Diodorus Siculus

BOOK XVI - The Library of History



Page 478 A Pythagorean Philosopher was at that time Tutor to Epaminondas, with whom Philip being brought up, he improv'd more than ordinary in the Pythagorean Philosophy. And both these Scholars imploying the utmost of their Parts and Diligence in the Prosecution of their Studies, both by that means became Famous for their virtuous Qualifications. Epaminondas (it's known to all) having run through many Hazards and Difficulties, beyond all expectation gain'd the Sovereignty of all Greece for his Country: And Philip having the same Advantages, shew'd himself nothing inferior to Epaminondas in glorious Atchievements: For after the Death of Amyntas, his Eldest Son Alexander succeeded him in the Kingdom; but Ptolemy Alorites murder'd him and Usurp'd the Government; and he himself was serv'd with the same Sauce by Perdiccas; who being afterwards overcome in a great Battel by the Illyrians, and kill'd in the very time when there was most need of a King, Philip, the Brother, made his escape and took Possession of the Kingdom now in a very shatter'd Condition: For there were above Four Thousand Macedonians kill'd in the Fight, and those that surviv'd were in such Consternation and Fear of the Illyrians, that they had no heart left for the Prosecuting of the War.

About the same time the Paeones, Neighbours to the Macedonians, (in contempt of them) wasted their Country; and the Illyrians rais'd again great Forces, and design'd another Expedition against the Macedonians. And to aggravate the matter, one Pausanias, of the Royal Family, by the assistance of the King of Thrace, endeavour'd to Invade the Kingdom of Macedon, The Athenians likewise (Enemies to Philip) endeavour'd to restore Argaeus to the Kingdom of his Ancestors, and to this purpose had sent away their General Mantias, with Three Thousand well-arm'd Men, and a most excellent well provided Navy. Hereupon the Macedonians, by reason of the late Defeat and the Storm that then threatned them, were in great Fear and Perplexity: However, notwithstanding all the Difficulties and Fear of those things that were at hand, Philip nothing discourag'd with those dreadful Clouds of Mischief that seem'd to hang over his Head, by his Speeches in the daily Assemblies, retain'd the Macedonians in their Duty; and by his Eloquence (wherein he excell'd) stirring them up to be courageous, reviv'd their drooping Spirits. Then setting upon Reforming the Military Discipline, he compleatly arm'd his Men and Train'd them every Day, teaching them how to handle their Arms, and other Postures of War. He likewise instituted the new way of Drawing up into a close Body, imitating the Heroes at Troy in locking their Shields one within another; so that he was the first that found out the Macedonian Phalange.

He was very Courteous and Gaining in his Converse, and wan the Peoples Hearts both by his Bounty at present, and his generous Promises of future Rewards; very Politickly likewise (as it were by so many Engines) defending himself against the many and various Mischiefs that were pressing upon him. For when he discern'd that the Athenians made it their great business to recover Amphipolis, and that Argaeus was endeavour'd to be restor'd to his Kingdom for that end, he left the City of his own accord, suffering them to govern themselves according to their own Laws.

He sent likewise an Ambassador to the Paeones, and some of them he corrupted with Bribes; others he ensnar'd with fair and winning Promises, and for the Present made Peace with them, He prevented likewise Pausanias from being restor'd, by bribing the King that was ready to assist him for that purpose.

In the mean time Manthias the Athenian Admiral being arriv'd at Methone, there lay; but sent Aegaeus before with a Body of Mercenaries to Aegae. Coming to the City, he endeavour'd to perswade the Aegaeans to allow of his Return, and to appear the first for his Restauration to the Kingdom; but none consenting, he went back to Methone.

Presently after, Philip advancing with a well appointed Army, set upon them, and cut off many of the Mercenaries; the rest, who had fled to a Hill near at hand (having first delivered up to him the Fugitives) he dismiss'd by Agreement.

Philip being now Conqueror in this first Battel, greatly encourag'd the Macedonians, and made them hearty and eager to undergo further Toils and Difficulties.

Whilst these things were acting, the Thracians planted a Colony at Crenides, as it was heretofore call'd, which the King afterwards call'd Philippi, after his own Name, and fill'd it with Inhabitants. From this Time Theopompus of Chi •s begins his History of Philip, and continues it in Fifty eight Books, of which Five are controverted.

Afterwards Eucharist us was Archon of Athens, and Quintus Servilius and Lucius Genucius were Consuls at Rome, when Philip sent Ambassadors to Athens with Proposals of Peace, and prevail'd with the People upon the account that he was content to quit all his Right in Amphipolis.


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