3654. Jonathan and his army camped by the Lake of Gennesaret. Early in the morning they came to the plain of Asor where Demetrius' forces attacked him. They had placed an ambush among the mountains. As soon as the ambush showed itself, the Jews feared they might be trapped and all killed. They all fled and left Jonathan in great danger. Only Mattathias, the son of Absalom and Judas the son of Calphi, the two chief commanders of the army remained with him with a band of 50 very brave men. First, Jonathan begged for God's help. Then he and the men charged the enemy and defeated them. When those that had deserted Jonathan saw that the enemy was fleeing, they returned again into the field and pursued the enemy to their own camp as far as Cades. About 3000 of the enemy were killed that day. Jonathan returned to Jerusalem. /APC 1Ma 11:67-74 (Joseph. l. 13. c. 9.)
3655. Jonathan saw that things were now going well and sent Numerius, son of Antiochus and Antipater, son of Jason, as ambassadors to Rome, to confirm and renew the alliance and association which was formerly started with Judas Maccabeus. /APC 1Ma 12:1,16 He ordered them that on their return home from Rome, they should visit the Lacedemonians and to remind them of the alliance and ancient league made with the high priest Onias the 3rd. He sent a letter for the same purpose wherein the people of Judea among other things, said they continually remembered them as their own brethren when they made their holy sacrifices and devotions. /APC 1Ma 12:2,5-18 (Josephus, l. 13. c.9.)
3656. Jonathan got word that Demetrius' commanders had returned with a far larger army than they had before to fight against him. He left Jerusalem and marched against them in the country of Amathis that is located in the farthest borders of Canaan. When he camped within 6 miles of the enemy, he sent out his scouts to spy on the enemy's position and fortifications. Jonathan, had learned by some prisoners whom the scouts had brought back that the enemy planned a surprise attack on them. He ordered his soldiers to stand with their arms all night in a position to receive the enemy attack. He placed his guards throughout the camp. When the enemy heard that Jonathan was drawn up in battle array and was prepared for their attack, they began to be afraid. Thereupon, they stole away secretly by night and left campfires throughout the camp to deceive the Jews. In the morning Jonathan pursued them but was unable to overtake them for they had already crossed the Eleutherus River. Therefore, Jonathan went into Arabia against the Zabadeans or Nabatiaus, as Josephus has it and killed them and took their spoil. From there he went to Damascus and travelled through the whole country hunting and chasing the followers of Demetrius. His brother Simon was not idle either. He made an expedition as far as Askelon and the adjacent garrison. From there he went to Joppa and captured it. He put his garrison of soldiers in it to hold it. There was a rumour that the citizens planned to turn that garrison over to Demetrius' party. /APC 1Ma 12:24-34 (Josephus l. 53. c. 9.)
3657. The ambassadors of the Jews were brought into the senate where they renewed their amity and league with the Romans. They gave them letters for the governors of their various allies that they should conduct them safely to Judea. /APC 1Ma 12:3,4 On their return home, the Lacedemonians treated them very civilly and gave them the public decree concerning the renewing of their amity and preserving friendship between them. A copy of this is found on another occasion in /APC 1Ma 14:22,23:
``Numenius son of Antiochus and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews ambassadors came to us to renew the friendship that was between us. It pleased the people to receive the men honourably and to enter a copy of their embassy among the public records so that the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial of this.''
3658. As soon as Jonathan came back to Jerusalem, he assembled the elders of the people and consulted with them about the building of forts in some convenient places of Judea. He also wanted the wall around Jerusalem built up and an high and strong wall made between the fort of Sion and the city to prevent any one from carrying provisions from the city to the fort. They began their repairs and they brought their new work to join with the remains of the old wall towards the east, by the brook Kidron. They repaired the place which was called Chaphenatha. Simon went into other places of Judea and built Adida in Sephela or the plain and made it strong with gates and bars. /APC 1Ma 12:35-38
3861 AM, 4571 JP, 143 BC
3659. In the 169th year of the account of the contracts, in the reign of Demetrius, the Jews in Jerusalem and Palestine wrote to the Jews in Egypt about the keeping of the feast of tabernacles in the month Chisleu. /APC 2Ma 1:7-9 This was the feast of the Maccabee's dedication which was observed according to the prescript of the Mosaic feast of tabernacles in the month Tisri. (See note on 3840a AM <<3429,3430>>)
3660. When Tryphon had planned to kill Antiochus, he feared that Jonathan would come to the defence of the young king. He marched with his forces to Bethsane, which the Gentiles call Scythopolis, and hoped to surprise him. When Jonathan heard of his coming, he marched toward him with 40,000 good men. This so disheartened Tryphon that he did not lay hands on him but treated him very nobly and recommended him to all his friends. He gave Jonathan many presents and ordered his soldiers guard Jonathan as they did for him. After the meeting, he persuaded Jonathan to dismiss his army and go along with him to Ptolemais with a few selected men. He promised to turn it over to him along with the other garrisons and forces he had in the area. Jonathan believed him and sent 2000 of his soldiers to Galilee and the rest to Judea. He kept 1000 for himself. As soon as he entered Ptolemais, Tryphon commanded the gates to be shut. Jonathan was captured and all that came with him were killed. Tryphon was not satisfied with the massacre of those 1000 but sent his army and some cavalry into Galilee to attack the 2000 men that Jonathan had sent there. However, as soon as they heard of what happened at Ptolemais, they prepared for battle. Tryphon's soldiers knew they were dealing with desperate men and retreated back again. So Jonathan's soldiers came safely into Judea and all Israel lamented that loss of their country men with a great lamentation. /APC 1Ma 12:39-52
3661. After this, Tryphon raised a large army to attack Judea and to destroy it. Thereupon, when Simon saw how discouraged the people were, he went up to Jerusalem. He assembled the people and offered to help them. So they chose him as general in the place of Judas and Jonathan, his brothers. He gathered all the men of war, quickly completed the walls of Jerusalem and fortified it on every side. He spent large sums of money from his own purse and armed all the men of war of his own country and paid them. /APC 1Ma 12:52,53 13:1-10 14:31,32
3662. In addition, Simon sent Jonathan the son of Absalom, with a sufficient army to Joppa. He drove out the inhabitants and occupied and fortified the place. He used this as his sea port. /APC 1Ma 13:11 14:5,34 From this Strabo also has noted that the Jews used this harbour. (l. 16. p. 759.)
