Diodorus Siculus

BOOK XIII - The Library of History




Page 318 more Ships from their Confederates, lest they should be overpower'd by Number.

While the Athenians were thus busied, Mindarus with the Lacedemonian Fleet in the Night, with all speed makes for the Hellespont, and the next Day arriv'd at Sigeum. The Athenians hearing that they were sail'd off from Chios, having receiv'd from their Confederates at the present only Three Gallies, made after the Lacedemonians; but when they came to Sigeum, they found the Lacedemonians were sail'd from thence, save only Three Gallies, which fell forthwith into their Hands. Loosing from thence, they came to Eleuntis, where they prepar'd themselves for a Sea-Fight. On the other side the Lacedemonians when they saw their Enemies were fitting themselves for a Conflict, they likewise for Five Days together imploy'd themselves in exercising and trying their Rowers, and then order'd their Fleet, which consisted of Eighty Eight Sail, into a Line of Battel, and stood towards the Asian Shoar. The Athenians on the other side, drew out theirs all along the Tract lying upon the Borders of Europe; they were indeed fewer in number, but far more skilful in Sea-Affairs. The Lacedemonians plac'd the Syracusians in the Right Wing, commanded by Hermocrates; the Peloponesians in the Left, under the Command of Mindarus. On the part of the Athenians, Thrasyllus commanded the Right, and Thrasybulus the Left Wing. At the first the great Contest was for the Tide, each striving to gain that. For a long time therefore they sail'd round one another; at length being in a narrow Sea, they fought for a commodious Station. For the Battel being between Sestus and Abydus, the Tide in those Streights was a great disadvantage to that side it forc'd upon. But the Athenian Pilots far excelling the other, by that means did notable Service, in many respects for the obtaining of the Victory.

For although the Peloponesians exceeded the other in Number of their Ships, and Valour of the Assailants, yet the Skill and Diligence of the Athenian Pilots over-ballanc'd all this, and made it of no effect; for when the Peloponesians with all their Force strove to pierce them, the Athenian Ships were plac'd in such excellent order, that no part of their Ships could be toucht, save only the very end of their Beaks. Upon which, Mindarus considering that they assaulted them in vain, commanded that a few Ships, singly by themselves should cope with the Enemy: But neither in this case was the diligence of the Pilots wanting; for with a little motion they easily declin'd the strokes of the Beaks of their Enemies Ships, and so pierced them in their broad-sides, that they disabled many. At length the Dispute waxing very hot, they not only pierc'd one another's Ships with their Beaks, but the Souldiers on the Decks Fought Hand to Hand: But neither side as yet could prevail. And now in the very heat of the Battel, there appear'd beyond a Promontory Five and Twenty Sail sent from Athens. Upon which the Peloponesians being in a Consternation at this suddain reinforcement, tackt about for Abydus, and were closely and eagerly pursu'd by the Athenians. And thus ended the Battel, in which all the Ships of the Syracusians, Palleneans and Leucadians, Eight of the Chians, Five of the Corinthians, and Eleven of the Ambraciats were taken by the Athenians, who on the other side lost Five, which were sunk. After this, the Army under Thrasybulus, erected a Trophy in the Promontory, where stands the Monument of Hecuba; and Messengers were sent to Athens, to give intelligence of the Victory; and he himself sail'd with the whole Fleet to Cyzion: For this City a little before the Battel, had revolted to Pharnabazus, Governour under Darius, and to Clearchus the Lacedemonian General. This Place not being fortify'd, was presently surrender'd, and after the Tribute agreed upon, was paid by them of Cyzium, the Fleet return'd to Sestus.

In the mean time, Mindarus the Laoedemonian Admiral, who fled to Abydus, resits the Shipping, and orders Epicles the Spartan to Eubea, to bring to him Gallies from thence; who hastens thither, and gets together Fifty Sail, and fothwith made to Sea; but in passing under Mount Athos, was overtaken with such a violent Tempest, that all the Fleet was lost, and not a Man escap'd, save only Twelve. In memory of this, there is an Inscription on a Monument at Coronea, as Ephorus observes in these Words.





Previous Forward

Bibliotheca Historica


The first five books

The last ten books

Contents



Free Books


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.