4010. Sulla met with Mithridates at Dardanus, a town of Troas. Mithridates had there with him, 200 ships with oars, 20,000 foot soldiers and 600 cavalry and a number of chariots armed with scythes. Sulla had 4 regiments of foot soldiers and 200 cavalry. Both of them went aside to talk in the field with a small retinue while each army looked on. Mithridates came to him and reaching out his right hand. Sulla asked him, whether he would accept a peace on Archelaus' conditions? The king demurred for a while and each of them hurled complaints and accusations at each other. Finally, Mithridates was frightened by Sulla's passionate speeches and consented to those articles of peace which were offered to Archelaus. After this, Sulla greeted him. He embraced and kissed him. (Memnon, c. 37. Plutarch, in Sulla, Dio. Legat. 35. or 36. Appian. p. 208, 209, 210.)
4011. The articles of peace were these. Mithridates would be content with what was his father's kingdom in Pontus and would not have anything to do with Asia or Paphlagonia. He would release all commanders, delegates, prisoners, renegades, fugitives, the Chians and any he had carried away as captives with him from the cities into Pontus. He would give the Romans 70 or (as Memnon has it) 80 ships, pointed with brass, with all their equipment. Lastly, the cities which were now under the Roman jurisdiction, would not be questioned for defecting to the Romans. However shortly after, the Romans brought many of them under slavery and bondage, contrary to the tenor of the articles for peace. (Memnon, Plutarch in Sulla & Dio transcribing Plutarch, Legat. 33. or 34. Appian. p. 207. Livy l. 83. Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. c. 23.) Thus was the first Mithridatic war which began 4 years earlier was ended by Sulla. In less than three years time, Sulla killed 160,000 of the enemy, recovered Greece, Macedonia, Ionia, Asia and various other countries which Mithridates had captured. He took the king's fleet and confined the king himself to his father's kingdom. (Appian. l. 1. Bell. Civil. p. 396. cum Mithridatic. p. 206. & 209. & 210.) The most remarkable thing about Sulla was his discipline. Although Canna and Marius' factions were in Italy for 3 years yet Sulla did not conceal his intention of coming against them to fight them. Nor did he lay aside the business he had now in hand. He thought it best to first crush the enemy and then to avenge a citizen; first to secure from fear abroad by defeating a foreigner and later to repress a rebellion at home. (Velles. Patercul. l. 2. c. 24. cf. Plutarch in Collat. Sulla & Lysandri.)
4012. Mithridates surrendered his ships to Sulla with 500 archers with other things required in the covenant. He sailed with the remainder of his ships into his father's kingdom to Pontus. (Memnon. ut supra. Strabo. l. 13. p. 594. Plutarch, and out of him Dio. Legat. 36. or 37. Appian. p. 210.) Sulla saw that this peace did not sit well with the soldiers. They were grieved to see the king sail away out of Asia who was the most bitter enemy they had and who had slain in one day, so many thousands of Roman citizens who lived in Asia. He left with his treasure and the spoils he had got in the war from Asia which he had almost exhausted for some years by plunder and force. Sulla cleared himself by telling them that he was glad to be rid of Mithridates on any condition for fear he should have joined with Fimbria. If he had done that Sulla would be too weak to fight with both of them. (Plutarch and Dio. ibid.)
4013. From there, Sulla moved within a quarter mile of Fimbria who camped about Thyatira. Sulla demanded him to turn over the armies to him since he assumed that command illegally. Fimbria replied stoutly that he did not take orders from Sulla. Thereupon Sulla laid siege and began to make his trench. Fimbria's soldiers came running from their garrison to greet Sulla's men and were very helpful to them in making the trench, (Plutarch ibid. Appian. p. 210. Oros. l. 6. c. 2.)
4014. Fimbria was taken back by the sudden change and assembled the rest of the soldiers and desired them to by loyal to him. When they absolutely refused to fight against their fellow citizens, he tore his garment and shook everyone of them by the hand. He begged them not to desert him. When that did not prevail and when he saw very many were stealing away to the enemy, he went to the colonel's tents. He bribed some of them and then summoned the soldiers again and pressed upon them an oath of allegiance. When the Venetians cried out that every soldier ought to be called by name to the oath, he ordered the crier to name only those were bribed first. Nonius was called who had been his accomplice in all villainous attempts and refused to swear. Fimbria drew his sword at him and threatened to kill him but was glad to stop because the soldiers by a common shout resented that action. (Appian. p. 210.)
4015. After this, Fimbria bribed a slave with money and hopes of his freedom. He was to go to Sulla's camp and pretend as if he had been a renegade and there to stab Sulla. His heart began to fail him in the task and Sulla suspected that by his trembling he came with no good intentions. Thereupon he laid hold on him, and the slave confessed the whole business. This filled Sulla's army with anger and scorn. Those who were standing about Fimbria's trench, called him Athenio by way of reproach. This was the name of the one who was king for a few days over the slaves in Sicily. (Appian. p. 210.)
4016. When Fimbria saw that this plot had failed, he gave up all hope. He fled to a strong fort and from there invited Sulla to a talk. Sulla would not go himself but sent Rutilius in his place. This went to Fimbria's heart that Sulla would not come to him. This was never to be denied even to common enemies. He had craved pardon because of his immaturity. Rutilius replied that Sulla was willing to pardon him if he should pass safely to the sea side on the condition he would leave Asia (of which he was the proconsul) to Sulla and sail away. Fimbria told him he knew a better way than that. He returned to Pergamos and went into Esculapius' temple. He stabbed himself with his sword. When he found the wound was not mortal, he asked his servant to kill him. This he did and then he killed himself. Sulla gave his body to be buried by his chief servants. (Appian p. 211. cf. Livy l. 83. Vellei Patercul. l. 2 c. 24. Plutarch in Sulla Aurel. Victor. de vir. illustribus c. 70. & Oros. l. 6. c. 2.)
4017. Fimbria's army came and offered their services to Sulla. He entertained them and added them to his own troops. Soon after, he sent Cuno with a command to establish Nicomedes and Ariobarzanes in their kingdoms. He sent also a full account of all the events to the senate and took no notice at all that they had declared him an enemy to the state. (Appian. p. 211.)