3663. Tryphon left Ptolemais with his army against Judea and took Jonathan along with him as his prisoner. Simon was camped in Adida opposite the plain. Tryphon saw that the Jews were prepared for battle. He pretended that he kept Jonathan prisoner for a ransom of 100 talents of silver. When this was paid, he promised to release Jonathan provided that he sent two of his sons as hostages for security from Jonathan's attempting to revenge his imprisonment after he was freed. As soon as Simon sent both the money and his brother's sons to him, Tryphon broke his word. /APC 1Ma 13:12-19
3664. When Tryphon marched against Judea, he went toward the way which leads to Adoram or Doran, which is a city of Idumea, as Josephus has it. However, Simon's army followed him wherever he went. Those that were in the fort Sion at Jerusalem sent to Tryphon some agents, asking very earnestly to hurry as fast as he could through the desert and to supply them with food. Tryphon was all ready with his cavalry for the expedition. However, there happened to be such a large snowfall that night that he could not possibly get to them. Thereupon he altered his journey and marched into the country of Gilead. As soon as he came near Bascama or Bascha, he killed Jonathan. After he was buried, Tryphon retreated back into Syria. /APC 1Ma 13:20-24 (Joseph. l. 13, c. 11.) Jonathan lived 17 years and 7 months after the death of his brother Judas Maceabeus. He was the high priest for 9 years and a month or two.
3665. Simon sent to carry away the bones of his brother Jonathan and buried them at Modin, the city of their ancestors. All Israel lamented for him for many days. Simon built a monument over the sepulchre of his father and his brothers. It was very high and made of polished white stone. He built 7 pyramids all in a row, in memory of his father, mother, and his 4 brothers. He added to these a porch of large stone pillars on which he had engraved the picture of arms and ships. They were conspicuous to all that sailed by that way. /APC 1Ma 13:25-30 (Joseph. l. 13. c. 11.) Josephus says this rare sepulchre at Modin lasted to his time as does Eusebius Caesariensis, in his little book pzei pw popikw onomatwn
3666. The Romans and the Lacedemonians were very deeply grieved by the death of Jonathan. As soon as they knew through Simon's ambassadors that he was made the high priest in place of his brother, then they wrote to him in tables of brass concerning the renewing of the amity and league which they had formerly made with Judas and Jonathan, his brothers. /APC 1Ma 14:16,17 The Romans considered the Jews, their allies, friends and brethren and went out to meet Simon's ambassadors in an honourable entourage. (/APC 1Ma 14:40) The inscription of the letters which the Lacedemonians returned by the ambassadors, to which they also annexed a copy of their reply sent previously to Jonathan, was this:
``The Magistrates and cities of the Lacedemonians to Simon the high priest and the elders and to the rest of the people of the Jews our brethren, greetings.'' (/APC 1Ma 14:20,24)
3667. The letters from the Romans and the Lacedemonians were read before the congregation at Jerusalem. (/APC 1Ma 14:19)
3668. Antiochus, Theos or the Divine, the son of Alexander Bala was murdered by his guardian, Diodotus or Tryphon. He bribed the Chyrurgions to kill him and to say that he died of a fit while they were cutting him. Tryphon began with his own country and seized first Apamia, Larissa, the Casians, Megara, Apollonia and the other neighbouring cities. From there he went on to invade the other part of Syria. He put the crown royal on his own head and made a great desolation in the country. /APC 1Ma 13:31,32 (Livy, l. 55. Strabo, l. 16. p. 752. and Justin, l. 36. c. 1.)
3669. When Tryphon had made himself king, he hurried to have his kingdom confirmed by the decree of the Roman senate. To accomplish this, he sent with his ambassadors to the Romans, a golden medal of victory that weighed 10,000 crowns. He did not doubt the success of his mission since he sent such a rich gift and since it carried the name of victory. His hopes were deluded by the subtilty of the senate. When they received the present, they ordered that instead of Tryphon's name, the title of the princely youth who was killed by Trypon's treachery, should by engraved on it. (Diod. Sicul. Legat. 31.) He was not dismayed by this and caused money to be minted of which some pieces still exist. It had this inscription: BACIAEWC TPQFWNOC & TPQFWNOC AQTOKPATOPOS BACIAEWC: "King Tryphon" and "Tryphon the Peasant King." After he had taken over the kingdom, he was bold enough to assume the title of king. He changed his old name from Diodotus to Tryphon. (Appian. Syriac. p. 132.)
3670. Sarpedon, general of Demetrius' forces was defeated by Tryphon's army to whom the inhabitants of Ptolemais were allied. He retired with his soldiers into the Mediterranean country. As the victorious forces of Tryphon were marching along the sea coast between Ptolemais and Tyre, they were suddenly hit by a giant wave from the sea which rose to an incredible height and rushed with a great force upon the land. Many drowned. Some were pulled out to sea by the retreating wave and others were left dead in hollow places. The retreating wave left a great number of fish with the dead bodies. When Sarpedon's soldiers heard of this disaster, they quickly returned there and were very pleased to see the destruction of the enemy. They gathered up very many of the fishes and sacrificed them to Neptune, the deliverer before the gates of Ptolemais where the battle was fought. (Strabo, l. 16. p. 758. & Athenaus, l. 8. c. 2. from the History of Possidonius, the Stoick.)
3671. Simon, the Jew's general and high priest, repaired the garrisons in Judea. He fortified them all around with high towers, great walls, gates and bars and supplied them all with provisions. His greatest care was to see that Bethsura would be well fortified, which was located in the confines of Judea and formerly had been the enemy's armoury. He put a garrison of Jews there to secure it. /APC 1Ma 13:33 14:7,33
3672. Simon saw that all Tryphon did was plunder everything. He sent a crown of gold to King Demetrius Nicator and requested from him that he would release Judea from paying tribute. /APC 1Ma 13:34-37 14:10-33
3673. Demetrius heard that Simon's ambassadors were entertained very nobly by the Romans and that the Jews and the priests had passed a right of the government and high priesthood to Simon and his heirs. Demetrius also also confirmed the high priesthood to him and made him one of his friends. /APC 1Ma 14:38-41 He wrote a letter to him:
``King Demetrius to Simon the high priest and friend of the king and to the elders and country of the Jews, greetings:''
3674. In this, he made a peace with them. He promised an amnesty for all past actions, a ratification of all former covenants that were made to Jonathan, /APC 1Ma 11:32-37 a grant of all the forts to them which they had built. He granted a release of tribute to all in general and of the custom taxes arising from commodities sold to those of Jerusalem. Thus was the yoke of the heathen taken off from Israel, in the 170th year of the kingdom of the Greeks. The people began to date their instruments and contracts:
``In the first year that Simon being the great high priest general, and leader of the Jews,'' (/APC 1Ma 13:35-42 Joseph. l. 13. c. 11.)
