Page 285 whole Island of Sicily. These were the Reasons induced them to resolve to assist the Leontines, and to that end sent them an Hundred Sail of Ships, under the command of Lachetes and Chabrias. With these they arriv'd at Rhegium, and from their Colonies there and at Calcidea, they had an Hundred Ships more, which join'd with the former; from thence they loos'd, and came first to the Lipare Islands, where they ravag'd the Country, because they were Confederates of the Syracusians. Then they made to Locris, and took Five Ships belonging to the Locrians, and besieg'd one of their Castles. The Siculi bordering upon the Myleans coming to their aid, the Armies engag'd, and the Athenians were Conquerors, and kill'd above a Thousand of their Enemies, and took no fewer than Six Hundred Prisoners: And presently after they took the Castle by Storm. In the mean time, Forty Ships more were sent to the Fleet by the Athenians, to carry on the War with more Vigour, under the command of Eurymedon and Sophocles. And when they were all join'd, they made up a Fleet of Two Hundred and Fifty Sail. But while the War was carrying on, the Leontines by their Embassadors, struck up a Peace with them of Syracuse: Upon which, the Athenian Fleet, return'd Home. But the Syracusians receiv'd all the Leontines into the City, and made them all free of Syracuse, and from that time appointed the City Leontium to be a Fort or Garrison of the Syracusians. And this was the Condition of Sicily at this time.
In Greece, they of the Island Lesbos revolted from the Athenians: And the Reason was, because all the Inhabitants of the Cities throughout Lesbos, were by order and decree of the Athenians, remov'd and brought into Mitylene. For this Reason also they entred into a League with the Lacedemonians, and advis'd them how they might become Masters at Sea. To accomplish which Design, they promis'd them a great number of Ships: The Spartans gave a very quick ear to this, and whilst they were preparing a Navy, the Athenians were before them, and commanded Clinippides with Forty Sail, forthwith to waft over an Army into Lesbos; who being joyn'd with other Confederates, made for Mitylene; and in a Sea-Fight routed the Mityleans, and then besieged them.
Hereupon the Lacedemonians resolved to assist them of Mitylene, and to that end prepared a brave Navy; but the Athenians enforc'd their Army with a Thousand Men more sent into Lesbos, before the Lacedemonians arriv'd. Paches, the Son of Epiderus, was General of this Expedition, who when he arriv'd at Mitylene (joining with the former Army) laid a more strait Siege to the Place; and contiually assaulted the City both by Sea and Land. The Lacedemonians in the mean time, sent Five and Forty Ships, under the Command of Alcidas, to assist the Mitylenes; and again invaded Attica, with the assistance of their Confederates; who fell upon those Places that were before untouch'd, and after they had most shamefully pillaged and wasted the Country, they return'd Home. But the Mitylenes, oppress'd with Famine, the Sword, and seditious Tumults, upon Conditions surrender the City. After which a Council was held at Athens what they should do with them of Mitylene: There was one Cleon an Orator, a cruel and violent spirited Man, stir'd up the People to kill all the Mitylenes, that were Men grown up, and to sell all the Women and Children for Slaves. The Athenians voted it to be so as Cleon had perswaded them, and sent Messengers to Mitylene, to acquaint the Governor with the Decree. When Paches had read it, another to the contrary presently came to his Hand; upon which, Paches understanding the Athenians had chang'd their Minds, with great joy call'd the Mitylenes together, and both remitted their faults, and likewise freed them from their fears. But the Athenians demolished the Walls of Mitylene, and divided the whole Island of Lesbos by Lot, except the Lands belonging to Methymna. And this was the issue of the Lesbean defection from Athens.
About the same time, the Lacedemonians (still carrying on the Siege at Platea) drew a Wall round the City, and fortify'd it with several Forts and strong Guards for its Defence. The Siege continuing long, and no Relief coming from Athens, the Besieg'd were greatly press'd both with want of Provision, and the loss of many of the Citizens who were cut off in the frequent Assaults. All therefore being doubtful what the issue might be, a Council was call'd to advise what was fit to be done in order to their Preservation. Many thought it most advisable to capitulate; but there were others, to the number of Two Hundred,
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.