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.

Out of the 23d BOOK.

Fragm. 1. SIcily is one of the bravest Islands in the World, conducing much by its power to the gaining and increase of a larger Dominion.

2. Hanno the Son of Hannibal, as soon as he arriv'd in Sicily, Rendezvouz'd his Forces * 1.1 at Lilibeum, and thence March'd as far as Selinunte, where he left his Army Encamp'd near the City; but he himself went forward to Agrigentum, and fortifi'd the Citadel. Then he brought over the People to the Interest of the Carthaginians, and so engag'd them to be their Confederates. After he return'd to his Camp, Ambassadors came to him from Hiero, to consult concerning the publick Good of Sicily: for they had made a League and Agreement one with another to make War upon the Romans, if they would not forthwith withdraw all their Forces out of Sicily. In execution of which they both March'd with their Armies to Messina: Where Hiero Encamp'd in the Hill call'd Chal∣chidicus: The Carthaginians lay with theirs near the * Monuments, and possess'd them∣selves * 1.2 of the Arsenal call'd Pelotias, and both presently laid close Siege to Messina. As soon as the News was brought to Rome, they sent away Appias Cladius, one of the Consuls, with a great Army, who came to Rhegium with all speed; and from thence sent Am∣bassadors to Hiero and the Carthaginians to raise their Siege, and promis'd in a general Assembly not to make any Incursion into the Territories of Hiero. To which Hiero an∣swer'd that the Mamertines for their razing and ruining of Gela and Camarina, and their cruelty and wickedness in getting the possession of Messina were most justly Besieg'd: And that it did not become the Romans who are so cry'd up in every place for their Justice and Faithfulness, to protect such bloody Villains, who had contemptuously broken all the Tyes and Bonds of Faith and Truth amongst Men. And if notwithstanding, they begin a War in the defence of such notoriously wicked Men, it will be evident and apparent to all Man-kind, That succour to them that are in destress, is but a meer pretence to cover their Covetousness, whereas in truth their Aim is to gain Sicily.

3. The Romans at first bore four square shields, but afterwards, when they observ'd the Tyrrheneans to carry brazen shields, they got the like, and Conquer'd them.

4. When the Consul Landed at Messina; Hiero suspecting that the Carthaginians had made way for him, fled himself to Syracuse. The Carthaginians being at length subdu'd, the Consul besieg'd Aegista, and after the loss of a great number of his Men return'd to Messina.

5. When both Consuls arriv'd in Sicily, they besieg'd the City Adranita, and took it by storm. And while they were besieging the * Centorippians, and lay Encamp'd at the bra∣zen * 1.3 Halls or Palaces; first Ambassadors came from them of Laessina: Afterwards other Cities that were terrify'd with the Roman Armies, sent Ambassadors for terms of Peace, with promise to deliver up all their Towns into the hands of the Romans to the number of 67. From all which places they March'd to Syracuse to besiege Hiero, who seeing the un∣easiness of the Syracusians at this preparation against them, sent Ambassadors to the Consuls to Negotiate for Peace. Who readily agreed to the Conditions, designing chiefly the War against the Carthaginians. A Peace therefore was concluded for 14 Years: And the Romans were to receive 140000 * Drachmas. And after he had releas'd all the Pri∣soners to them, they agreed that Syracuse and all the Cities under his Jurisdiction, viz. Aera, Leontinum, Megara, Aelora, Neatina, and Tauromenum should remain in the hands of Hiero In the mean time Hannibal was come as far as Xiphonia to the Aid of the King; but hearing what was done, March'd back.

6. The Romans after they had besieg'd the Towns call'd Adrones, and Macella for a long time together, at length rais'd their Sieges without effecting any thing.

7. The Aegestines who were the first brought under the power of the Carthaginians, re∣volted to the Romans. The Alieneans did the like. But they took H••larius Tyrit••us and Ascelu•• by force. The Tyndar〈…〉〈…〉s seeing themselves deserted (through Fear) design'd to deliver up themselves as the rest had done: but the Carthaginians suspecting their design, took the chiefest of the Citizens for Hostages, and carry'd them and the Corn and Wine, and all the rest of the Provision that was in the Town to Lilibeum.

‖ Philemon the Comedian writ 97 * 1.4 Comedies; he liv'd 99. ‖. The Romans that besieg'd Agrigentum, and that made the Trenches, and cast up the Works, were 100000. At length, after a stout resistance the Carthaginians deliver'd up Agrigentum to the Romans.

8. After the siege of Agrigentum, Hanno the Elder brought over a great Army out of Africa into Sicily, of 50000 Foot, and 6000 Horse, and 60 Elephants. Philinus the Hi∣storian of Agrigentum sets forth this Expedition. Hanno with all these Forces March'd from Lilybeum to Heraclea. About this time some came and offered to deliver up Erbesus. H••nno in Prosecution of the War lost in two Battles 3000 Foot, and 200 Horse, and 4000.—that were taken Prisoners. In the mean time, 30 of his Elephants dy'd, and 3 were wounded.

