Page 623 most richly adorn'd, as to some Nuptial Festival, setting forth her Praises all along as they went, in Songs fitted for that occasion.
As soon as she came to the Pile she threw off her Attire, and distributed them amongst her Servants and Friends, leaving these behind her, as tokens of Remembrances for them that loved her. Her Attire was multitudes of Rings upon her Fingers, set with all manner of precious Stones of divers Colours. Upon her Head were a great number of little Golden Stars, between which were plac'd sparkling Stones of all sorts. About her Neck she wore abundance of Jewels, some small, others large; increasing by degrees in bigness as they were put on one after another. At length she took leave of all her Family and Servants, and then her Brother plac'd her upon the Pile, and to the great Admiration of the People (who flock'd thither to see the Sight) with an Heroick Courage she there ended her Life.
The whole Army solemnly in their Arms march'd thrice round the Pile before it was kindled: She in the mean time (disposing of her self towards her Husband's Body,) discover'd not by any Screeks or otherwise, that she was at all daunted at the Noise of the Crackling Flames, so that the Spectators were affected some with Pity, and others with Admiration, and extraordinary Commendation of her Resolution. However, there are some who condemn this Law as Cruel and Inhumane.
After the Funeral was over, Eumenes march'd from Patetacine to Gabiene, which being yet untouch'd, was in a condition to supply the Army with all Things necessary, which was distant from Antigonus his Army (going through the Countries inhabited) Five and twenty Days Journey; but passing through the Desarts, (where there's no Water,) 'tis but Nine Days Journey: Being thus far distant one from another, he there winter'd, and so gave his Army time to refresh themselves.
As for the Affairs of Europe, Cassander, while he lay at the Siege of Tegea, hearing of the return of Olympias into Macedonia, and of the Death of Eurydice and King Philip, and what was done to the Sepulchre of Jollas his Brother, agreed with the Taegeans, and march'd with his Army into Macedonia, leaving his Consederates in great Trouble and Perplexity. For Alexander the Son of Polysperchon was then entred Peloponnesus, and ready to set upon the Cities with a great Army. And the Aetolians to ingratiate themselves with Olympias and Polsyperchon, seiz'd upon the straight Passes at Pylas, and block'd up the Passage to stop Cassander in his march: But he perceiving that it was very difficult for him to force his way through those narrow Streights, by the help of some Ships and several Boats out of Eubea and Locris, pass'd over into Thessaly. And hearing that Polysperchon lay with his Army in Perrhabea, he order'd away Callas his General, with some Forces to fight him. In the mean time, Dinias being sent away to secure the Streights, possess'd himself of those Passes before the Forces of Olympias could reach them.
As soon as Olympias heard that Cassander was entring Macedonia with a great Army, she created Aristonous General, and commanded him to fight Cassander. She her self (taking along with her the Son of Alexander and Roxana his Mother, and Thessalonica the Daughter of Philip the Son of Amyntas, Deidamia the Daughter of Eacides King of Epirus, and Sister of Pyrrhus (who afterwards made War upon the Romans) and the Daughters of Attalus, and other Kindred and eminent Relations) enter'd into Pydna, so that a great throng of People, Useless and Unserviceable for War, attended upon her: Neither was there Provision in that Place sufficient for such a Multitude, to hold out any long Siege. All which disadvantages, though they were clear Evidences of the greatness of the Danger, yet she was resolv'd to stay here, expecting many Greeks and Macedonians to come in to her assistance by Sea.
There were with her some Horse from Ambracia, and many of the Troops of the Houshould; and the rest of Polysperchon's Elephants: The other had been before taken by Cassander at his former irruption into Macedonia; who now having recover'd the Passes at Perrhebea, so as that he had his way open to Pydna, begirt the Town round with a Mud-wall from Sea to Sea; and sent for Shipping and all sorts of Weapons and Engines of Battery from his Confederates, with a design to block up Olympius both by Sea and Land.
But when he had Intelligence that Eacides, King of Epirus, was coming with a strong Army to the Relief of Olympias, he deliver'd some Forces to the Command of Atarchias, with Orders to meet the Epirots, who presently executing what he was commanded, possess'd himself of the Passes into Epirus, so that Eacides was wholly deseated in his Design.
For the Epirots were forc'd against their Wills to the Expedi • ion into Macedonia, and therefore mutiny'd in the Camp: However, Eacides, desirous by any way possible to R • heve Olympias, cashier'd all those that favour'd not his Design; taking in those who were
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.