3675. In those days Simon besieged the Gazeans, who rebelled after Jonathan died. He compelled them to a surrender after he had forced the tower with his battering engines. They humbly asked for his pity and he did not kill them but drove them out of the city. After he had cleared the houses of all their idols and other uncleannesses, he entered the city and praised God with hymns. He repopulated the city with those that worshipped the true God. He fortified it and built a house in it for himself. /APC 1Ma 13:43-48
3862a AM, 4571 JP, 143 BC
3676. Hipparchus observed the 6th autumnal equinox in the 36th year of the Calippic period, on the 4th day of the Egyptian Additionals (September 26th) at evening about sunset. (Ptol. l. 3. c. 2.)
3677. Alexandra, who was later the queen of the Jews, was born at this time, if she lived 73 years according to Josephus. (Antiq. l. 13. c. ult.) This is also found in the 33rd chapter of the Jewish History which is printed at the end of the Paris Bibles in many languages under the title of the second book of the Maccabees. In Arabic we find she was called, Salina, from Eusebius in his Chronicle, Epiphanius in the 29th heresy of the Nazarens, Jerome on Da 9:1-17 11:1-12 and Severus (Sulpitius, in Sacr. Histor. l. 2.). Eusebius seems to have taken it as was his practice, from Julius Africanus and he from Justus Tiberiensas or some other ancient writer of the affairs of the Jews.
3862b AM, 4572 JP, 142 BC
3678. When the garrison soldiers of the fort at Jerusalem surrendered after being deprived of all provision for two years of time. Simon expelled them all and cleared the fort of all the pollutions of the idols. He went into it on the 23rd day of the second month (Ijais) in the 171st year of the kingdom of the Greeks with branches of palms, harps, cymbals, vials, hymns and songs. He ordained this day as an holy day to commemorate the day they were freed from a wicked enemy who troubled them greatly when they went to the temple. Moreover, he made the fort stronger than it was and the temple mount over which it overlooked. This was for the greater security of the country and the city. He lived there with his troops. /APC 1Ma 13:49-53 7:7,36,37
3679. Simon knew that his son John, surnamed later Hyrcanus, was a very valiant man and appointed him captain of all his forces while Simon lived in Gazara /APC 1Ma 13:53 in the confines of Azotus, where the enemies formerly lived. Simon had dislodged them and repopulated the place with Jews. /APC 1Ma 14:7,34 This was Gadara which Strabo says the Jews later made their own. (l. 16. p. 759.)
3680. Cleopatra, Ptolemy Philometor's daughter and Demetrius Nicator had a son, Antiochus, surnamed later Grypus, from his hook nose. This event happened if he lived 45 years as Josephus states. (l. 13. c. 21.)
3681. Two hours before midnight, Hippachus observed an eclipse of the moon in Rhodes, in the 37th year of the third Calippic period, of Nabanassar's 607, on the 20th day of the Egyptian Tyb (January 27th). (Ptol. l. 6. c. 5.)
3682. When Demetrius knew that most of his cities had revolted from him, he thought to remove this reproach by fighting against the Parthians. At that time, the Parthians were ruled by Mithridates, son of King Pampatius, called Arsaces or Arsacides. This was the common name of all the Parthian kings. He was not inferior to Arsaces, his great grandfather and the founder of the Parthian monarchy from whom that surname was passed to all his successors. By his prowess, Mithridates extended the Parthian empire from the east side as far as the Indus River and from the west as far as the Euphrates River. (Justin. l. 36. c. 1, 41. c. 5, 6. Oros. l. 5. c. 4.) Before we discuss Demetrius' Parthian expedition, we shall show how Mithridates obtained his vast dominion.
3683. At that time when Mithridates began to reign over the Parthians, Eucratides became ruler of the Bactrians. They were both gallant men but good fortune was on the side of the Parthians. Under the rule of Mithridates, he led them to the highest pinnacle of sovereignty. The poor Bactrians were involved in wars which eventually led to the loss of their dominions and liberty. After the Sogdians, the Arachats, the Dranganites and the Indians, had well weakened them by their continual wars with them, the feeble Parthians attacked them and overcame them in this weakened state. (Justin. l. 41. c. 6.) Arsaces or Mithridates followed up on his victory as far as India and found no difficulty in subduing the country, where Porus of old had reigned and the other countries lying between the Hydaspes and Indus Rivers. (Diod. Sicul. in Excerpt. Valesii. p. 358. Oros. l. 5. c. 4.) These Bactrians were the survivors of the Greeks, who had taken Bactriana from the kings of Syria, the successors of Seleucus Nicator. They also seized Ariana and India. They controlled Pattalena and all the sea coasts along with the kingdom of Tessariostus and of Sigartis. Apollodorus (against the common opinion indeed) affirms in his book of the Parthian Affairs, that they were masters of a greater part of India more than Alexander and his Macedonians were. He added moreover that Eucratides had in India under his own jurisdiction 1000 cities. (Stra. l. 11. p. 516. & l. 15. p. 686.) Eucratides was always at war, for he was engaged in many, and behaved himself with much prowess. When he was worn out with constant warfare, he was closely besieged by Demetrius, king of the Indians. Although he had not more than 3000 soldiers with him, he wasted an enemy army of 60,000 by his daily sallies against them. When he gained his freedom in the 5th month, he subdued all India under his command. On his journey homeward, he was killed by his own son, whom he had made viceroy in the kingdom: His son did not try to hide his actions but drove his chariot through the blood and commanded the dead body to be cast aside into some place or other and left unburied as if he had slain an enemy and not murdered his father. While these things were happening among the Bactrians, a war started between the Parthians and the Medes. The initial conflicts were indecisive but at last, the Parthians got the upper hand. Mithridates was strengthened by this victory and appointed Bacasis over Media while he marched into Hircania. As soon as he returned from there, he fought and defeated with the king of the Elymites and annexed that country to his other dominions. By his various conquests, he enlarged his dominion of the Parthians from the mountain Gaucasus as far as the River Euphrates. (Justin. l. 41. c. 6.) After he had defeated Demetrius Nicator's general, he invaded the city of Babylon and all its regions. (Oros. l. 5. c. 4.)
3684. The Greeks and Macedonians of the upper provinces did not like the insolence of those strangers, the Parthians. They often sent embassies to Demetrius Nicator and promised that if he would come to them, they would yield to him and join with him in fighting Arsaces the king of Persia and Media. Encouraged by this, Demetrius hurried to them. In the 172nd year of the kingdom of the Greeks, he assembled all his forces and marched into Mesopotamia. He thought that he would soon have Babylon and Media and that with the help of the upper provinces he could easily expel Tryphon from Syria. When he arrived in those parts, he was quickly joined by the auxiliaries of the Persians, Elymites and Bactrians and defeated the Parthians many times. At last, he was out smarted by one of Arsaces' nobles. On the pretence of concluding a peace, he was sent to capture Demetrius. He was surprised by an ambush and after he lost his whole army, he was captured alive. They led him through the streets of the city and showed him to the people who mocked him. Finally he was imprisoned under tight security. /APC 1Ma 14:1-3 (Joseph. l. 13. c. 9. fin. Justin. l. 36. c. 1. & l. 38. c. 9.) Gorgius Syacellus adds that he was kept in Troas and from that occasion was surnamed Siderites.