3920 AM, 4630 JP, 84 BC
4018. Sulla rebuilt Troy which was destroyed by Fimbria. (Oros. l. 6. c. 2. cf. Strabo. l. 13. p. 594.) He also settled the affairs of the province of Asia, enfranchised the Trojans, Chians, Rhodians, Lycians, Magnesians and various other people. He enrolled them among the allies of the people of Rome either as remuneration for their help in the wars or to cheer them up after those great calamities which they had undergone from their loyalty to Romans. He sent his soldiers to all other towns to proclaim that all slaves who had received their freedom from Mithridates must return immediately to their masters. This edict was slighted by many and many cities revolted because of it. Many slaves and free born were killed on various occasions. The walls of many towns in Asia were demolished and some of the inhabitants were sold. Any men or city that were found to be for the Cappadocians, were severely fined. The Ephesians were especially punished who through scorn had taken down from their temples the Roman offerings. (Appian, p. 211.)
4019. After all was peaceful again, criers were sent throughout the province to summon the leaders of all the cities in Asia to come to Sulla at Ephesus on a set day. When they met together, Sulla made a speech to them from the judgment seat. He told them how well the Romans had helped the Asians and what a poor response the Asians had given. At the end of his speech, he pronounced this sentence on them.
``I fine you a whole five years of tribute which I charge you presently to pay down to the last penny. Moreover, you shall disburse the money spent on this war and what other sum the present state and condition of the province shall require. I shall lay the tax on the cities proportionally and appoint a time for the payment. Any who default on this, I shall consider as enemies.''
4020. After he said this, he distributed the fine by portions to the lieutenants and assigned persons also to collect it. (Appian p. 212, 213.) For that reason, he divided Asia into 44 regions which Cassindius mentions in his chronicle. This happened when L. Cinna was consul for the 4th time and Cn. Papyrias was consul for the 2nd time. Cicero in his first epistle of his first book and Q. Frateus confirmed that this tribute was imposed on all parts alike. Likewise does Sulla in his speech Flaccus says that he laid it proportionally upon all the cities of Asia.
4021. Plutarch writes that Sulla besides this fine of 20,000 talents which he levied from the whole, he annoyed various ones of them by quartering his insolent and unruly soldiers in their private houses. He ordered every landlord to pay to a soldier quartered in his house, 16 drachmas a day. He was to provide him his supper as well as for any friends he brought along to supper. A captain was to have 50 drachmas a day and two suits of clothes. One was to wear at home and another outside. (Plutarch in Sulla.) Lucullus was in charge of collecting the general tax of 20,000 talents and of coining the money. This seemed a relief to the cities of Asia from Sulla's hard usage. Lucullus always behaved himself in an harmless and upright manner and dealt with them mercifully and mildly. This was befitting the sad state of affairs that Asia was in. (Plutarch. in Lucullo.)
4022. The cities were extremely impoverished and up to their ears in debt. Some sold their theatres to the loan sharks, others their places of receipt, or their citadels, or their ports, or something which belonged to the public. The soldiers were very harsh with them and pressed them for their money. After payment was made, they carried the money to Sulla. Asia in the meanwhile bemoaned its sad state. (Appian. p. 213.)
4023. At this same time, the pirates were busy in all parts of Asia. They appeared so publicly as if they had been so many legal fleets. They were first put to sea by Mithridates, who was likely to loose all he had gotten in those parts, hence he resolved to do what mischief he could. Now they had increased to so large a number that they were dangerous to ships and threatened the ports, citadels and towns. It is certain that Jassus, Samur, Clazomenae and Samothrace were taken when Sulla stayed in these regions. It is generally reported that they took out of the temple at Samothrace many ornaments estimated to be valued at 1000 talents. Sulla did nothing, either because he thought these places were unworthy of his protection because they had behaved basely toward him or because he hurried to Rome to settle the civil disorders. Hence Sulla sailed to Greece. (Appian p. 213.)
4024. Sulla offered to take P. Rutilius Rufus home to Rome. He had lived as an exile at Mitylene. He refused and stayed in banishment lest he might do anything which was not legal. Rufus moved to Smyrna. (Valer. Maxim. l. 6. c. 4. Seneca, epistle 24. Quintilian l. 11. c. 1. Dio in Excerpt. Vales. p. 638.) He was made a free citizen of that city (Cicero, pro Bibli.) and there spent his years in study. (Oros. l. 5. c. 17.) He could never be persuaded to return home to his country, (Dio in Excerpt. Vales. p. 636.) Seneca (de providentia, c. 3.) said of him:
``Is Rutilius to be looked on as unfortunate because those that condemned him will plead his cause in all ages? Because he was more contented to allow himself to be expelled from his country than to part with his banishment? Because he only of all the rest, dared to deny Sulla the dictator something and when he was called home not only would not come back, but went farther away?''
4025. Ovid (Pent. l. 1. Elea. 4.) said:
Et grave magnanimi robur mirate Rutili, Non cui reditus conditione dati: Smyrna vitum tenuit--------
Rutilius his fortitude admire, Who being called home, had rather still retire; In banishment at Smyrna than return; For Sulla's proffer he alone did scorn.
4026. Alexander, son of Ptolemy Alexander, previous king of Egypt fled from Mithridates. He was turned over by the Chians to Sulla who entertained him and had him as a close friend. Alexander went along with Sulla from Asia into Greece and from there to Rome, (Appian. l. 1. Bell. civil. p. 414. Porphyr. in Grac. Euseb. Scaliger, p. 225. fin.)
4027. Alexander Jannaeus led his army against Essa or Gerasa, where Theodorus, son of Zeno, had stored everything he had of greatest value. After he had surrounded the place with a triple wall, he finally captured it. (Joseph. l. 13. Antiq. c. 23. cf c. 21. & l. 1. Bell. c. 3, 4.)
4028. L. Muraena with the two Fimbrian (or Valesian) legions, was left behind by Sulla to arrange matters in Asia. (Appian. p. 213.) Julius Exuperantius says this concerning Sulla:
``He left Muraena, his lieutenant over the province and appointed him over the Valesian soldiers whose loyalty to the civil wars he was unsure of. With the other part of the army he marched away to suppress the Marian faction which had revolted.''
4029. That author wrote this passage as happening before Sulla started the war with Mithridates. At that time there was no Valesian or Fimbrian legions. These did not exist until after the war was ended.