9. There was likewise the City Entellina—Hanno therefore by his prudent ma∣nagement by one Stratagem, cut off both his open and secret Enemies at onetime. And after they had lain thus before it for the space of 6 Months, Agrigentum was at length de∣liver'd up to them; and they carry'd away above 24000 as Slaves. But the Ro∣mans lost 30000 Foot, and 540 Horse. But the Carthaginians Fin'd Hanno in 6000 Pieces of Gold, and took away his Commission, and sent Amilcar General into Sicily, in * 1.5 his Room. The Romans then Besieg'd Mystratus, and for that purpose devis'd many Engines: But after 7 Months time they rais'd their Siege, with the loss of a great number of their Men. But Amilcar fought with the Romans at Thermas, and routed them, killing 6000 upon the place; and it was not far from, but the whole Army—The Castle Mazaron was likewise taken by the Romans. Then Camarina was betray'd into the hands of Amilcar the Carthaginian, and not long after Enna in the same manner. There he Wall'd in * 1.6 Drapanum, and made it a Town of defence, and after he had Transplanted the Inhabitants of Eryx thither, he raz'd the City to the Ground, except that part which surrounded the Temple. But the Romans took Mystratus, now Besieg'd the 3d time, and levell'd it to the Ground, and sold the Inhabitants for Slaves. The Consul afterwards March'd to Camarina, and laid Siege to it, but could not reduce it. But at length by the help of some Engines of Battery and other Instruments of War, sent to him from Hiero, he wan the Place, and sold most of the Camarineans for Slaves. Presently after, he be∣came Master of Enna by Treachery, where he put the Garison to the Sword, save some that made their escape out of the Town and fled to their Confederates. Thence he March'd to Satana, and took it by Storm. Then placing Garisons in other Cities, he made for 〈…〉〈…〉cus, a Castle belonging to the Agrigentines, which was also betray'd and deliver'd up to him, and there he plac'd a Garison. About this time Erbesus was deserted by its Inhabitants.—But the River Alycus, and the last of all the other.—

10. A prudent Man ought either to resolve to Conquer, or else to submit to those that are Stronger than he.

11. All men in time of Adversity are apt to be more Religious, and more frequent in Devotion than at other times: But in times of Prosperity and Success, they make slight of the Gods as so many Fables and Romances. And when they are again brought into Troubles, then they run again to their natural Shelter.—

12. It's much more easie to get the advantage of an Enemy when a Man will be ad∣vis'd, and be willing upon all occasions to rectifie his own mistakes. And it often hap∣pens that they who are carry'd away to the same—

Many are stirr'd up to Virtue through the Credit and Reputation that attend upon them, that employ themselves in good and commendable studies, and exercises.—

For not being able to bear, as an over heavy burden the Successes of Fortune heap'd upon him, he depriv'd himself of most of the glory of his Actions, and involv'd his Coun∣try in great Calamities—Moreover, when the Romans had Transported a great Ar∣my into Africa, under the Command of Attilias the Consul, they at first prevail'd over the Carthaginians, and took many of their Towns and Castles, and destroy'd great num∣bers of their Soldiers: But as soon as * 1.7 Panthippus the Spartan (whom they had hir'd to be their General) came out of Greece, the Carthaginians totally routed the Romans, and de∣stroy'd a numerous Army. Afterwards they Fought several Sea-Fights, wherein the Romans lost many Ships, and abundance of Men, to the number of 100000.—The honour he had gain'd before, highly aggravated the disgrace and contempt; and by

his own Example, he instructed others to carry humbly and modestly when they are in the greatest Power and Authority. And that which stung him most, was that he was made the Scorn, and brought into the power of those whom he had before proudly tram∣pled upon in disdain: And now had depriv'd himself of all Pity and Commiseration, commonly shew'd to Men in Misery and Distress.—

