and weak at that time; the Citizens stoutly defended themselves, and spent all that day in wounding and receiving wounds from their Enemies: but night drawing on, Demetrius tow'd his Ships Cables ti'd to smaller Vessels and got oft his Engines out of the reach of the Enemies Artillery. But the Rhodians took fire along with them, and in Boats fill'd with combustible matter pursu'd their Enemies, and coming up with the Engines put * 1.33 fire to the matter in the Boats; but being presently beaten off by Darts and Arrows from the floating Rampart, they were forc'd to Tack about and so retire; but the Flame rag'd to that degree, that some few only having extinguish'd the fire return'd in the Boats; and the greatest part of them having had their Vessels burnt down to the Water, by swim∣ming only sav'd their lives.

The next day Demetrius in the same manner made his Attack from the Sea, and ordered an Assault with shouting and sound of Trumpet should be made on every side from the Land, that he might strike the greater Terror into the Rhodians, while innumerable dangers, surrounded and distracted them on every hand; he continu'd thus assaulting the Town for the space of Eight daies together, shooting from his Engines upon the Rampart, stones of the weight of a Talent, and batter'd down the middle walls between the Towers, together with the Towers themselves: the Souldiers likewise possess'd them∣selves of part of the wall that fac'd the Harbours. Upon which the Rhodians all flockt to that place, and there they sharply fell to it, and ingag'd the Enemy; and over-powering them in number, with the slaughter of some of them, forc'd the rest to draw off. The uneasie rough and uneven passage to the place (by reason of many heaps of great and massy stones which were laid before the walls on the outside) was of great advantage to the besieg'd: many of the Enemies Vessels (in the midst of this hurly burly) mann'd with Soldiers comming up, the Rhodians presently tore off the Beaks of the Ships, and by combustible matter and Firebrands thrown in among them, burnt the Ships themselves. While the besieg'd were thus hurri'd and distracted in de∣fending * 1.34 themselves; the Demetrians coming in with their Vessels on every side, set Scaling Ladders to the Walls, and prest on with the greater resolution, being assisted in all parts by the Soldiers at Land; who together with them in the Ships mutually repeated their shouts and acclamations. And now many boldly and resolutely in con∣tempt of danger press'd forward, and in great Bodies mounted the Walls; upon which follow'd a sharp Ingagement, the assailant's forcing on with great resolution from without, and the besieg'd with as much courage flocking together to defend themselves within. At length the Rhodians after a brave Resistance beat off the Assailants, killing some, and taking others Prisoners that were wounded, amongst whom were some of the chiefest Commanders. The Besiegers being thus baffl'd, Demetrius draws off his Engines into his own Port, and then sets upon repairing both them and his Ships.

In the mean time the Rhodians bury their dead, and dedicated to their Gods their E∣nemies Arms and the Beaks of their Ships, and repair'd those parts of their walls, as were beaten down by the Engines.

Demetrius however, after seven days time spent in refitting his battering Engines, and repairing his Shipping, having now all things in readiness, enters the Harbor again. For he made it his main business to be absolute Lord of this, and to intercept all Provision that might be brought in to the relief of the City; when he came within the cast of a Dart, he threw Firebrands (of which he had a great number) into the Rhodians Ships which lay scatter'd here and there, and shook and batter'd the Walls with his Engines, and wounded and gall'd with his Darts and Arrows whoever appear'd in view. The Assault thus continuing to the great terror and amazement of the Inhabitants, the Rho∣dian Pilots (in great fear and concern for the Shipping) extinguish'd the Firebrands; and the Magistrates of the City (whom they call Prytanes) seeing that the Port was now even upon the point of being taken, earnestly intreated all the Citizens, both high and

