Page 731 he pass'd the River Alba he turn'd aside from the Fugitives, who were then lodg'd upon Mount Caprianus, and arrived at Heraclea. Upon this, a Report being spread of the Cowardice of the General as if he durst not attack them, very many Slaves were encouraged to join in the Defection: Many therefore flocking in (furnishing themselves as well as they could for a Battel) there were above 800 in Seven days time that took up Arms. And presently after they amounted to 2000. But the General at Heraclea being inform'd that their number was increasing, sent Marcus Titinius as chief Commander against them, inforcing him with 600 Men out of the Forts at Enna. This Titinius fought the Rebels, who (having the advantage both of Place and Number) routed him and kill'd many of his Men, and the rest threw away their Arms, and with much difficulty saved themselves by flight. By this means the Runagades on a sudden got such a great number of Arms, that they were more firmly resolved to persist in their Rebellion, so that now most of the Slaves were in Arms. The Defection every day increasing, the Number amounted in a short time so high, as none ever suspected it could, insomuch that within a few Days they were above 6000; who having now call'd a Council of War, and debated Matters in reference to the Management of Affairs, in the first place they chose a King call'd Salvius, a Fortune-teller, and one that in the Womens Sports and Shews with his Pipes, acted the Part of a Fool and Madman. But having now gain'd a Kingdom, he wav'd living in Cities, as being the Nurseries of Sloth and Effeminateness. After, he divided the Army into three Bodies; over each of which he appointed a Captain, and order'd them to make Inroads up and down in the Country, and at a certain Time and Place all to join again in one Body. By these Depredations they were so full of Horses and other Cattel, that in a short time they had above 2000 Horse, and no less than 20000 Foot, but Men very Raw and Ignorant in Martial Affairs. Among other attempts they fell upon Morgantina with great Fury (which was a strong and well-fortify'd City) and made many fierce and continual Assaults upon it.
The Roman General marching out in the Night as if he would relieve the City (having with him about 10000 Men out of Italy and Sicily) surpriz'd the Rebels (busily employ'd in the Siege) on a sudden; and breaking into their Camp, found but slender Guards but a great number of Prisoners, and abundance of Plunder of all sorts, and with great ease made himself Master of all, and when he had rifled the Camp he march'd away towards Morgantina: But the Rebels turning back upon him with great Fury, and having the advantage of the higher Ground, soon routed him, and put all his Army to flight. Whereupon the Rebells King commanded Proclamation to be made, That none should be kill'd who threw away their Arms: Upon which most cast them away and fled. By this means Salvius both recover'd what he had lost in his Camp, and gain'd a glorious Victory and much Spoil; but there were not kill'd of the Italians and Sicilians above 600 (which was occasion'd by the Moderation of the King) but 4000 were taken Prisoners. Upon this Victory many coming in flocking to Salvius, his Army became double to what it was before, and he was now absolute Master of the Field, so that he again sat down before Morgantina, and proclaim'd Liberty to all the Servants that were there. But their Masters promising the same to them, if they would be Faithful and join with them in the Defence of the Place, they chose rather to accept of what was offer'd by their Masters, and fought with that Resolution, that they forced the Enemy to raise their Siege. But the General afterwards making void all that was promised (as to manumitting of the Servants) occasion'd many to run away to the Rebels. After this all the Slaves and Servants in the Territories of Aegista Lilybaeum were likewise infected with this Itch of Rebellion, whose Leader was one Athenio, a Valiant Man and a Cilicean. This Man having the Charge and Management of the Concerns of two rich Brothers, and being an Excellent Astrologer; He first wrought upon those to join with him, over whom he had some sort of Command, to the Number of 200; afterwards those that were bordering round about, so that in Five days time there were got together above 1000 who made him King, and plac'd the Diadem upon his Head. This Man resolv'd to order Matters and Affairs so as never any did before him: For he receiv'd not all promiscuously that came in to him, but only such as were of strong and healthful Bodies to bear Arms; the rest he forc'd to continue in the Stations they were in, and every one in his place diligently to apply himself to the Duty incumbent upon him. By which means those that were with him had plentiful Provision. He pretended that by the Stars the Gods foretold, That he should gain the whole Kingdom of Sicily: And therefore he was to spare spoiling of the Country, destruction of the Cattel and Fruits of the Earth, as being all his own. At length having now got together above 10000 Men, he was so daring as to besiege Lilybeum, a City for strength look'd upon to be impregnable. But finding it a vain thing to proceed, he desisted
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.