4030. L. Lucullus was left as governor in Asia with Munaera the praetor. He behaved so discreetly while he had the command of the province, that he got much credit for it. (Cicero in Lucullo.) Lucullus was kept busy in Asia and was not involved in the fighting of Sulla and Marius in Italy. (Plutarch. in civil. Vita.)
4031. Sulla sailed with his fleet from Ephesus and arrived the 3rd day at Pyraeeum. After he had performed his religious duties, he went to the library of Apellicon the Teian who had many rare books of Aristotle and Theophrastus. (Plutarch in Sulla.) Apellicon was rich and had purchased Aristotle's library and many other good libraries beside. He got also into his hands by stealth from Metroum, the temple of the Phrygian goddess, the originals of the decrees which were published by their ancestors. From other cities he gathered whatever was either ancient or secret and valued as a rarity. (Athenaus, l. 5. c. 1. ex Posidon. Apameno.) For all this, he was a person who was more enamoured with the sight of the books than the study of them. He had purchased for a large sum of money from the heirs of Nileus Scepsius, the books of Aristotle and Theophrastus. Many were spoiled by water and were worm eaten. He repaired those places which were eaten out and he transcribed the books again. He supplied the missing passages as best he could so that the books he had were full of errors. When he died, Sulla took his library (Strabo, l. 13. p. 609.) and enriched his own library at Rome with it. (Lucian. in l. adversus indoctum.)
4032. Mithridates returned to Pontus and quickly subdued many of those countries which had revolted from him when he was in his low estate. (Memnon, c. 37.) He started with the Colchi. When they saw him marching toward them, they desired that his son Mithridates might be appointed king over them. As soon as this was done, they returned to their obedience. The king was jealous that his son's ambition was the cause of that action and recalled him. He bound him with chains of gold for a while and not long after this he killed him. Thus was in spite of the outstanding service he had done for him in Asia against Fimbria. (Appian, in Mithridatic. p. 213, 214.)
4033. When Sulla was at Athens, he became sick and his feet numb. Hence he sailed to Adipsus and he used the hot baths there. He passed his time watching stage plays. (Plutarch in Sylla.)
3921a AM, 4630 JP, 84 BC
4034. Sulla arrived with his army at Brundusium, in the 174th Olympiad. (Appian. Bell. Civil. l. 1. p. 401.) when L. Scipio and C. Corbanus were consuls. (Livy l. 83. Julius Obsequens deprodigiis, Eutroplus, l. 5.) He returned into Italy, on the 4th year after leaving and not after the 5th year, as Julius Obsequens stated.
4035. When the Thebans revolted from Ptolemy Lathurus, he waged war against them. (Pausan. in Attic. p. 8.)
4036. L. Lucullus was very desirous to have the Mitylenians, who had publicly revolted from Sulla, to acknowledge their fault and to submit to some easy punishment for following Manius. When he saw they grew more furious with this suggestion, he attacked them with his fleet and defeated them. They were forced to retire within their walls. While he attacked the town in the daytime he sailed in plain view toward Elea. He came back again secretly in the night and after he cast anchor, he placed an ambush near the city. The Mitylenians came rushing from the town in great disorder and very furiously. They intended to seize the enemy camp because they thought the enemy had deserted it. Lucullus attacked them before they knew what happened and captured a large number of prisoners. He killed any that resisted and led away 6000 as slaves and took with him much plunder. (Plutarch in Lucullo.)
4037. Mithridates provided a fleet and a large army to go against the Bosphoranes, who had revolted from him. The preparation he made was so considerable, that most thought (as Cicero intimates, in Oration prolege Manilia) he never intended to make use of it against the Bosphorans but against the Romans. For he had not surrendered to Ariobarzines the whole of Cappadocia but kept some places of it for himself. He also suspected that Archelaus when he was in Greece, had granted more to Sulla than was fitting in the articles of peace. (Appian. in Mithridatic. p. 214.) Archelaus hurried away in fear to L. Murena and by his instigation prevailed with him to wage war on Mithridates before he did. (Appian in his Mithridatic). Archelaus defected to Sulla, whose deputy Murena was in Asia. (Dio l. 39.) Orosius stated (l. 6. c. 2.) that he and his wife and children defected to Sulla. Hence little credit in this matter should be give to Memnon, who stated that Archelaus stayed with Mithridates and stood with him in the last Mithridatic war. (See note on 3919 AM)
4038. L. Murena had a burning desire for a triumph and renewed the war with Mithridates. (Livy l. 86. Appian. in Mithridatic. p. 213.) He passed through Cappadocia and he invaded Comana, the largest city under Mithridates' command. It was famous for its religion and costly temple. He killed some of the king's cavaliers. (Appian. in his Mithridatic p. 214.)
4039. Mithridates sent ambassadors to Murena. These were Greek philosophers and rather condemned the king than commended him in their pleading the articles of peace concluded with Sulla. Murena denied that he ever saw any such covenants. Sulla never wrote any but was content with the performance of what was agreed on between them and so left the country. After this, Murena started plundering and not sparing the money which was consecrated for holy uses. He made his winter quarters in Cappadocia. He established the kingdom more securely for Ariobarzanes than ever it was and built the city, Ecinina, on the frontiers of Mithridates' kingdom. (Memnon p. 38. Appian. p. 214.)
3921b AM, 4631 JP, 83 BC
4040. There was a mutual enmity of the Seleucians among the Syrians of both the kings. The kingdom of Syria was quite exhausted by a futile war. Therefore the people looked to foreign kings for help. Some thought to ask for help from Mithridates, king of Pontus, others to invite Ptolemy from Egypt but thought better of it. Mithridates was engaged already in a war with the Romans and Ptolemy was always a professed enemy to Syria. Hence they decided on Tigranes, king of Armenia. In addition to his own strength at home, he was allied with the Parthians and with Mithridates. He was called into the kingdom of Syria and held it 18 years (Justin. l. 40. c. 1. & 2.) until the time that Pompey took it from him and added it to the Roman Empire.