low without distinction, resolutely to put to their helping hands for the common preser∣vation and security of the whole City. Whereupon, many readily came in, and mann'd three of their strongest Vessels with the best of their Men, giving them Orders to do the utmost they could with the Beaks of their Ships to sink the Enemies Vessels that carry'd their Engines: Those thus sent out (though they were ply'd with showers of Darts and Arrows) yet by the violence of their Charge broke in pieces the * 1.35 Rampart that was fenc'd with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and so shatter'd their Ships with one stroke after another, that they fill'd them with Water, and dismounted two of their Engines; Whereupon the Demetrians towing back the Third with Cables, the Rhodians encourag'd by their Success, prest on still with more Boldness than Prudence; and therefore being pierc'd and shatter'd by * 1.36 the Beaks of many great Ships that surrounded them, Execestus the Admiral, and the Cap∣tain of the Gallies, and some others (being ill wounded) were taken prisoners; the rest by 〈…〉〈…〉ing got to their own Men; only one Ship was taken by the Demetrians, and the rest escap'd the danger. After this conflict, Demetrius made another Engine, which was thrice as big as the former, both in height and breadth. And now being just upon 〈…〉〈…〉ing into Port, arose a violent South Wind, which burst out of a Cloud on the suddain, and sun•• the Ships which were advancing, and overturn'd the Engine. Upon which, the R〈…〉〈…〉 taking the advantage of the present opportunity, at the very nick of time flung op••n their Gates, and made a Sally upon them that enter'd the Port: upon which there was a sharp Dispute for a long time together, and being that Demetrians could not come up to the assistance of his Men, by reason of the Storm, the Rhodians still fell upon 'em with fresh Parties one after another, so that the Demetrians, to the number of Four hundred, were forc'd to throw down their Arms and submit. After this Victory gain'd by the Rhodians, there arriv'd to their aid and assistance a Hundred and fifty G〈…〉〈…〉, and Five hundred Men sent by Ptolemy, amongst whom were some Rhodi∣ans that were Soldiers under the King's Pay. And thus stood matters in the Siege at Rhodes at that time.

In S〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not being able to compose Matters with Dinocrates and the Exiles, march'd one with what Forces he had against them, looking upon it absolutely necessary * 1.37 to hazard his Person, and resolutely to fight it out, and gain all or lose all: He had not with him above Five thousand Foot and Eight hundred Horse.

Dinocrates with the Exiles seeing the Enemy to come boldly on, went out with as much earnestness and resolution to fight them, for that he was far superior to the Agathocleans * 1.38 in number; being above Five and twenty thousand Foot, and Three thousand Horse. Both Armies fate down one against another at a place call'd Gorgius: At length they drew up in Battalia, and fell to it; and the Fight was very sharp for a while, by rea∣son of the heat and resolution of both parties: But after a little time some deserted Di∣nocrates (to the number of Two thousand,) and went over to the Tyrant, which was the ruine of the Exiles. For the Agathocleans were thereupon much more encourag'd and heart∣en'd; but those with Dinocrates were as much amaz'd and dejected, and thinking there were many more went off than did, they all took to their heels. Agathocles pursu'd them a little way, but then call'd off his Men from the Slaughter; and sent to the bro∣ken Troops proposals, that all differences being at length laid aside, every one should have free liberty to return into their own Country: For they found by experience, that they were never able to overcome him by force of Arms, being even now routed when they * 1.39 had an Army far Superior to his in number: The Horse indeed all escap'd to the Castle of Ambicas; and some of the Foot the Night following got away: The greatest part * 1.40 possess'd themselves of a Hill, but despairing to prevail by force of Arms, (and desirous to return to their Kindred, Friends, Estates and Country,) made Peace with Agathocles. Having therefore plighted his Faith to them, and thereupon all of them being come down from the Hill (which was a natural Fortification) he first disarm'd them, then hemm'd them in with his Forces, and put them every Man to the Sword, to the num∣ber of Seven thousand (as Timaeus says,) but as others have writ, Four thousand. For this Tyrant never in the least valu'd either his Word or Oath, and increas'd his Power not so much by the greatness of his Forces, as by the weakness of his Subjects, fearing more his Confederates than his Enemies. Having thus cut off his Enemy's Army, he receiv'd the rest of the Exiles into his Protection, and receiving Dinocrates into Grace * 1.41 and Favour, made him General of part of the Army, and intrusted him ever after in his most weighty Affairs. At which every Man may justly wonder, that he who was so jealous and suspicious of every one, as that he would never confide in any, should to the last maintain a firm friendship only with Dinocrates, who having thus betray'd his Confede∣rates, seiz'd upon Pasiphilus at Gela, and there murther'd him, and deliver'd up all the