3685. Although Arsaces was in control of such a vast dominion, he did not succumb to luxury and pride, which was the usual practise of most princes. He acted with a great deal of clemency toward his subjects and valour against his enemies. When he had brought various countries under his command, he selected from each of them, the best institutions and laws and gave them to his Parthians. (Diod. Sic. in Excerpt. Balesii, p. 361.) Demetrius who was sent away into Hireania was treated with respect too. Arsaces gave him his daughter for a wife and promised to restore to him the kingdom of Syria which Tryphon had taken from him. (Justin. l. 36. c. 1. & l. 38. c. 9.) However, Appian writes that Demetrius lived at Pharaates' court, the brother and successor of Mithridates and married his sister Rhodoguna. (in Syriacus, p. 132.)
3686. In the 172nd year of the kingdom of the Greeks, on the 18th day of the 6th month Elul, about the end of the 3rd year of Simon's high priesthood after the death of his brother Jonathan, a large assembly was held of the priests, the people and the rulers and elders of the country. A notice was published that said how well Simon had served the Jewish people and the right of sovereignty was granted to him and his posterity. He should be their governor and have control over those that managed the temple, over the governors in the country, over the commanders in the army and the captains of the garrisons. He also should have the charge of the holy things and should be obeyed by all men. All contracts in the country should be signed in his name. He should be clothed in purple and wear gold. It should not be lawful for any of the priests or the people to repeal any of these decrees or contradict anything he spoke or to hold any assembly in the country without his permission. No one should wear purple or use the golden buckle. Simon accepted this and was quite contented to execute the high priest's office and to be general and commander of the Jews, the priests and the rest of the people. Then they commanded this writing to be put in tables of brass and to be hung on the pillars in the porches of the temple in a public place. A copy of this should be kept in the treasury of the temple so that Simon and his sons might have them. /APC 1Ma 14:26-49
3864 AM, 4574 JP, 140 BC
3687. The soldiers grew weary of Tryphon's conduct and revolted from him to Cleopatra, the wife of Demetrius Nicator. At that time she was confined with her children in Seleucia. She sent to Antiochus, the brother of Demetrius, her husband (who was a prisoner) and offered to marry him and give him the kingdom. She did this partly by the advice of her friends and partly because she feared lest some of the Seleucians would surrender the city to Tryphon. {Josephus, Antiq., l. 13. c. 12. <c. 7. 1:350>}) &&& Cleopatra 3 - wife of Demetrius Nicator, offers to marry and give the kingdom to Antiochus, the brother of Demetrius, her imprionsed husband.
3688. Josephus (Antiq. l. 7. c 12. & l. 13. c. 16.) calls this Antiochus, son of Demetrius Soter, the pious, because of his religion. In Josephus, (l. 13. c. 12.) he calls him by his father's surname, Soter. In Trogus, he is called Pompeius (in prolog. l. 39.) and in Eusebius (in his Chronicles.) Sidetes or Sedetes. This is either from his great love of hunting, which in Syriac is hryc, as Plutarch thinks or from the city Sidon from where (as Georgius Syncellus writes) he came to besiege Tryphon. Justin relates that at first he was brought up in Asia and by his father Demetrius Soter and entrusted with his older brother Demetrius Nicator to an host at Cnidos. (Justin, l. 35. c. 2. & 36. c. 1.) Appian writes, how that he was received at Rhodes and from the islands of the sea. He was told the news of his brother's confinement and what happened after. (in Syriac. p. 132.) We read also in /APC 1Ma 15:1,2 that after he had assumed the title of king, he wrote letters to Simon the high priest and ruler and to the whole country of the Jews.
3689. In these letters, he complained much of the harsh treatment he received from his enemies and showed that he was now ready to avenge himself lest he seem to be a king in name only. He wanted to make Simon his friend and he confirmed to him all the immunities and privileges which other kings had granted. He added the right of coining money with his own stamp. Moreover, he decreed that Jerusalem should be exempted from being under the king's jurisdiction and promised also that he would confer more and greater favours as soon as he was in possession of his kingdom. (/APC 1Ma 15:3-9)
3865 AM, 4575 JP, 139 BC
3690. Numenius, the son of Antiochus and some other ambassadors came to Rome from Simon the high priest and the people of the Jews about renewing their league and amity with the Romans. They brought with them a great shield of God of a thousand pounds weight. The present was well received and Lucius the consul gave them letters to the kings and to the provinces. They were prohibited from attempting anything which might prejudice the Jews or help any of their enemies. If at anytime any renegade Jews should flee from Judea and come into their parts, they should turn them over to Simon the high priest to be prosecuted according to the laws of their country. /APC 1Ma 14:1-49 15:15,21
3691. Lucius was that same L. Calputnius Piso, the colleague of L. Popilius Laenas, who was sent into Spain against the Numantines. Concerning his consulship, Valerius Maximus, (l. 1. c. 5.) said:
``P. Cornelius Hispalus the praetor for visitors, when Popilius Lanas and L. Calpurnius. were consuls, commanded by his edict all Chaldeans to depart from the city and Italy within 10 days whose profession was by their false interpretation of the influence of the stars, to cast, through their lies, mists on vain and foolish minds.''
3692. Although Stephanus Pighsius (from Cassiodorus' Fasti Consulares) instead of the name Lucius, has written Cneus which is against the authority of the received manuscripts.
3693. Five kings received these letters: Ptolemeus Euergetes 2nd or Physcon of Egypt, Demetrius Nicator of Syria (notwithstanding he was at this time, prisoner to the Parthians), Attalus Philadelphus of Pergamenine Asia, Ariatathes of Cappadocia, and Arsaces or Mithridates of Parthia. 19 cities, countries, and islands received these letters also: Sampsama, (or as in the Latin, Lampsacus), Sparta, Delos, Myndus, Sicyon, Caria, Samos, Pamphylia, Lycia, Halicarnassus, Rhodus, Phaselis, Cos, Sida, Aradus, Gortyna, Cnidus, Cyprus and Cyrene. /APC 1Ma 15:16,22,23.
