Page 503 Demosthenes the Orator (at that time the most Eminent in Politicks and Eloquence of all the Grecians) was the chief Instrument that incited the Athenians to take upon them the Defence of all Greece: But the City could not cure that itch of Treason that infected many of the Citizens; such a shoal of Traitors there was at that time all over Greece. And therefore it is reported, that Philip having an earnest desire to gain that once strong and eminent City, and one of the Place telling him it could never be taken by Force; he ask'd him whether it were not possible that Gold might mount the Walls; for he had learn'd by Experience, That they that could not be subdu'd by Force, were easily overcome by Gold. To this end he had by his Bribes procur'd Traitors in every City; and such as would receive Money, he call'd his Friends and Guests: And thus with Evil Communication he corrupted Men's Manners.
After the taking of Clynthus, he celebrated Olympick Games to the Gods, in Commemoration of his Victory, and offer'd most splendid Sacrifices; and in regard there were a vast number of People got together, he set forth specious Sports and recreating Plays, and invited a great number of Strangers to his Feasts: And in the midst of his Cups would talk courteously and familiarly with them, and drink to many, and reach over the Cup to them with his own Hands. To many he gave rich Gifts, and made large and liberal Promises to all, to the end his Kindness and Generosity might be bruited abroad by them that had had the Experience. During the time of his Feasting, observing Satyrus the Stage-player to look four and knit his Brows, he ask'd him, why heonly would not accept of the Fruits of his Bounty and Generosity? To which he answer'd, That he would very willingly receive a certain Gift from him; but he was afraid if he should ask it openly, he would deny him. Upon which the King fell a laughing, and bid him ask what he would, and he would freely bestow it upon him. Upon which he desir'd that two young Maids, in the flower of their Age, the Daughters of one that was his Host might be given to him from among the Captives, whose Liberties he crav'd not to make any Gain or Advantage of them himself, but really to give them Portions out of his own Estate, and procure them Husbands, and likewise to prevent their being injur'd by any unworthy Attempt. Whose Request the King so approv'd, as that he not only forthwith order'd the Virgins to be deliver'd to Satyrus without Ransom, but bestow'd upon him likewise many other rich Gifts and Presents, as special Marks of his Favour and Bounty; so that many, excited with the Hopes of Reward, strove which should serve Philip most, and be the first that should betray their Country into his Hands.
The next Year Themistocles was Archon at Athens, and Caius Cornelius and Marcus PopiliusRoman Consuls, at which time the Boeotians over-ran the Country of the Phocians with Depredations, and beat the Enemy at Hyampolis, killing about Seventy of them. But not long after, engaging with the Phocians in another Battel, they were routed at Coro •ea, and lost many of their Men. And whereas the Phocians were possess'd of some small Towns in Boeotia, the Boeotians made an Inroad upon them, and shamefully spoil'd and destroy'd all their standing Corn; but in their Return were beaten.
While these things were acting, Phalecus the General of the Phocians, being convicted of Sacrilege, in converting the Sacred Treasure of the Temple to his own use, was depriv'd of his Commission; and three others were created in his room, viz. Democrates, Callias, and Sophanes, who manag'd the Business and Trial concerning the Sacred Treasure, at such time as the Phocians demanded an Account of them that had the disposing of it. The greatest part of the Money was found to be intrusted in the hands of Philon; who not being able to give a clear Account, was condemn'd; and being put upon the Rack, by order of the Generals, he nam'd many of his Accomplices. At length, being tortur'd to the utmost extremity, he died upon the Rack, and so came to an end worthy his Impiety.
The Robbers indeed restor'd the rest of the Monies that were left, but they themselves were put to death as Sacrilegers. The first of the former Generals, Philomelus, forbore to meddle with the Sacred Treasures; but his Brother and Successor Onomarchus, converted much of those Treasures to the use of the War. The third General Phayllus, Brother of Onomarchus, while he executed that Command, made use of many of the consecrated Things of the Temple, for the paying off the foreign Soldiers: For he melted down and coin'd into Money the Hundred and twenty Golden Tiles, dedicated by Croesus King of Lydia. In the same manner he dealt with the 300 Golden Bowls (or Viols) every one weighing Two Minas; and likewise the Lion and Woman of Gold, all which weigh'd 30 Talents of Gold, so that all the Gold according to the value of Silver would amount to Four thousand Talents. And besides these, there were Things in Silver dedicated by Croesus, and others, carry'd away by all the Generals in their several Times, above the value of
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.