For those that before were Conquerors in all, he now altogether Conquer'd: And those that before (through the slaughter made amongst them) expected nothing but utter Destruction. Now, (by the greatness of the Victory by them on the other hand obtain'd) he caus'd to slight and contemn their Enemies.—For its no wonder if the Prudence and Experience of a General effect those things which seem to others impossible: for all things are easie and possible to Ingenuity and Diligence, supported by skill, acquir'd by Experience.—For as the Body is the servant of the Soul, so great Armies are go∣vern'd by the Prudence of their Generals.—The Senate ordering all things for the publick good.—Philistus then writ his History.—But the Romans who had pass'd over into Africa, and fought with the Carthaginians a Battle at Sea, and beaten them, and taken 24 of their Ships, after they had taken aboard those Romans that were * 1.8 left of the Land Army, (as they were Sailing to Sicily) were all Shipwrackt near Camerina, and lost 340 Men of War, besides Vessels for Transporting of Horses, and other Transport Ships to the number of 300: So that all the Coasts from Camerina to Pachynum, were fill'd with the Carcasses of Men and Horses, and Wrecks of Ships. Hiero courteously entertain'd those that escap'd, and supplying them with Meat and Drink, Cloaths and other necessaries, convey'd them safe to Messina. Carthalo the Carthaginian after the Shipwrack, of the Romans, Besieg'd Agrigentum, took it and burnt the Town, and demolish'd the Walls; and those that were left, fled to Olympius. The Romans after the Shipwarck E∣quipp'd out another Fleet of 250 Sail, and came to Cephaledium, which was deli∣ver'd up to them by Treachery. Thence they March'd to Drapanus, and began to Be∣siege it, but upon Succours brought in by Carthalo, they drew off, and Sail'd to Panormus: There they cast Anchor in the Harbour even under the Walls, and landed their Army, and then drew a Wall and Trench round the City. And the Country being very wooddy, even up to the City Gates, they had the advantage to raise Mounts and Bulwarks all along from Sea to Sea. Then the Romans by continual assaults and batteries beat down the Walls, and entring the outward Forts, put many to the Sword, the rest fled into the old City, and sent out Commissioners to the Consul to treat for the sparing of their lives. The Conditions were agreed unto; That every Person that paid 2 Minas for his head, should be free: Hereupon the Romans entred, and 40000 were set free for the Ransom agreed upon, the rest to the number of 30000 were sold for Slaves, together with the Spoils. But they of Jetina, drave out the Carthaginian Garison and deliver'd up the Town to the Romans: The like did the Seluntines, Petrineans, Enaterineans and Tyndarites. Then the Consuls leaving a Garison in Panormus March'd away to Messina. The Year follow∣ing the Romans design'd another Descent into Lybia, but being prevented from landing by the Carthaginians they return'd to Panormus. Thence in their return to R••••e, by a∣nother Tempest they lost 150 Ships of War, besides Transport Ships with all their Loading and Provision. About this time the Governour of Therme being abroad about some necessary occasions, was taken Prisoner by the Roman Army: and during his Confinement he Treated by Messengers with the General to open the Gates of the City to him in the Night if he might be releas'd: The time was agreed upon, and he was order'd to be discharg'd, and 1000 Men were sent thither in the Night, who came there at the time appointed, whereupon he open'd the Gates, and the chiefest Persons of Quality only entred, giving a strict charge to the Guard, to shut the Gates and suffer none other to enter; and this they did to the end that none but themselves might have the plunder and pillage of the City; but they were all presently knock'd on the Head, a just reward for their Covetousness. But at another time Therme and Lipara were given up into the hands of the Romans. Yet they fail'd of their purpose at the Castle of Er〈…〉〈…〉, tho' they besieg'd it with 40000 Foot, and 1000 Horse.—

Asdrubal the Carthaginian General being ill spoken of by his Soldiers for not sighting, March'd away with the whole Army, and came to Panormus through the straits of Se∣linuntia, and passing over the River near the Town, he Encamp'd close to the Walls without Fortifying himself, in Contempt of the Enemy. And now again plenty of Wine being brought into the Camp by the Merchants, the Celte made themselves drunk, and * 1.9 while they were roaring and tearing and filling all places with disorder and confusion, * 1.10 Cae∣cilius the Consul broke in upon them, and totally routed them, and sent 60 Elephants then taken in the Fight, to Rome, which were the admiration of the Romans.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Olymp. 129. 1. Ant. Ch. 262. The b••ginning of the first Punick War.
• * 1.2

  Call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Cubiles or Lodging places. Appius Cla∣dius sent into Sicily. Messina be∣sieg'd by the Carthaginians and Hiero.
• * 1.3

  Or Centurip∣pians, their Town call'd Centuripinum The People now call'd Centoru∣ans. Peace made be∣tween Hiero and the Ro∣mans. Olymp. 129. Ant. Ch. 261. A Drac••ma is 7 pence farthing
• * 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Olymp. 129 4. Ant. Ch. 259.
• * 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, what value.
• * 1.6

  Drapanum upon the Pro∣montory, Dra∣panum near Erix.
• * 1.7

  An. M. 3694. This was Atti∣lius Regulus, that was routed and taken, with 15000 Men, and 30000 slain. Eutrop. Urb. Condit. 477. Ch. 255. lib. 2. Olym. 131. 2. Ant. Ch. 255.
• * 1.8

  A S••••pwrack of the Romans.
• * 1.9

  Olymp. 132. 1. Ant Ch 249. Caecilius routs the Carth••gi∣nians.
• * 1.10

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