Page 261 After this, Ducetius Prince of the Siculi, reduced all the Cities of the same Nation (except Hybla) into one Society and Community. This Man being both Wise and Valiant, bent his Mind for the accomplishing of something great and unusual; for having a rich Treasury, he remov'd the City Neas, the Place of his Birth, into a plain Champain Ground, and built a famous City near the Temple of the Palici (as they are call'd) from whom he call'd the City Palicon. And because those Deities now fall in our way, it's not fit we should altogether pass by the strange and indeed incredible Stories that are related concerning this Temple, and especially that great wonder there call'd the Craters. For they say, that this Temple is to be preferr'd before all others, both for Antiquity and Religious Worship, especially for the strange and wonderful things done there.
And first in this Temple, there are hollows in the Earth, call'd Craters, not very large in compass, but of incredible depth, from whence break out great sparks of Fire and Water, like as from boiling Pots or Caldrons. The Water cast forth, resembles so many Streams of Fire; but there's no certainty what it is, for none hitherto ever durst approach it: For the violent irruption of the Fiery Matter is so wonderful, that it seems to be the immediate effect of some divine Power. It smells like Brimstone, as most predominant, and the bottomless Gulf roars and makes a most dreadful and horrible noise. And that which is far more to be admir'd is this, That this River of Fire neither flows nor makes any stay upon the Land, but in a continual motion, with an amazing force, hurls it self up into the Air. This Place therefore by these wonderful instances of some Divine Presence, being accounted Sacred, the most Solemn and Sacred Oaths were used here to be taken, and due Punishments were without delay executed by the Deity, upon the Perjur'd Person; For it hath been observ'd, that many such have been struck blind as they have gone out of the Temple. And the great Veneration that Persons have had for the Place, has often been the occasion that matters of great Controversy (where Might was likely to overcome Right) have been decided by an Oath in this Place. This Temple likewise at some times, is a Place of Refuge, and a special help for injured Servants to protect them against the cruelty of their Severe Masters. For they who fly thither, cannot be drawn thence, but continue safe there, till by the Mediation of Friends they are reconcil'd to their Masters, and mutual Oaths taken for the faithful Performance of what is promis'd on both sides. And it was never known, that ever any broke his Faith with his Servant in such a case, such an awe (through the fear of the Gods) was upon them. This Temple is situated in a most pleasant Plain, adorn'd with beautiful Porches, Galleries and other stately Buildings, becoming the dignity of the Gods. But of this sufficient is said. And now we return to what we were before relating.
Deucetius after he had wall'd in his new City Palicon, divided the Country adjacent among the Inhabitants. They grew wonderfully rich in a short time, both by reason of the fruitfulness of the Soil, and the multitude of the People. But this Sun-shine lasted not long, for destroy'd it was, and lies waste and desolate to this Day. The reason of which shall be declared in its proper Place.
In Italy, after the Sacking of Sibaris by the Crotonians, one Thessalus, about Eight and Fifty Years after getting together the remnant of the Sibarites, rebuilt Sibaris, situated between two Rivers, Sybaris and Crathis. But the Sibarites growing rich suddenly by reason of the fruitfulness of the Soil, possess'd the City only Six Years, and were again ejected; which we intend to relate more fully in the following Book.
The Histories of Herodotus written in 440 BC is considered to be the founding work of history in Western literature. His history included stories and fables but he claimed to have traveled extensively and learned about many countries through direct observation.
The thesis of Stolen Legacy is that the Egyptians created what is wrongly called Greek philosophy. Dr. James argues that the African origin of Greek Philosophy is well known but rarely discussed. Ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus and Diodorus the Sicilian wrote in significant detail about the contributions of Egypt. Egyptian technology and libraries were unmatched and Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras and Plato studied there. The contribution of Africa to the intellectual foundation of modern knowledge is tremendous but unacknowledged.
The Library of History by Diodorus the Sicilian is one of the most highly regarded universal histories in antiquities. His work includes the history of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece and Europe. His book is a must read for research of ancient history.
Bible Study The King James Bible (kjv), World English Bible (web) and Bible in Basic English (bbe) are all examples of public domain books. The King James Bible (kjv) online uses the content from these books and open source software to enhance Bible study capabilities. The site includes the verse of the day, search tools, christian literature and links to related content. It demonstrates the use of open source to create a valuable service.