4041. 14 of those 18 years, Magadates was over Syria with an army, as Tigranes' viceroy, until the time he was forced to march away with that army to help his king. After the defeat of Tigranes, the kingdom of Syria was given by Lucullus to Antiochus Asiaticus. (Appian. in Syriac. p. 118, 119 & 133.) In the interim, Antiochus Pius, the father to Asiaticus who was dispossessed by Tygranes of Syria as far as from the Euphrates River to the sea shore and by him dispossessed also of part of Cilicia. He stayed close for a while in another part of Cilicia which neither Tigranes nor the Romans meddled with. (Appian. in Mithridatic. p. 243. Justin. l. 40. c. 2.) His wife Selene with her two sons, reigned in Phoenicia and some other parts of lower Syria. (Josephus Antiq. l. 13 c. ult, Cicero in Verrem l. 4.)
4042. Mithridates sent both to the senate and to Sulla to complain of Murena, (Appian. p. 214.) He and Murena sent ambassadors to oppose each other and asked the Heraclians for supplies. They saw the dreadful power of the Romans on the one side and they feared the closeness of Mithridates on the other side. They told the ambassadors that in such a storm of war as this, it was all they could do to protect their homes much less help others. (Memnon. c. 38.)
4043. Alexander Jannaeus captured Gaulana and Seleucia. (Josephus, l. 13. c. 23.)
3922a AM, 4631 JP, 83 BC
4044. L. Murena crossed over the large Halys River when it was swollen by heavy rains and captured 400 of Mithridates' villages. The king did not oppose him since he expected the return of his ambassadors from Rome. When Murena thought he had obtained enough booty, he returned back again into Phrygia and Galatia. Callidius who was sent to Murena from Rome after Mithridates' complaints, gave him no decree of the senate. Instead he publicly denounced him that he should not molest the king who was a confederate with the Romans. After this, he took him aside and in the presence of others, talked with him privately. In spite of this, Murena continued to invade the frontiers of Mithridates. (Appian, p. 214, 215.)
3922b AM, 4632 JP, 82 BC
4045. Some advised Murena to invade Sinope and attempt to capture the king's palace. For once that was taken, the other places would be subdued without any difficulty. However, Mithridates had well fortified that place with garrisons and now started to take action. (Memnon . c. 38.) He ordered Gordius to attack the neighbouring villages, while he got together many cattle, wagons and countrymen as well as soldiers and camped on the other side of the bank, opposite to Murena's camp. Neither side fought until Mithridates had come with a larger army and then there was a bloody fight between them. The king crossed over the river in spite of Murena's fighting. He defeated Murena and forced him to retreat to a naturally fortified hill and to hurry quickly through the mountains to get to Phrygia. He lost many of his men in both the flight and the fight. (Appian. p. 215.)
4046. News of this so famous and quick victory spread quickly. When they heard the news, many sided with Mithridates. He drove out of Cappadocia, all of Murena's garrisons of soldiers and he made a great bonfire on the top of a high hill, after his country's custom. He offered sacrifices to Stratiw Dii, or to Jupiter, "powerful in war." (Appian. p. 215.)
3923a AM, 4632 JP, 82 BC
4047. L. Cornelius Sulla was appointed dictator so that he might restore the state to its ancient customs. He allowed M. Tullius and Cornelius Dolobella to be elected as consuls although he was in charge of everything and over them too. (Appian. l. 1. Bell. civil. p. 412.) In the beginning of their consulship he triumphed gloriously over King Mithridates (Eutrop l. 5.) February 3rd as it appears by the pieces of the marble on which the triumph was engraved. This day occurred in the Julian month of November. Although that triumph was very great in regard to the stateliness of it and rarity of the spoils they had taken from the king, yet it was made more excellent by the exiles. For the most eminent men and chief of the city wore crowns on their heads and attended Sulla's chariot. They called him their deliverer and their father since by his means they were brought back to their native country and had their wives and children restored to them. (Plutarch in Sulla.)
4048. There is one thing Sulla deserved commendation for. When he resigned the command in Asia, he rode in triumph, he did not have around him anyone from the towns belonging to the Romans, as he did of many cities in Greece and Asia. (Valer. Maximus, l. 8. c. 8.) Sulla transferred 30,000 pounds of gold and 7000 of silver to the treasury which his son C. Marius had brought after the burning of the capitol and other devoted places to Praeneste. He also the day before transferred all the other spoils of the victory 50,000 pounds of gold and 150,000 of silver. (Pliny l. 33. c. 1.) From this it is obvious that the triumph lasted for 2 days.
4049. After Alexander Jannaeus had subdued the valley, called Antiochus' valley and the fort Gamala, he put Demetrius as governor of those places beside his command there. He had received many accusations against him. At just the end of the third year of his expedition, he led his army home again. The Jews gave him a hearty welcome home for his good success. At this time the Jews kept many of the cities of the Syrians, Idumaeans and Phoenicians near the sea coast. These were the towns of Straton, Apollonia, Joppe, Jamnia, Azotus, Gaza, Anthedon, Raphia, Rhinocorura. In the Mediterranean region in the country of Idumaea, Adora, Mansia, Samaria the mountains also of Carmel and Itabyr. Besides these were Scythopolis, Gadara, Gaulanitis, Seleucia and Gabala. Some Moabite cities also were Essebon, Medeba, Lemba, Oronas, Telithon, Zara, Aulon of Cilicia and Pella. The last of which they demolished because the inhabitants refused to submit to the Jewish ceremonies. They occupied some other major cities of Syria which they recently annexed to their kingdom. (Joseph. l. 13. c. 23.)
4050. L. Cornelius Sulla, thought it was unjust that Mithridates a confederate of Rome should be bothered by war. He sent Aulus Gabinius to charge Murena in good earnest to stop fighting with Mithridates and that he should try to reconcile Mithridates and Ariobarzanes to each other. At that meeting, Mithridates had given his 4 year old son as an hostage to Ariobarzanes. This was under a pretence while he still retained part of Cappadocia which he had garrisoned. He made a general entertainment for the company. During this he offered a certain weight of gold to those that could win at drinking or eating, jeering, singing and other solemn sports: Everybody participated except Gabinius. (Appian. in Mithridatic. p. 215. 216.)
4051. Thus was the 2nd Mithridatic war ended in its 3rd year (Appian. in Mithridatic. p. 215. 216.) In this war, Murena had done much injury to Mithridates. He withdrew leaving Mithridates weaker but not crushed. Cicero said in his speech for Murena his son that he was a help to his father in his difficulties, a comfort in his labours and a rejoicer in his victories. Cicero (l. 1. against Vetres) stated that the people of Milesia on Murena's orders built 10 ships from the revenues of the people of Rome as well as taxes from various Asian cities. This fleet was to serve the Romans in all wars at sea. Asconius Pedianus noted this in the same book or the Oration against Vertes.