3694. In the 174th year of the kingdom of the Greeks, Antiochus Sidetes returned to the land of his fathers, (/APC 1Ma 15:10) where he married Cleopatra, his brother's wife. (Justin, l. 36. c. 1.) She was upset at Demetrius for marrying Rhodoguna, the daughter to the Parthian king. (Appian. Syriac. p. 132.) From this time, Antiochus reigned for 9 years. (Porphyr. & Euseb.)
3695. Tryphon had a very small following for almost all his forces had defected to Antiochus. After his soldiers deserted him, he hurried to get into Dora, which was a maritime city of Phoenicia. Antiochus pursued him there and very tightly besieged the place so that no one could get in or out. He had an army of 120,000 foot soldiers with 8000 cavalry and a fleet. /APC 1Ma 15:10-14
3696. In the meanwhile, Numenius and his company came from Rome and brought with them letters to the kings and provinces and a copy of the same letters to Simon the high priest. (/APC 1Ma 15:15,24)
3697. Simon sent 2000 choice men with silver and gold and many engines of war to Antiochus at the siege at Dora. He refused them all and broke whatever covenants he had previously made with him and made him his enemy. He sent Athenobius to demand of him the resignation of Gazara, Joppe and the fort in Jerusalem. He also wanted the tributes of those places beyond the borders of Judea which were possessed by him. In lieu of this, he demanded 500 talents of silver and in consideration of the harm he had done and the tributes of the cities, another 500 talents more. He threatened war unless all things were done according to his commands. (/APC 1Ma 15:25-31)
3698. Athenobius, a friend of the king's, came to Jerusalem. As soon as he saw Simon's glory, his tables set with gold and silver plate and other furniture of the house, he was astonished and told him the king's message. Simon denied that they had seized any towns that belonged to others and only had recovered from the enemy by law of arms some towns of their own which were kept back from them. As for Joppe and Gazara, in spite of the fact that the people had been much prejudiced by the enemy, he offered 100 talents. Athenobius returned back in a rage to Antiochus and told him both what he had heard and seen. Neither was the king less passionate when he saw that his commands were not submitted to, nor his great threat of war heeded. (/APC 1Ma 15:32-36)
3699. Meanwhile Tryphon sailed and escaped to Orthosias which is another maritime city of Phoenicia. (/APC 1Ma 15:37)
3700. Then Antiochus made Cendebaeus the governor of the sea coast and gave him foot soldiers and cavalry. He was to build Kidron (or as the Latin edition has it, Gedor as in Jos 15:58) and to wage war on the Jews. The king pursued Tryphon. (/APC 1Ma 15:38,39)
3701. Cendebaeus went as far as Jamnia and began to invade Judea. He took prisoners and killed others. When he had built Kidron (or Gedor) he stationed there some cavalry and some companies of foot soldiers who were to raid the highways of Judea as the king ordered him to do. (/APC 1Ma 15:40,41)
3866a AM, 4575 JP, 139 BC
3702. John Hyrcanus came from Gazara and told his father Simon, what wicked acts Cendebaeus had done. Simon was now old and committed the war to his 2 oldest sons, Judas and John. Thereupon, they selected from the country, 20,000 men of war and with some cavalry, they marched against Cendebaeus. They camped that night a Modin, their birth place. From there the next morning they engaged the enemy's powerful army. However, there was a brook between them. John waded across first and the rest of the people quickly followed. He divided his forces so that the cavalry was in the middle of the foot soldiers and they mutually protected each other from the enemy attacks. Then they sounded their holy trumpets and Cendebaeus was routed and many of his army were killed. Some fled to his fort of Kidron which he recently built and others escaped to other places. Judas, John's brother was wounded and could not give chase. However, John pursued them as far as the towers which were in the fields of Azotus. In the chase he killed about 2000 men. When he had burnt the towers to the ground, he lead back his army safely into Judea. /APC 1Ma 16:1-10
3866 AM, 4576 JP, 138 BC
3703. Finally, Tryphon retired to his own country men at Apamea. Frontinus said this happened to him there: (l. 2. Stratagem. c. 13.)
``All the way that he went, he scattered money on purpose to slow down Antiochus' soldiers in their pursuit of him and so he escaped from their hands.''
3704. Josephus said that Apamea was taken by assault and Tryphon killed in the 3rd year after Demetrius was taken prisoner by the Parthians. (l. 13. c. 12.) Appian wrote that he was at length taken by Antiochus and killed but not without much trouble. (Syriac. p. 132.) Strabo stated that he was besieged in a certain citadel and driven to such extremities that he killed himself. (l. 14. p. 668.) Georgius Syncellus wrote that when he was driven from Orthosias, he leaped into the fire and died.
3705. Hierax, was general for the war in Egypt because he was a very excellent soldier and very popular with the people. He was ambitious and controlled the kingdom of Ptolemy Physcon. He saw that Ptolemy had little money and the soldiers were ready to revolt to Galaestes for lack of pay. He put down the rebellion by personally paying the soldiers. The Egyptians publicly despised the king when they saw how childish he was in his talk, how impudent and prone to the vilest jests and how effeminate he was. (Diod. Sic. in Excerpt. H. Valesii, p. 361, 362.)
3706. In that part of Asia where Pergamos is, Attalus Philadelphus, brother to Eumenes, grew so restless through long idleness and peace that Philopoemen, one of his friends, influenced him in any direction he pleased. Likewise, the Romans to mock him, would often ask of those that sailed from Asia whether the king had any interest in Philopoemen, (Plutarch in l. whether the managing of a commonwealth ought to be entrusted to an old man) that he would not leave his kingdom to any of his own sons. However, in his lifetime, he gave the kingdom to his brother Eumenes' son, whose guardian he was when he came of age. (Id. in Apophthegm. & in l. prifiladelfiad)
3707. After the death of Attalus the uncle, Attalus who was surnamed Philometor, son to Eumenes by Stratonica, daughter of Ariarathes king of the Cappadocians, held the kingdom of Pergamos for 5 years. (Strabo. l. 13. p. 624.)
3708. He no sooner became king but he marred the kingdom by killing his friends and going against his relatives. He pretended that at one time, his mother who was an old woman and at another time, Beronice his wife, had died by their enchantments. (Justin. l. 36. c. 4.) He was jealous of the best and most eminent of his father's friends. Lest they should engage in some treasonable act against him, he planned to kill them all. To that end, he selected from his barbarous mercenary soldiers, the most bloody and covetous of them and placed them in various private rooms in the palace. When he called together to court those of his friends whom he held in greatest suspicion, he turned them over to these barbarians who killed them. He immediately after this, ordered them to do the same to their wives and children. His other friends had either command of the army or were appointed over cities. Some of them he killed by treachery and when he found others, he beheaded them with their whole families. By this cruelty, he became detestable to his own subjects and to his neighbouring countries. Thereupon all under his dominion were anxious for a new king. (Diod. Sic. in Excerpt. Valesii. p. 370.)
