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the Athenians in the Peloponesian War, when they took many of the Lacedemonians in the Illand Sphacteria, yet restor'd them to the Spartans upon Ransom. The Lacedemonians likewise when many of the Athenians and their Confederates fell into their Hands, used the like Clemency; and it was Honourably done of them both: For Grecians should lay aside their Enmity after Conquest, and forbear Punishment after the Enemy is subdu'd. He that revenges himself upon the Conquered, after he hath submitted to Mercy, punishes not an Enemy, but rather wickedly insults over the weakness of Mankind. Concerning this severity one made use of these Savings of the ancient Philosophers, O man! be not overwise. Know thy self. Consider Fortune commands all things. What I beseech you was the Reason that all the Grecians in former Ages, after their Victories, did not make their Trophies of Stone, but of ordinary Wood? Was it not that as they continu'd but a short time, so the Memory of former Feuds and Differences should in a little time vanish? If you are resolv'd to perpetuate your Hatred and Animosities, then learn first to slight the inconstancy of Humane Affairs. Many times a small occasion, and a little turn of Fortune, has given a check to the Insolencies of the Proudest of Men. And if you purpose at any time to put an end to the War (which is probable) how can you have a better opportunity than this, in which by your Mercy and Clemency towards the Conquered, you lay the Foundations of Peace and Amity? Do you think the Athenians by this loss in Sicily, have no more Forces left, who are Lords almost of all the Islands of Greece, and of the Sea-Coasts of Europe and Asia? For not long ago, though they lost Three Hundred Gallies in Egypt, yet they compell'd the King (who seem'd to be the Conqueror) to make Peace with them upon Terms on his Part dishonourable. And heretofore though Xerxes had destroy'd their City, yet not long after they overcame him, and became Masters of all Greece. This noble City thrives in the midst of the greatest Calamities, and nothing small and mean is the subject of any of its Consultations. And therefore it is both honourable and profitable, that we should rather (by sparing the Captives) enter into a League of Friendship with them, than to widen the breach by destroying of them. For if we put them to Death, we only gratify our Rage with a little unprofitable Pleasure for the present; but if we preserve them, they (whom we use so well) will be for ever grateful, and from all Mankind, we shall reap eternal Praise and Honour. Yea, but may some say, some of the Grecians have kill'd their Prisoners. What then? if they have been prais'd and honour'd for this Cruelty, let us then imitate them who have been so careful to preserve their Honour; but if the best and chiefest among us justly condemn them, let not us do the same things with them, who did apparently so wickedly. As long as these Men who have yielded up themselves to our Mercy, suffer nothing sad and doleful from us, all the Nations will blame the Athenians: But when they hear that you have destroy'd the Prisoners against the Law of Nations, all the Shame and Disgrace will fall upon your selves. And if there be any regard to desert, we may consider that the glory of the City of Athens is such, that all acknowledge themselves bound to be grateful for the Benesits and Advantages reapt from thence. These are they who first enobled Greece with civil Education; for when by the special bounty of the Gods, it was only among them, they freely imparted it to all others. These fram'd Laws, by means whereof, Men that before lived like Beasts, were brought into orderly Society to live together according to the Rules of Justice: These were they who first of all protected those in Distress that fled to them, and caused the Laws for the receiving and defending of Suppliants in such case, to be inviolably observ'd amongst all other Nations; and it were a most unworthy thing now to deny the benefit of those Laws to them who were the Authors of them. And thus much in general to all. And now I shall hint something particularly to some of you, concerning the Duties incumbent upon such as should have regard to the welfare and happiness of Mankind. You that are the Orators and Men of Learning of this City, You I say have Compassion on them, whose Country is the Nursery of all Learning, and honourable Education. All you who are initiated into the Holy Mysteries, spare and save those by whom ye were instructed. You who have reaped any advantage by ingenious Education, now be grateful for that advantage. You who hereafter hope for improvement
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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.