Castles and Cities to Agathocles, bringing all his Enemies under his Feet in Two years * 1.42 time.

In Italy the Romans subdu'd the Palinians, and took their Country from 'em, and some * 1.43 that were Students at Rome they made free of the City. Afterwards the Consuls march'd out against the Samnites, who had wasted and harrass'd Phaleria, and in a Battel routed them; wherein they took Twenty Standards, and Two thousand Prisoners: And after they had taken the City Bola by Assault, presently appears Caius Gellius General of the Samnites with Six thousand Men; upon which there was then another sharp engage∣ment, in which Gellius himself was taken, and many of the other Samnites slain and taken prisoners. The Consuls being thus successful, recover'd Sora Harpina and Serenia, Cities of their Allies, which had been before taken from them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp. 118. 3. Ant. Ch. 304.
• * 1.2

  Antigonus his March into Aegypt. Ant. Ch. 304. P. 771.
• * 1.3

  About the begin 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of April.
• * 1.4

  13 Myriads of Medimnas, e∣very Medimna 18 Galions.
• * 1.5

  Tempest.
• * 1.6

  Ant. Ch. 304.
• * 1.7

  Two Pounds, i. e. 6l. 5s. of ours.
• * 1.8

  Ant. Ch. 304.
• * 1.9

  P. 772.
• * 1.10

  Ant. Ch. 304.
• * 1.11

  Antigonus re∣turns into Syria.
• * 1.12

  This was 19 Years from the Death of Alex∣der.
• * 1.13

  See Aelian. Var. Hister L 9. C. 13. the Fatness of this Man. Ant. Ch. 304.
• * 1.14

  Dinocrates prevails in Si∣cily.
• * 1.15

  P. 773.
• * 1.16

  Ant. Ch. 304.
• * 1.17

  Ant. Ch 304. Dinocrates st••nds of from A〈…〉〈…〉nt with Agatho∣cles.
• * 1.18

  Ant. Ch. 304.
• * 1.19

  P. 774.
• * 1.20

  Every Me∣di〈…〉〈…〉 is 18 〈…〉〈…〉ns, and Eight Gallons make a Bushel; so that 200 Thousand Me∣dimnas make 500 Thousand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is.
• * 1.21

  Anagnite, or Anagnini in ••••aly, a City of the Herni∣cori.
• * 1.22

  Frutinum. Olymp. 118. 4. Ant. Ch. 303. Antigonus at War with Rhodes.
• * 1.23

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.24

  P. 775.
• * 1.25

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.26

  Rhodes bes〈…〉〈…〉 by Demetrius.
• * 1.27

  Ant. Ch. 300.
• * 1.28

  P. 776.
• * 1.29

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.30

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.31

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.32

  † Every Ple∣thra a handred foot. P. 777.
• * 1.33

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.34

  Ant. Ch. 303
• * 1.35

  The st〈…〉〈…〉ing Rampart.
• * 1.36

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.37

  Ant. Ch. 303
• * 1.38

  Agathocles routs Dino∣crates.
• * 1.39

  P. 779.
• * 1.40

  Ant. Ch. 303.
• * 1.41

  Dinocrates in favour with Agathocles.
• * 1.42

  Ant. Ch. 303
• * 1.43

  Italy.