3867a AM, 4576 JP, 138 BC
3709. After this mad and furious fit was over, he put on a dirty garment let his hair and his beard grow as criminals use to do. He did not appear in public and would not show himself to the people. He did not entertain at home and seemed to be mad. He seemed to be haunted by the ghosts of those he had recently murdered. (Justin. l. 36. c. 4.)
3867c AM, 4577 JP, 137 BC
3710. When Attalus had resigned the government of the kingdom to his nephew, he took up gardening and growing herbs. He mixed good plants with poisonous ones. He made poisonous juices from these and sent them as rare presents to his friends. (Justin. l. 36. c. 4.) He planted hendoryenium which was used to make poisoned arrows. Also he studied to know the nature of their juices, seeds and fruits and to harvest them in their proper season. (Plutarch in Demetrio.) Varro, (de re restic. l. 1. c. 2.) Colomella, (l. 1. c. 1.) and Pliny (l. 18. c. 3.) state that he wrote some books about husbandry.
3711. Antiochus Sidertes attacked those cities which had revolted in the beginning of his brother's reign. When he had conquered them, he added them to his own kingdom. (Justin. l. 36. c. 1.)
3868 AM, 4578 JP, 136 BC
3712. Ptolemy Euergetes the 2nd, or Phiscon killed many of those Alexandrians who had first called him to the kingdom. He banished a large number who in their youth were raised with his brother Philometor, with whom he had had some differences and were now come of age. He let his foreign soldiers kill as they pleased and all places were daily stained with blood. (Justin l. 38. c. 8. Athen. l. 4. c. 24. fin.) Moreover, he divorced Cleopatra herself, who was both his sister and wife. He first ravished her daughter, a virgin and then married her. These wicked deeds so appalled the people that for fear of death they left their country and went into exile. So many left that Ptolemy and his company were left alone in so large a city. When he saw that he was a king of empty houses rather than of men, he invited strangers by his edicts to live there. (Justin l. 38. c. 8.) By this, he repopulated the cities and islands with grammarians, philosophers, geometricians, musicians, school teachers, artists, physicians and may other artisans. By teaching their arts to get their living, they made many excellent men. It came to pass that the liberal arts and sciences were again restored in those parts. Its knowledge was interrupted and advancement had been hindered by the continual wars that happened in the times of Alexander's successors, (Athen. l. 4. c. 24. fin.)
3713. P. Scipio Emiliathus, who after the destruction of Carthage was called Africanus, Spurius Mummius and L. Merellus were made ambassadors by the Roman senate to see in what condition the kingdoms and cities of their allies were in and to settle their differences. They took a thorough survey of Egypt, Syria, Asia and Greece. (Cicero. in Somnid Scipoinis, Strabo l. 14. p. 669. Justin l. 38. c. 8. Plutarch in Apothegm. Athen. l. 6. c. 18. & l. 12. c. 27.) Cicero in Lucullo wrote that Scipio was used in this famous embassy before he was made a censor but in Somnio Scipions, the same Cicero says that it was after he was censor and a little before his second consulship. Valerius Maximus states that this embassy was done after his two consulships and his two chief triumphs, the Carthaginian and Numantine. (l. 4, c. 3.) Polybius, who in a work described the Numantine war, (as appears from the l. 5. of Cicero, ad familiar. epist. 12,) mentions this embassy. This we gather from Athen. (l. 6. c. 8.) and from Suidas in the word Bapos, compared with Diod. Sic. Legat. 32. Polybius says that after he was part of that embassy, he was sent to settle the Numantine war. Given these 3 conflicting opinions, we thought it best to choose the middle one.
3714. On this embassy, Scipio, took a friend along with him. He was not Calus Lelius, as it is read in the corrupt copies of Aurelius Victor, (de viris illustribus c.58.) but Panaetius the philosopher. (Cicero in Lucullo, Plutarch in Apothgm. and in l. de Philosophando cum Principibus, from Posidonius' History.) To whom Athen. (l. 12. c. 27,) incorrectly adds, Posidonius the stoic. He lived long after him. Scipio had in his retinue only 5 servants according to Posidonius and Polybius (so that from them both Valerius Maximus who assigned 7 to him and Aurelius Victor, who allows 2, are to be corrected.) Of those one died in the journey. Scipio did not buy another servant but wrote home for another one to be sent from Rome to replace him. (Athen. l. 6. c. 8. & Plutarch in Apothegm.) As he passed through the countries of allies and strangers, they did not note so much his slaves as his various victories. Neither did they take note of the amount of weight in gold and silver he brought with him, but of the greatness of his reputation. (Valer. Maximus, l. 4. c. 3.)
3869a AM, 4578 JP, 136 BC
3715. Foreigners came to Alexandria on receiving Ptolemy Euergetes' proclamation. The ambassadors from Rome also arrived there. (Justin l. 38. c. 8.) When Scipio came from the ship to land, he walked with his head covered with his cloak but the Alexandrians flocked about him and asked him to show himself for they wanted to see this great man. As soon as he uncovered himself, they shouted and made great acclamations. (Plutarch in Apothegm.)
3716. When the king came to meet the ambassadors, he seemed somewhat ridiculous to the Romans. He looked horrible, short in stature, swag belly and more like a beast than a man. This ugliness was made worse by the thin, transparent garment he wore as if to expose what modest men conceal. Justin from Trogus Pompeius, (l. 38. c. 8.) has described the man whom Athenaeus from the 7th book of Posidonius the Stoic, has represented to us in this way, (l. 12. c. 27.) as Natalis Comes has described him:
``His body by reason of his luxurious living was grown gross and foul and his belly so big that a man could hardly compass him with his arms. This forced him to wear a long garment with sleeves down to his ankles. He rarely walked on foot unless at this time in respect to Scipio:''
3717. Scipio saw that the king, because of lack of exercise could barely keep pace with him without greatly straining himself. He whispered in Panethius' ear:
``Now the Alexandrians have reaped some fruits from our travel here, who, in their civility to us, have seen their king walking.'' (Plutarch in Apothegm.)
3718. From this we see how well Dalechampius, who translated Athenaeus, has rendered those words,
``He never walked on foot, but leaned on his staff.''