4052. L. Lucullus spent the time of his quaestorship in the peace of Asia, while Murena was waging war in Pontus. (Cicero in Lucullo.)
4053. Sulla recalled Murena from Asia. (Cicero prolege Manilia.) M. Thermus succeeded him in the praetorship of Asia. (Sucton in Julio, c. 2.) It is likely that Lucullus was recalled from his quaestership at the same time with Murena. We think this because he sat on the bench at Rome with Aquillus Gallus who was the judge in Quintius' case. Aukus Gellius (l. 15. c. 28.) and Hierom. (in Chronic.) said this was pleaded by Cicero in his 26th year when M. Tillius and Cn. Colobella were consuls.
3923b AM, 4633 JP, 81 BC
4054. As soon as Alexander Jannaeus had a little relief from wars, he became sick with a fever for 3 years. This was caused in part by his intemperance. In spite of this he kept up his military activities. (Joseph. l. 1. Bell. c. 4. & l. 13. Antiq. c. 23.)
4055. When L. Murena came to Rome he was given an honourable triumph. His son graced his triumph with some military presents. He had served under him while he was general and made his father's victory and triumph the only purpose in his fighting. (Cicero pro Murena.)
4056. Mithridates was now at peace and subdued the Bosphorus and appointed Machares, one of his sons, to be king over that country. (Appian. p. 216.)
4057. Molo, the rhetorician, came with ambassadors to the senate concerning the rewards for the Rhodians. He was the first of any strangers that had audience without an interpreter. He deserved that honour for the Roman's eloquence was indebted to him for that force and vigour which it had. At that time, Cicero studied under him (Cicero in Bruto. Valerius Manimus, l. 2. c. 2.) as he had done also some 6 years earlier. See note on 3917b <<3763>>.
4058. Julius Caesar was sent by M. Thermus as praetor of Asia. He sent to Bithynia to get the fleet and stayed a while with Nicomedes. It was rumoured that he had prostituted his chastity for the king's lust. The rumour was strengthened when he returned again to Bithynia in a very short time under the pretence of getting some money which was due to a certain free man who was one of his clients. (Sueton. in Julio. c. 2.)
4059. Whenever L. Cornelius Sulla found among the slaves a strong young fellow, he made him a free man. He freed more than 10,000 men and he called them Cornelians, after his name. His plan was that he might have the loyalty of at least 10,000 in the city among the common people to side with him in all emergencies. (Appian. l. 1 Bell. Civil. p. 413. & 416.) Servius (on the tenth of the Eneiods), thinks Polyhistor was one of those who were made free citizens by Sulla. Alexander Polyhistor lived in Sulla's time and was made free and surnamed Cornelius. Suidas in Alexandrwtw Milhsiw. confirms that he was named after his patron Cornelius Lentulus, to whom he was sold and whose schoolmaster he was. For Suidas calls this grammarian Crateris' scholar, Milesium whom Stephanus Byzantinus claimed to be the son of Aselepiades of Cotyaeum, a city in the lesser Phrygia and to have written 42 books about all kinds of things. Eusebius cites him (l. 9. Evangelic. Praparat. c. 17.) where also he cites many passages from the book which Polyhistor wrote about the Jews.
4060. After Ptolemy Lathurus had subdued the Thebans in the 3rd year of their revolt, he fined them so much that before this they were one of the richest cities in Greece but now they were among the poorest. Pausanias (in his Atticks, p. 8.) stated this as if it belonged to the Boeotian Thebes and not to the Egyptians. Whereas we have noted from Appian (Mithridatic, p. 190.) how that almost at the very same time in which the Thebans revolted from Ptolemy that greater Thebes of Boeotia, defected from Archelaus, Mithridates' general, to Sulla the Roman general.
4061. Ptolemy Lathurus, died not long after this, (Pausanias ut supra.) 6 years and 6 months after the death of his brother Philometor. His daughter Cleopatra succeeded him and was viceroy before with him. She was the wife of Ptolemy Alexander, who was the younger brother to Lathurus and had killed his mother. She only reigned for 6 months. (Porphyr. in Grac. Euseb. Scaliger. p. 225.) Pausanias stated that of all Lathurus' descendants, only Berenice was legitimate, (ut supra) and she died before his father. He bastard son, Ptolemy, seized the kingdom of Cyprus, Cleopatra and later her Novus Dionysius, or Auletes the kingdom of Egypt. It may be that the one whom Porphyrius calls Cleopatra is the same one whom Pausanias calls Berenice.
4062. Sulla sent Alexander back to Alexandria in Egypt to be their king. He was the son of that Ptolemy Alexander and he had killed his mother. He was a good friend of Sulla and accompanied him from Asia. There were no longer any male heirs and the women were forced to marry brothers blood for their husband. Sulla hoped by this to get a good stash of gold from that wealthy kingdom. (Appian. Bell. Civil. l. 1 p. 414.)
4063. When C. Julius Caesar captured Mitylene, he was rewarded by M. Thermus, with "corona civica", (Sueton in Julio c. 2.) Mitylene was demolished to the ground and it was the only city which fighting after Mithridates was defeated. (Livy l. 89.) So that noble city by the law of war and right of conquest, was brought under the jurisdiction of the people of Rome. (Cicero in Agraria. 2.)
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4064. After Alexander had lived with his new wife Cleopatra, queen of Egypt for 19 days, he killed her. (Porphyr. ut supr.) Appian wrote that this king was very domineering and insolent because he had the backing of Sulla. She was dragged out of his palace by the Alexandrians and killed in the place of exercise. It appears from Suetonius and Cicero that he reigned 15 years after the death of his wife. This refutes the common error of historians who begin the reign of Ptolemy Auletes here and confound his years with the years of Alexander.
4065. Mithridates made raids on the Achaeans who were the neighbours to the Colchians and were (as some think) descendants of those who returned from Troy. They came there when they lost their way. They had lost two thirds of their army, one part to an ambush and the other to the harshness of the weather. (Appian. p. 216.)
4066. When Mithridates returned home, he sent some to Rome to ratify the articles of the league between him and Sulla. Ariobarzanes also sent others, either voluntarily or by the instigation of others, to state that Cappadocia was not entirely controlled by him. Mithridates had kept back the larger part for himself. Mithridates was ordered by Sulla to leave Cappadocia before the articles should be ratified. (Appian p. 216.)
