Diodorus Siculus

BOOK XVII - The Library of History



Page 570 and were never subdu'd, during all the time of the Persian Empire. And at that time they were so very high, that they slighted the Valour of the Macedonians.

The King first gain'd the Passes, and then wasted a great part of the Country of Cosea; and getting the better in every Engagement, kill'd many of the Barbarians, and took many more Prisoners. At length, the Cosseans being worsted and beaten in every place, and greatly concern'd at the multitude of the Captives, were forc'd to redeem their Country by the loss of their own Liberty; and so giving up themselves to the Will of the Conqueror, they obtain'd Peace, upon condition they should be Loyal and Obedient for the time to come. Thus Alexander conquer'd this Nation in the space of forty Days; and after he hadbuilt some Cities atthe most difficult Passes in the Country, he march'd away.

Socicles was now Archon at Athens, and Cornelius Lentulus and QuintusPopilius Roman Consuls, when Alexander, after the Conquest of the Cosseans, march'd thence towards Babylon: He always rested a while between every Decampment; and to ease his Army, mov'd very slowly. When he was about Three hundred Furlongs from Babylon, the Caldeans (as they are call'd) who were famous for Astrology, and us'd to prognosticate future Events by the Observation of the Stars (and by that means knew that the King would die presently after he enter'd into Babylon) pick'd out some of the most ancient and expert of those of their Profession, and order'd them to signifie the Danger to the King, and with all the Arguments they could use to dissuade him from entring into the City; and to let him know that he might avoid the Danger, if he would rebuild the Sepulchre of Belus, which the Persians had destroy'd, and alter his Purpose, and pass by the City.

Belephentes was the leading Man of the Caldeans that were sent away; but he was afraid to address himself to the King, and therefore privately imparted all to Nearchus (one of the King's familiar Friends) and desir'd him that with all speed he would acquaint the King with the whole Business. Alexander was much concern'd when Nearchus told him what the Caldeans had prognosticated; and more and more considering and pondering in his Thoughts the Skill and Reputation of the Man, was in no small Consternation. At length he sent away many of his Friends to the City, but he himself turn'd aside another way, and pass'd by Babylon; and encamping Two hundred Furlongs distant from the place, he there rested. At this all were in admiration; whereupon many Philosophers came to him, as well those that were Followers of Anaxagoras as other Grecians. When they came to understand the cause of his Fear, they earnestly oppos'd what was said, with many Philosophical Arguments; by which he was so convinc'd and chang'd, that he contemn'd all sorts of Divination whatsoever, and especially that of the Caldeans, that was every where so famous. Therefore now, as if his Spirit before wounded had been cur'd by the Arguments of Philosophers, he entred Babylon with his Army, where (as before) the Soldiers were kindly entertain'd by the Citizens; and the Plenty of Provision was such, that all gave up themselves to Ease and Voluptuousness. And these were the things acted this Year.



CHAP. XII.


Ambassadors come to Alexander from all Parts. He buries Hephestion with great State. The Prodigies before Alexander's Death. His Death. Darius's Mother starves her self.


AGesias was now Chief Magistrate of Athens, and Caius Poetelius and Lucius Papirius Consuls at Rome, when the Hundred and fourteenth Olympiad was celebrated, in which Micinas of Rhodes was Victor. At this time Ambassadors came to Alexander almost from all Parts of the World; some to congratulate his Victories; others to tender him Crowns; others to make Leagues and Alliances with him; and many brought him very Rich and Noble Presents. And some there were that came to clear themselves from false Accusations: For besides those sent from the Cities, States, and Princes of Asia, many Ambassadors addrest themselves to the King from Europe and Africa. Out of Africa the Carthaginians and the Phoenicians of Lybia, and all bordering upon the Sea Coasts as far as


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