Page 497 These all enter'd into a Confederacy, and, after the Example of the Phaenicians, shook off the Yoak; and having made all necessary Preparations for the War, took upon them the Absolute Power and Soveraignty in their own several Dominions.
Artaxerxes being enrag'd at this Insolence, writ to Idrieus Prince of Caria (then lately come to the Throne, a Friend and Confederate of the Persians, as all his Ancestors were before him) to raise him both Land and Sea-Forces, for his Assistance against the Kings of Cyprus. Upon which, he forthwith rigg'd out a Fleet of Forty Sail, and sent on board Eight thousand Mercenaries for Cyprus, under the Command of Phocion the Athenian, and Evagoras, who had been for some Years before King of the Island. As soon as they lander in Cyprus, they march'd then streight to Salamina, the greatest of the Cities, where they cast up a Trench, and fortify'd themselves, and so straitly besieg'd the City both by Sea and Land. The Island had continu'd a long time in peace and quietness, and therefore was grown very Rich; so that the Soldiers who had now the Power to range over the Country, had got together great Booties: Which Plenty and Confluence being nois'd abroad, many sn the opposite Continent, in hope of Gain, came slocking out of Syria and Silisia to the Persian Camp. The Army of Phocion and Evagoras being increas'd to double the number, the Petty Kings were brought into great Straits, and much terrify'd: And in this Condition was Cyprus at that time.
About this time the King of Persia march'd with his Army from Babylon, and made towards Phaenicia: But Mentor, General of the Sidonians, when he heard how great an Army was approaching, and considering how unequal in number the Rebels were, he privately consulted his own Safety: To that end he secretly dispatch'd away from Sidon a faithful Servant of his own, call'd Thessalion, to Artaxerxes, promising to betray Sidon to him; and that he would effectually assist him in subduing of Egypt; he being in that respect more especially able to serve him, for that he was well acquainted with all the Places in Egypt, and knew exactly the most convenient places over the River Nile. The King was wonderfully pleas'd when he heard what Thessalion said, and promis'd he would not only pardon Mentor for what he had done, but would bountifully reward him, if he perform'd what he had promis'd. But Thessalion further added, that Mentor would expect that the King should confirm his Word by giving out his Right Hand. Upon which the King was so incens'd (as being distrusted) that he gave up Thessalion into the hands of the Officers, with Command to cut off his Head. When he was led to Execution, he only said thus: Thou, O King, dost what thou pleasest; but Mentor, who is able to accomplish all I have said, will perform nothing that is promis'd, because thou refusest to give him Assurance on thy part. Upon hearing of which, the King alter'd his Mind, and commanded the Officers to discharge the Man; and so he put forth his Right Hand to the Thessalion, which is a most sure and certain Earnest among the Persians of performance of what is promis'd. Then he return'd to Sidon, and secretly imparted to Mentor what he had done.
In the mean time, the King counting it his greatest Happiness if he could subdue Egypt (which he had before attempted in vain) sent Ambassadors to the chiefest Cities of Greece, to solicit for some Auxiliary Forces from them. The Athenians and Lacedaemonians return'd Answer, That they would continue still Friends to the Persians; but that they could not supply them with Forces. But the Thebans commanded a thousand heavy-arm'd Men to be sent to the Assistance of the King, under the Command of Locrates. The Argives likewise furnish'd him with Three thousand Men; but sent no Captain with them, because the King had expresly by Name appointed Nicostratus to Command them, and they were unwilling to contradict him. He was a Man of great Account, both as to Councel and Execution, having both Valour and Prudence assistant one to another. And because he was of vast Strength of Body, imitating Hercules in his Arms, he carry'd both a Club and a Lion's Skin in every Battel. Neither were the Grecians, who inhabited upon the Sea Coasts of Asia, wanting on their parts, but sent out Six thousand Men: So that all the Auxiliary Forces from the Grecians, amounted to Ten thousand. But before these came up, the King had pass'd through Syria, and enter'd Phaenicia, and encamp'd not far from Sidon.
In the mean time, while the King spent a considerable time in making preparation, the Sidonians had been very active and diligent in furnishing themselves with Arms and Provisions; and besides, had drawn a treble deep and broad Trench, and an high Wall round the City. They had likewise a brave Body of tall, handsom and stout Men of the Citizens, well exercis'd and train'd up in martial Discipline out of the Schools: And this City went far beyond all the rest of the Cities of Phaenicia for Wealth, and all other sumptuous Ornaments, both for State and Grandeur: And that which was not the least
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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.