4067. After the province of Cilicia was established, Cn. Dolobella was sent there to be proconsul. Cicero stated that in addition to the 3 territories of Pamphylia, Isauric and Cilicia, were added 3 others in Asia. These were the Cibyntic, Synnadensian and Appameensean located in the regions of Phrygia, Pisidia, and Lycaonia. Dolobella brought along with him, C. Malleolus as his quaester and C. Verres as his lieutenant. When they came as far as Delos, Verres had some ancient images stolen at night and to be taken secretly from the temple of Apollo and put aboard one of the cargo ships. A violent storm suddenly struck and Dolobella could not possibly sail. He had much trouble even remaining at anchor in the harbour because the huge waves beat against the ships. The ship that carried the images was wrecked by the violence of the waves. The images of Apollo were found floating toward the shore. Dolobella ordered that they should be returned to the temple. After that the storm let up and Dolobella sailed from Delos. (Cicero act. 2. in Verrem, l. 1.)
4068. Verres carried away some very beautiful images from Chios, Erythrae and Halicarnasus. He took also from Tenedos, to the great grief of the city, the statue of Tenes which was also a beautiful work. It is said that Tenes built the city and the city was named after him. (Cicero act. 2. in Verrem, l. 1.)
4069. Verres requested Dolobella that he might be sent to the kings, Nicomedes of Bithynia and Sadala of Thrace, who were allies of the people of Rome. He came to Lampsacus in the Hellespont, where Rubrius, one of his pages attempted to bring to Verres the daughter of one Philodamus, a most eminent citizen. The Lampsacens were stirred up by Themistagoras and Thessalus and came in a crowd in the night to protect the virgin's chastity. In the resulting uproar, Cornelius, Verres' lictor, was killed and some of his servants including Rubrius received some injures. They had much trouble to prevent Verres' house from being burned. At Verres' request, Dolobella, turned over the the war to him which at that time was managed by Dolobella in Cilicia. Verres marched from that province into Asia and had C. Nero, who succeeded M. Thermus in the praetorship of Asia, that Philodamus and his son be beheaded after being judged. (Cicero act. 2. in Verrem, l. 1. cf. Asconius Pedianus upon the same.)
3925a AM, 4634 JP, 80 BC
4070. Charidemus, a ship captain at Chius, was ordered by Dolobella to accompany Verres' march from Asia. He came with him as far as Samos where Verres attacked the most ancient temple of Juno of Samos and carried from there the pictures and the images. The Samians went to the Chians and charged Charidemus with this sacrilege. However, he plainly showed it was not his doing but Verres' action. Thereupon, ambassadors came from Samos to C. Nero in Asia to complain about him. They were told that such complaints as these which concerned the Roman delegate should not be handled by the praetor but by the Roman senate. (Cicero act. 2. in Verrem, l. 1.)
4071. The Milesians had a fleet which by a treaty with the Romans, the Romans could make use of at any time. Verres demanded one of those ships to escort him to Myndus. They immediately sent him the best ship they had. As soon as Verres arrived at Myndus, he ordered the soldiers and the sailors to return to Miletum on foot by land and he sold the ship to L. Magius and L. Fannius. They had left Marius' army and came to live at Myndus but later they sided with Sertorius and Mithridates. The captain of the ship told what Verres had done and the Milesians had a declaration to be entered into the public registry. However, Cn. Dolobella, by Verres' request, did his best to have the captain and they that made the declaration punished. In addition, he ordered that the declaration be removed from the records. (Cicero act. 2. in Verrem, l. 1. cf. Asconius Pedianus upon him.)
4072. C. Malleolus, C. Dolobella's quaester, was killed in the war. Verres immediately assumed the office of quaester from Dolobella. When he had that office, he began to steal Asia's wealth. (Cicero act. 2. in Verrem, l. 1.)
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4073. When the provinces were assigned to the consuls, Cilicia was given to Servilius and Macedonia to Appius. Claudius Servilius went to Tarentum to visit his colleague who was sick. He journeyed to the city of Corycum, (Salust. Histora. l. 1. apud Priscian. l. 15.) and was ordered to go to subdue the pirates. Under the leadership of Isidorus, they sailed about in the adjacent sea, between Crete, Cyrene, Achaia and the creek of Malea. From the plunder they got, the sea was called the Golden Sea. (Flor. l. 3. c. 6.) Julius Caesar served under Servilius for a very short time (Sueton. in Julio, c. 3.) and L. Flaccus was the tribune of the soldiers. (Cicero pro Flacco.)
4074. Cn. Dolobella was recalled home from his province of Cilicia and accused of extortion at Rome by a young man, M. Emilius Scaurus. He was condemned and sent away into banishment. The amount was estimated at 3 million sesterces based on this. His quaester C. Verres had exacted more than was required from the cities of Lycia, Pamphylia, Pisidia, and Phrygia in grain, hides, fur clothes, sacks and such wares. He did not receive the goods but demanded money for them. Verres was the main witness against him. For Verres was unwilling to give account of his lieutenantship and his questorship until such time that Dolobella, who was the only one who knew his faults, was condemned and bannished. (Cicero, act. 2. in Verre l. 1. Vid. Piphis Annal. Rom. tom. 3. p. 280, 281. & 286. 287.)
3926a AM, 4635 JP, 79 BC
4075. Alexander Jannaeus died in the garrisons from his fever and exhausion from his battles. He reigned 27 years. At that time, he was besieging Ragaba citadel which is located beyond Jordan. On his death bed, he advised his wife Alexandra, to hide his death for a while from the soldiers and that after she returned victorious to Jerusalem, she should give the Pharisees a little more freedom than normal. The Pharisess had a large influence on the Jews, when they wanted to, either as a friend or as an enemy. The common people placed much confidence in them, though they were prone through envy to impeach any man. Alexander was disliked by the Jews because he had offended the Pharisees. Therefore, he persuaded her that she should yield that they might have his funeral and that she would not do anything in matters of government without their knowledge and approval. Hence he would receive an honourable burial and she and her son would reign without problems. (Joseph l. 1. Bell. Judaic. c. 4. & l. 13. Antiq. c. 23. cf. l. 20. c. 8.)
