Page 304 In the mean time the Syracusians in order to a Sea-Fight before determin'd, made out with a Fleet of Fourscore Sail well Mann'd, against the Enemy; whom the Athenians met with a Fleet of Sixty Sail, whereupon began a fierce Fight: And now the Athenians came running to the Sea-side from every Quarter, from their Posts and Forts, some out of Curiosity to see the Engagement, others to be assistant to their Countrymen in their Flight, in case they should be worsted. The Syracusian Officers foreseeing the Athenians were likely to do, as now they did, had before given secret Orders to those that were left as a Guard for the City, to Assault the Forts of the Athenians which were full of Money, Naval Preparations, and other Provisions. The Syracusians therefore easily possess'd themselves of the Forts, which were slightly guarded, and made a great Slaughter of them that came from the Sea-shoar in aid of their Fellows. Hereupon a great Noise and Clamour being made about the Forts, and in the Camp, the Athenians Souldiers now engag'd at Sea, were struck with great Terrour, and gave back, and at length betook themselves to the defence of the Forts and Fortresses that were left; whom the Syracusians pursu'd, without observing any order. Whereupon the Athenians discerning there was no hope nor way left of escaping at Land, (for that the Syracusians had possess'd themselves of Two of their Forts) tackt about, and were forc'd to renew the Fight: Upon which, with their whole Fleet, in a Line of Battel, they fell upon the Syracusians (who were separated one from another, and had their Line broken and disordered by the Pursuit) and sunk Eleven of their Ships, pursuing the rest to the Island. After the Fight, both sides set up a Trophy, the Athenians for their Victory at Sea, and the Syracusians for their Success at Land. The Fight at Sea having this Issue, and the Victory so hardly obtain'd, the Athenians (understanding that Demosthenes within a few Days would be with them with a Fleet, were resolved not to attempt any thing further, till those Forces arriv'd. The Syracusians on the contrary resolv'd to lay all at stake, and try the utmost by force of Arms, before the Army of Demosthenes came up. And to that end, they fac'd the Athenian Fleet, and did all they could every Day to provoke them to a Battel.
About that time Aristo a Corinthian Commander of a Vessel, advis'd the Syracusians to make the Fore-Castles of their Ships shorter and lower, which was of great advantage to them in Fights at Sea afterwards: For the Fore-Castles of the Athenian Gallies were both very slender and high built, by reason whereof their Beaks made no impression, but where they met with those equal in height; and therefore the Enemy receiv'd no great Prejudice by them. But the Vessels of the Syracusians (having their Fore-Decks low and strong built,) often at the first Stroke sunk the Athenian Gallies.
The Syracusians (as is before related) many Days dar'd the Athenians to Fight both by Sea and Land, but all to no purpose; for they kept close, and would not be drawn forth by any means. But afterwards (some of the Officers of the Fleet not being able longer to indure the Insolencies of the Syracusians) part of the Navy set upon them in the great Haven, which at length engag'd the whole Fleet. The Athenians indeed excell'd the other in the swiftness of their Gallies, and in the expertness and diligence of the Sea-men: But because the fight was in a strait and narrow Place, this advantage was of no use to them.
The Syracusians therefore being confusedly mixt with their Enemies, and giving them no respite or time to withdraw, they drove them from off their Decks and their Fore-Castles, with Stones and Spears. And when they had with the Beaks of their Ships pierc'd through many of the Enemy's Gallies, they boarded them, and the Fight seem'd within the Ships, just like a Battel at Land. All things thus going to rack on the Athenians side, they fled outright with great precipitation; whom the Syracusians pursu'd close, and sunk Seven of their Gallies, and disabled many more.
The Syracusians being now grown confident, by their late Victories both at Sea and Land, presently arrives Eurimedon and Demosthenes, with a great Army from Athens, and with many Auxiliaries from Thurium and
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.