3719. The king entertained the delegates very well and showed them his palace and his treasury. Because they were virtuous, they were content with plain wholesome food and scorned that rich provisions as prejudicial both to the mind and body. Those things which the king esteemed as rarities and admirable, they only glanced their eyes on them and counted them as things of no value. They looked at things of real worth very carefully. They noted the location of the city and its industry and particularly at Pharos and what belonged to it. From there they sailed to Memphis and noticed the goodness of the country, the convenience of the Nile River, the number of the cities, the very large population and the fortifications of Egypt. They noted the wealth and goodness of the country, how well it was provided for in security and size. In brief, having sufficiently admired both the populousness of Egypt and the good locations of its cities, they thought that the kingdom of Egypt would easily grow into a vast empire if it were so fortunate as to have good leadership. After they had viewed Egypt well, they went to Cyprus and from there to Syria. (Diod. Sic. Legat. 32.)
3720. To Mithridates Euergetes king of Pontus was born that famous Mithridates, surnamed Dionysius or Bacchus and Eupator. Thereupon he called the city which he built Eupatoria. (Appian. in Mithradat. p. 176. & 251.) He was both born and raised in the city Sinope and therefore held it always in high esteem and made it the capital of the whole kingdom. (Strabo. l. 12. p. 545.)
3721. In the same year that Mithridates was born, there appeared a great comet, (Justin. l. 37. c. 2.) This is the very same one which Seneca speaks of in (l. 7. c. 15. of his natural Questions.)
``In the time of Attalus' reign, there appeared a comet at the first it was small. Later it elevated and spread itself and came as far as the equinoctial circle. Its extent covered that region of the heaven which we call the Milky Way.''
3722. We allow (with Eutropis l. 6. & Orosius, l. 6. c. 5. who usually follow Livy) Mithridates 72 years of life. If we follow Appian, (p. 249.) and say that he lived only 68 years or 69 years then this comet had appeared after Attalus was dead and not in his reign.
3869b AM, 4579 JP, 135 BC
3723. Simon the high priest and ruler of the Jews, visited the cities of Judea and provided for their orderly government. He came down with his sons, Mattathias and Judas to Jericho, in the 177th year of the kingdom of the Greeks, the 11th month, which is called Sabal. There Ptolemy the son of Abubus, Simon the high priest's son-in-law, entertained them in the citadel of Doc which he had fortified. Ptolemy was appointed by his father-in-law over the province of Jericho and was a very wealthy man who had wanted to take over the government of the country for himself. Thereupon, while he was treating Simon and his sons with a banquet where they had drank somewhat freely, he with his army of ruffians, whom he had placed in some secret place, entered the house and treacherously killed Simon, his sons and some of his servants. /APC 1Ma 16:11-17. Josephus states that Simon was killed at a banquet by the treachery of his own son-in-law, after Simon had ruled the Jews for just 8 years. (l. 13. c. 7.) However, we learn from the story of the Maccabees that Simon was high priest for 8 years and 3 months after his brother Jonathan died.
3724. Ptolemy immediately told King Antiochus Sidetes of this villainy and wanted him to send an army to help him. He would soon deliver the country and cities of the Jews into his hands. /APC 1Ma 16:18 Since the king knew so quickly of this and the promise of getting the country for himself, it is suspected the king was in on this plot all along. The place of honour which the traitor wanted so much was prearranged by the king as a reward for this deed. Jacobus Salianes observed this in the epitome of his Annals, to which is to be referred that passage in the prologue of the 36th book of Trogus Pompeius.
``After Hyrcanus was slain, Antiochus subdued the Jews.''
3725. Hyrcanus the son, was incorrectly written for Simon the father. On the contrary, Eusebius in Chronic, concerning the history of the conquest of Judea by Antiochus, wrote:
``He forced Simon the high priest to submit to conditions and wrote Simon the father, instead of Hyrcanus the son.''
3726. This wicked Ptolemy sent his vile men to Gazara to surprise John Hyrcanus and to kill him. He tried to influence the captains of the Jewish army and wrote letters to them making generous promises to them if they would revolt. He sent others to seize Jerusalem and the temple mount. However, one ran ahead to Gazara and told John that his father and his brothers were killed and that others were coming to kill him. Although John was greatly shocked by the sad news, he killed the murderers by attacking them first. He was made high priest in the place of his father. /APC 1Ma 16:19-24
3727. Here ends the first book of the Maccabees, containing the history of 40 years which Josephus continues. He begins with an improbable account for he says that John Hyrcanus escaped in the very nick of time to the city and was received in by the people. He shut out Ptolemy who was attempting to enter in by another gate. After John had performed the holy services, he led his army from the city against Ptolemy and besieged him in the fort Dagon above Jericho. While John was endeavouring to take the fort, Ptolemy ordered to have brought John's mother and his two brothers who were with him in the fort. They were to scourge them soundly with whips and threatened to throw them down over the wall, unless he broke off the attack. John was touched by their plight and started to lose his resolve. His mother very resolutely exhorted the son not to stop from his love of her but to do what he could to take vengeance on the traitor. He stopped his batteries as often as he saw his mother being whipped. Since the sabbatical year was approaching in which the Jews rested from their works like on the sabbath, John lifted his siege and Ptolemy escaped. After he had killed Hyrcanus, his mother and his brothers, he fled to Zeno, surnamed Cotylas, who was the governor of Philadelphia. (Josephus l. 1. of the war, c. 2. & Antiq. l. 13. c. 8.)
3728. All of this Salianus, in the sixth Tome of his Annals, shows a great deal of variety, considering the persons, time and place, (ad Ann. Mundi. 3919. s. 5,6,7. & 3920. s. 5,6.) He notes that in the sabbatical year, waging war, or besieging cities or building fortifications was not prohibited by the law of God. We add that this year indeed was the sabbatical year, but it began not after, but four months before Simon's death. That is in the beginning of the 177th year of the account of the contracts as appears by the list of the sabbatical years kept by the Jews to their very times.
3729. After midnight, Hipparchus observed the vernal equinox in the 43rd year of the third Calippic period, on the 29th day of the Egyptian month, Mechis (beginning of March 24th). At the end of the same year of the same period, he observed the summer solstice. (Ptol. l. 3. c. 2.)
3730. In the end of the 4th year of Antiochus Sidetes' reign and in the beginning of the first of Hyrcanus, Antiochus Sidetes' army invaded Judea and wasted the country. He forced Hyrcanus to retire to Jerusalem and then besieged it at 7 places. He divided his whole army into 7 brigades so that he might block all routes into the city. (Joseph. l. 13. c. 16.)
3731. Scipio Africanus and the other Roman ambassadors travelled through very many parts of the world and generally were received with a great deal of affection and love. Wherever they came, they did their utmost to settle differences by reconciling some and persuading others to yield to what was just and fair. Those who were obstinate they forced to yield. When they met with any causes which were too difficult to be decided by them, they referred these to the senate. After they had visited various kings and countries and renewed their ancient friendship and alliance with all of them, they returned home. Those whom they had visited sent ambassadors to Rome and praised the senate for sending such men to them. (Diod. Sic. Legat. 32.)