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4076. Queen Alexandra, also called Selena by ecclesiastical writers, captured the citadel of Ragaba. She did everything her husband requested. She let the Pharisees make the funeral arrangements and control the kingdom. Thereby she made them her friends who before were her worst enemies. The Pharisees assembled the common people and made a speech to them. They praised the famous exploits of Alexander and bemoaned what a good king they had lost. They so affected the people that they all grieved in their hearts and cried. No king before him had such a stately funeral. (Joseph. Antiq. l. 13. c. 24.)
4077. When Alexander was dying, he made his will. He left the administration of the kingdom to his wife Alexandra and also the election of the high priest to her discretion. She declared Hyrcanus, her oldest son, as high priest. She did not do this because he was the oldest but he was quite pliable and would not threaten her power in any way. Her younger son, Aristobulus, was quite content to live as a private citizen and he had a more fiery disposition than his brother. She governed the kingdom for 9 years, while her son Hyrcanus held the high priesthood. She was very gracious with the people because of the favour she was in with the Pharisees and she seemed to be greatly troubled by her husband's excesses. She was a queen in name only for the Pharisees managed all the state affairs. The people were expressly charged to obey them. So that, she restored all the laws which Hyrcanus her father-in-law had set aside that were made by the Pharisees according to the traditions of their elders. The Pharisees ordered the recall of all the exiles and for the release of prisoners. She managed some things and directly maintained a large number of mercenary soldiers. She increased her strength so much that she was a formidable force to the neighbouring princes and took hostages from them. (Josephus Antiq. l. 13. c. 24. cf. l. 26. c. 8. & l. 1. Belli. c. 4.)
4078. Mithridates restored all Cappadocia to Ariobarzanes according to Sulla's orders. After this he sent embassies to Rome to get the articles of the peace to be ratified. (Appian. p. 216.)
4079. When M. Lepidus, and Q. Catulus were consuls, Sulla died. (Livy l. 90. Appian. l. 1. Bell. Civil. p. 416.) He finished the 22nd book of his commentaries, two days before his death. He said that the Chaldeans had foretold to him that after he had lived very splendidly for a while, he would die in the height of his greatness. (Plutarch in Sulla.) He bequeathed in his will his commentaries to Lucullus. On his death bed, he appointed him as the guardian to his son and did not appoint Pompey. This was thought to be the cause of the animosity between Pompey and Lucullus in the desire for greatness. (Plutarch in Lucullo.)
4080. M. Cicero had been 6 months at Athens with Antiochus Ascalonita. He was a most famous and wise philosopher of the ancient academies and along with Demetrius Syrus, a well experienced and extaordinary orator. When Cicero heard of Sulla's death, he sailed into Asia and travelled across that country. He exercised his gift of oratory with the best orators in those parts. The best of them were, Menippus a Stratonician (surnamed Catocas of Caria) Dionysius Magnes, Aeschylus a Cnidian and Xenocles an Adramyttean. (Cicero in Bruto, & Plutarch in Cocerone cf. Strabo l. 13. p. 614. & l. 14. p. 660. and with Diogenes Latertius in Menippo.)
4081. At the same time, a certain woman of Miletum was sentenced to death, for she had induced an abortion by some medicines. She was paid to do this by those who were the second heirs of her estate. She got what she deserved for by that action she destroyed her hope of being a parent. Her name would not be carried on and she would not have the support of a son or daughter, the heir of a family and in all likelihood, a citizen of the state. (Cicero pro Aulo Cluentio.)
4082. P. Servilius, the proconsul, subdued Cilicia. He overwhelmed the pirates' lightly armed ships with his large warships and obtained a bloody victory over them. (Livy l. 90. Flor. l. 3. c. 6. Eutrop. l. 6.) He attacked Cilicia and Pamphylia with such force that he almost utterly destroyed them when he only wanted to subdue them. (Oros. l. 5. c. 23.)
4083. When Julius Caesar heard of the news of Sulla's death, he left Cilicia and returned quickly to Rome. (Sueton in Julio, c. 3.)
4084. When Sulla was dead, Mithridates heard nothing from the magistrates at Rome concerning his embassy he sent to the senate. The king bribed Tigranes, his son-in-law, to invade Cappadocia. The plot was not done that secretly since the Romans had an idea of what was going on. (Appian. in Mithridatic. p. 216.) Salust (l. 1 histor.) mentions L. Philippus, in a speech of his at that time before the senate against Lepidus. He said this:
``Mithridates lies at the borders of our revenues which while we yet enjoy, he is watching for an opportunity to make war on us.''
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4085. Tigranes surrounded Cappadocia so none could escape from him. He brought away with him from there about 300,000 men and carried them into Armenia and gave them places with others to live. One place was the city where he was crowned king of Armenia called Tigranocerta, that is, the city of Tigranes. (Id. ibid.) He built that city between Iberia and Zugma, which lies near the Euphrates River and populated with those men he deported from the 12 cities of Greece which he had conquered. (Strabo, l. 11. p. 532.) In that city there was a number of Greeks who were driven out of Cilicia and many barbarians who shared the same fate as the Greeks. He resettled the Adiabenians, Assyrians, Gordyens and Cappadocians there after he had wasted their various countries. (Plutarch in Lucullo.) At this same time as he wasted Cappadocia with his raids, he drove the Mazacenians from their land. He deported them to Mesopotamia and populated the larger part of Tigranocerta with those inhabitants. (Strabo, l. 12. c. 539.)
4086. Geminus, an excellent mathematician, wrote his book of astronomy from which Proclus' Sphaere is taken. Geminus' book was written 120 years after the Egyptians celebrated the festival of Isia. This happened according to Eudoxus on the winter solstice or the 28th of December. (Strabo c. 6. See note on 3807a AM <<3012>>.)
3927b AM, 4637 JP, 77 BC
4087. When M. Cicero came to Rhodes, he studied under Molon whom he had previously heard at Rome. Molon was an excellent lawyer for honest causes and a good writer. He was also very discreet in correcting and noting faults and a wise instructor. In teaching Cicero, he did the best he could to keep Cicero on the right way and to repress in him his youthful licentiousness and excesses. (Cicero in Bruto.)
