Page 321 to the Carthaginians for Aid; which being readily promis'd on both sides, this was the beginning of the Carthaginian War. The Carthaginians foreseeing the greatness of the War, committed the whole management thereof to Hannibal, giving him power to raise what Forces he thought sit, they themselves in the mean time providing all things necessary. Hannibal all that Summer, and the next Winter, raises many Mercenary Souldiers in Spain, and lists a great number of his own Citizens; and besides these, raises Men in every City throughout all Africa, and equips out a Fleet, intending the next Spring to pass over all his Forces into Sicily. In this Condition were the Affairs of Sicily at that time.
In the mean time Dorieus the Rhodean Admiral of the Italian Gallies, as soon as he had quieted the Tumult in Rhodes, passed over to the Hellespont, with a purpose to join Mindarus, who then lay at Abydus, getting together from all Parts, what Vessels he could from the Peloponesian Confederates. When Dorieus was come as far as Sigeum of Troas, the Athenians (who then lay at Anchor at Sestos) having intelligence of his Course, made out against him with their whole Fleet of Seventy Four Sail. Dorieus altogether ignorant of the Preparations against him, sails on securely: But when he understood what a powerful Navy was making towards him, he was in great Consternation, and seeing no other means left to escape, fled to Dardanum, where he landed his Men; and placing a Garrison in the City, he forthwith furnish'd the Place with abundance of Arms, and plac'd his Souldiers, some upon the Foredecks of his Vessels, and others all along upon the Shoar. But the Athenians making up suddenly upon them; endeavour'd to hale off the Ships from the Shoar; and by pressing upon the Enemy in so many Places at once, they almost wearied them out. Mindarus the Peloponesian Admiral, hearing the Distress Dorieus was in, forthwith set Sail from Abidos with his whole Fleet, and made for the Promontory of •Dardanum, with Fourscore and Four Sail to assist him. The Land Forces likewise of Pharnabazus were near at Hand, to support the Lacedemonian Fleet. When the Navies came near one to another, both sides prepar'd to Fight. Mindarus commanding a Fleet of Ninety Seven Sail, plac'd the Syracusians in the Left Wing, and he himself commanded the Right. On the Athenians, Thrasybulus led the Right, and Thrasyllus the Left Wing. The Lines of Battel being thus disposed on both sides, and the Sign given by the Admirals, the Trumpets all at once sounded a Charge. And now the Rowers neglecting nothing on their part, and the Pilots every where minding with all diligence their several Helms, a Bloody Fight began. For as often as the Ships forc'd forwards to pierce one another, so often did the Pilots at the same instant of time carefully move and turn the Ship, that the Stroaks only fell upon the Beaks of the Vessels. The Souldiers upon the Decks when at first they saw their Broad-sides lye open to the Assaults of the Enemy, began to be discourag'd, but then again presently when they discern'd that the Charge made by the Enemy upon them was eluded by the Art of the Pilot, their Spirits and Courage reviv'd. Neither were they less active, who fought upon the Decks, for they who were at a distance, ply'd the Enemy continually with Darts, so that the Place where they fell, seem'd to be covered over. They who fought at Hand, threw their Launces one at another, sometimes piercing through the Bodies of their Opposers, and sometimes the Bodies of the Pilots themselves. If the Ships fell fowl upon one another, then they disputed it with their Spears: And many times when they came close, they would board one another, and fight it out with their Swords. What with the doleful Complaints of them that were hastening in to the Succour of those that were worsted, and the triumphing Shouts of them that were Conquerors, every Place was full of Noise and Confusion. The Fight continu'd a long time with great obstinacy on both sides, till on a sudden Alcibiades (who was meerly by chance sailing from Samos to the Hellespont with Twenty Ships) came in view. Before he came near, both sides hop'd to have Succour from them. And both being confident, they fought with more Resolution on both sides. When he drew near (the Lacedemonians being still in the dark) he presently set up a Purple Flag from his own Ship as a Sign to the Athenians, as it was before order'd and agreed. Upon which, the Lacedemonians in a great Fright forthwith fled. But the Athenians incouraged with this happy success, pursu'd them with all their might, and presently
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.