3732. The siege of Jerusalem lasted a long time because of the strength of the walls and courage of the defendants. At last, on the other side of the wall, was a more level passage, Antiochus built 100 towers, 3 stories high. He placed in them bands of soldiers and daily attempted to cross the walls. He also made a long wide double trench, so that the besieged Jews could not get out. However, the Jews made frequent sallies out. If at any time they found the enemy's camp unguarded, they attacked them. If there was good resistance, they retreated back to the city. (Josephus l. 13. c. 16.)
3733. Hyrcanus knew how the large number of people in the city would hinder his cause by consuming the provisions. He expelled the weaker ones from the city and only kept those that were able to fight. Antiochus would not allow them to pass, so they were forced to wander about the walls and many died from hunger. (Josephus l. 13. c. 16.)
3870a AM, 4579 JP, 135 BC
3734. When the feast of tabernacles came, the Jews took pity on the ones around the walls and allowed them back into the city again. They also requested from Antiochus that he would respect their feast and stop the hostility for 7 days. This he did and also in very great pomp. He brought to the very gates of the city, bulls with gilded horns and gold and silver cups filled with all manner of spices. When he gave these sacrifices to the priests of the Jews and made a feast for the army, he returned to the camp. (Josephus l. 13. c. 16. Plutarch in Apothegm.)
3735. At the time of the rising of Pleiades, plentiful showers supplied the besieged with water. They were badly distressed before from lack of water. Also the sabbatical year was over and if the Jews were hindered from sowing their grounds, a famine would undoubtedly follow. Hyrcanus considered Antiochus' justice and piety and sent ambassadors to him, requesting him that he would give them permission to live according to the laws of their forefathers. Many of the king's friends urged him to demolish the city and to kill all the Jews because they were unsociable and distinct from all other countries in their laws. Failing that, they urged him at least to abrogate their laws and force them to change their manner of life. However, the king, who was of a high spirit and gentle in his behaviour, rejected their counsel and approved the Jews' piety. He commanded that the besieged should deliver up their arms to him, dismantle the city walls, pay all the tribute due from Joppe and the other cities outside of Judea and have a garrison stationed among them. On these conditions he would make a peace with them. They agreed to all the king's propositions, except the one of having a garrison among them since they avoided all business with strangers. In lieu of that, they chose to give hostages, among whom Hyrcanus' own brother would be one plus 500 talents. Of this 300 were paid immediately and the rest later. So the enemy removed the battery from the wall and raised the siege and freed the Jews of all charges. (Joseph. l. 13. c. 16. cum Diod. Sic. l. 34. in Bibliotheca. Photis. cod. 244.)
3736. When Hyrcanus opened the sepulchre of David, which was the richest of all the kings, took from there 3000 talents. Using this treasure, he began to employ foreign auxiliaries, which the Jews had never done before. (Joseph. l. Belle 1. c. 2. l. 3. Antiq. c. 12. & l. 13. c. 16. & l. 16. c. 11.) (Concerning this see Salianus' censure, Tom. 6. of his Annals in the year of the World, 3921, Sect. 8, 9.)
3737. Matthias surnamed Curtius, the great grandfather to Josephus the historian was born in the first year of Hyrcanus Matthias, surnamed Aphlias the son of Simon Psellus, priest of the course of Joiarib, by the daughter of Jonathan the high priest. Josephus states this in the beginning of the book of his life.
3870b AM, 4580 JP, 134 BC
3738. When P. Africanus and Caius Fulvius were consuls, there arose a slave war, from the slaves in Sicily. (Livy l. 56. Julius Obsequens, de prodigiis.) It was started by Eunus, a Syrian slave, born in the city of Apemea. He was fascinated by magical incantations and juggling. He pretended to have received the knowledge of future events by the inspiration of the gods. This first appeared to him in his sleep but later when he was awake. Although he failed in many of his predictions, yet because he got some right by chance, nobody noticed his errors. His correct predictions were diligently noted and applauded, so that his name became famous. At last, he pretended to be mad while he observed the ceremonies of the goddess of Syria. He said that she had appeared to him in his sleep and promised to promote him to regal honour. He stirred up the slaves to appeal for their liberty and to take up arms by the command of the gods. To prove that this was no design of his but came first from the gods, he concealed in his mouth a nutshell, crammed with sulphur and fire. His breath caused him to send out a flash of fire as often as he spoke. This very miracle raised for him 2000 men at first from the common people. He quickly had an army of 40,000 and broke open the prisons by force. Thereupon, Eunus was made king by his slaves. After he was crowned and his wife who was also a Syrian was proclaimed queen, he selected from the whole company, the wisest to be his council. He called himself Antiochus and his associates, the revolting Syrians. Those men succeeded so well that Cleon, another slave, was encouraged by this to raise an army also. He was born in Cilicia, not far from Mount Taurus and was an highway robber from his youth. However, he submitted himself to Eunus who made him his general. He had an army of 50,000 of his own soldiers (or as it is in Livy's Epitomy, 70,000.) This was done about 30 days after the first out break of the rebellion. The praetors were not able to quell it and it was turned over to C. Fulvius, the consul. (Diod. Sic. l. 34. in Photii. Bibliotheca. cod. 244. & Excerptis. H. Valesi, p. 369, 370. Livy l. 56. Florus, l. 3. c. 19.) Eunus caused similar rebellions in other places and particularly at Delos. (Diod. Sic. l. 34.) This island was a shopping place for slaves. Myriads were traded here each day. Insomuch, that it became a proverb:
``Merchant, put in here, display your slaves, you shall sell them all off immediately.'' (Strabo. l. 14. 668.)
3739. Scipio Africanus, the other consul, marched into Spain to put an end to the Numantine war where King Attalus sent to him from Asia very expensive presents. We find this in Cicero's Oration, in the behalf of Dejotarus. Scipio accepted these gifts in the sight of all his army. Antiochus Sidetes did the same as appears in the Epitome of Livy's 57th book:
``Though it was the fashion of other generals to conceal king's gratuities, yet Scipio said, he would receive the rich gifts which Antiochus Sidetes sent him in public court. He commanded moreover the treasurer to register them all in the public tables, so that he might have this money to reward the gallantry of his soldiers.''
3871 AM, 4581 JP, 133 BC
3740. Attalus Philometor was the last king of Pergamos in Asia. He dedicated himself to working in the art of brass. He decided to make a sepulchre for his mother. He was too intent on the work, he became sick from the exposure to the violent heat of the furnace and died on the 7th day later. (Justin, l. 36. c. 4.)