4088. At the same time Apollonius, a great teacher of oratory became famous. Strabo surnames him Mklakos, or "the soft", and others called him, Molo. This is the reason that some, including Quintilian (l. 12. c. 6.) confused him with the other Molon. They were both Alabandians from Caria and students of Menecles the Alabandsan. They both came from his school and practised their art at Rhodes. Molon came there later than the other and this was the reason why Apollonius named him like Homer, Osyimolan (Strabo, l. 14. p. 655, 660, 661.) Cicero always called one of them Molon and the other (l. 1. de oratore) he called Apollonius the Alabandian. M. Antonius is brought in speaking of him thus:
``For this one thing, I have always liked that famous teacher, Apollonius the Alabandian. Although he taught for money, yet he did not allow any whom he thought incapable of being made an orator, to waste their time with him but sent them home again. His custom was to exhort and persuade everyone to apply himself to that art whom he judged most fit and inclined to it.''
4089. It is reported about Apollonius, that he was not well versed in Latin and he desired Cicero to speak in Greek. Cicero was satisfied with the request and thought that Apollonius would be better able to correct his mistakes. While others stood in amazement and admired Cicero and others strived to out do one another in praising him, Apollonius was noted not to look cheerfully anytime while Cicero was speaking. When he had finished speaking, Apollonius thought for a good time and looked as if he were musing and pensive. At last, when he knew that Cicero noted his behaviour he said:
``Truly, Cicero I commend and admire you. Yet I cannot but pity Greece's condition when I see that the only two things of value which were left to us, learning and eloquence, also should be by you carried away to the Romans.'' (Plutarch in Cicero.)
4090. Cicero heard Posidonius, the philosopher at Rhodes, as Plutarch stated and Cicero includes himself in those that were taught by him. (in l. 1. de natura Deorum, & l. de fato.) Posidonius was a philosopher of the Stoic sect and was born at Apamea in Syria. In time he was made a citizen of Rhodes. He was called a Rhodian. (Strabo, l. 14. p. 654. Athenaeus l. 6. c. 6.) However, Josephus wrote that Posidonius and Apollonius of Malon, or Molon (as it is written elsewhere) gave Apion the grammarian the material for those stories concerning the Jews and their temple. (l. 2. contra Apion, p. 1065.) By the name of the first, he means this Posidonius the Apamenian, Cicero's teacher in the Stoic philosophy, from the books of whose histories, we have quoted so many passages previously. By the name of the latter he means that Apollonius whom we spoke last of or rather that Molon his equal. Cicero (in his Bruto) stated that Molon was among the writers and by some he is deemed to be one and the same person with that Apollonius.
4091. P. Servilius, the proconsul in Cilicia, subdued some cities of the pirates. (Livy l. 93.) He demolished the city Isaura and destroyed many forts which the pirates held along the sea coast. Strabo says that he had seen Servilius. (l. 12. p. 568, 569. & l. 14. p. 665.) He took Lycia also and its cities of note. He besieged them and forced them to surrender. In addition, he roved all over the mountain of Olympus and levelled to the ground three large cities, Olympus, Phaselis and Corycum. He was the first of any Romans that led an army through the Taurus Mountains. He made it the end of his march and controlled the side of the mountains which faced Cilicia. He brought the Isauri who were quite worn out from the wars, under the power of the Romans. (Oros. l. 5. c. 23. cf. Florus, l. 3. c. 6. & Salust. l. 1. Histor. apud Priscianum l. 15. & Asconuis Pedianus, in 3. Verrinam & Eutropius. l. 6.) Cicero in his first and second Agraria, confirmed that the countries of the Attalians, Phaselians, Olympians, Agarenses, Orindians and Gedusians were added to the people of Rome by Servilius' victory. Cicero (in 40 contra Verrim l.) adds this passage particularly concerning Phaselis. Phaselis which P. Servilius took was not at first a city of Cilicians and thieves. The Lycians, who were Greeks, lived there. Since it had a good location and was so high and strong, the pirates who came from Sicily resorted there. The pirates were associated with that town, first by commerce, and later by an alliance.
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4092. L. Magius and L. Fannius were renegades from Fimbria's army and allied themselves with Mithridates. They persuaded him to ally himself with Sertorius who was then fighting to subdue a Spanish rebellion against the Romans. Mithridates sent these two men as his ambassadors with letters to Sertorius and promised him a supply of money and ships for the war and in return he wanted him to confirm all of Asia to him. Mithridates had surrendered Asia to the Romans according to the articles of peace between him and Sulla.
4093. The ambassadors came to Italy in that small ship which the Mindians bought from Verres. From there they hurried to get to Sertorius. The senate declared them as enemies to the state and ordered them to be apprehended. In spite of all that they came safely to Sertorius. He assembled his friends and called the meeting his senate. He would not allow those conditions although all the rest were favourable. He denied that he would ever give away Asia which Mithridates had unjustly taken from the Romans and Fimbria had recaptured in war. He referred back to the articles with Sulla which said Asia should never be under Mithridates' power again. Sertorius would allow Mithridates to keep Bithynia and Cappadocia, which had always been under his command and did not at all belong to the people of Rome. An alliance based on the following terms was concluded between them and confirmed by mutual oaths. Mithridates should supply Sertorius with 3000 talents and 40 ships. Sertorius in return should make him a grant of Cappadocia and Bithynia. (In addition Appian adds, Paphlagonia and Galatia and even all Asia.) Sertorius should send him a general and soldiers. Sertorius sent to Asia, M. Marius as a general for Mithridates. (Appian calls him, Varius.) He was one of the banished senators. He sent with him Lucius Magius and Lucius Fannius to be his advisers. They sailed from Dianiusm, a sea town of Spain and arrived at Sinope in Pontus where Mithridates was. When they told the king that Sertorius had denied him Asia, the king said to his friends:
``What will Sertorius sitting in his palace demand after this? Although he is as far away from us as the Atlantic Ocean, he thinks he can set the boundaries of our kingdom and denounce us if we should attempt to recapture Asia?''
4094. In spite of all this, Marcus Marius made a league with him agreeable to Sulla's peace treaty. The king kept Marius with himself and in a very short time made him a general in the place of Archelaus who had deserted him and defected to Sulla. (Cicero, pro lege Manilia. & pro Murena, item. act. in Verrem, l. 1. cf. Asconius Pedianus in eundem. Livy l. 93. Plutarch in Sertorio. Appian in Mithridatic. p. 216, 217. Oros. l. 6. c. 2.)