Eclog. 3. IT was a Custom amongst the Roman Soldiers, That if any Commander of an Army fought a Battle and kill'd above 6000 of the Enemy, he was term'd Emperor, which is the same with King among the Grecians.
THE Marsian War took its name from the Authors of the Defection, tho' the Italians generally made this War upon the Romans. It's said the first occasion of this arose from the profuseness and luxury the Romans were fall'n into, who were formerly frugal and sparing in their way of living. This alteration caus'd great Heart-burnings between the Commonalty and the Senate. For when the Senate prevail'd with the Italians to supply the City with Provisions, and upon their frequent Addresses had promis'd to enfranchise them, and make them Freemen of Rome, and to ratify it by a Law, and the Italians saw nothing perform'd that was promis'd; these were the sparks that at length broke forth into a flame at the time when Lucius Martius, Philippus and Sextus Julius were Consuls in the 117th Olympiad.
Many were the Slaughters, Sieges, and Sacking of Towns on both sides during this War, Victory hovering sometimes here and sometimes there, as uncertain where to fall, giving no assurance to either party, which of them she favour'd. But at length after the shedding of much Blood, the Romans (with much ado) got the better, and regain'd their former Power and Sovereignty. There were engag'd against them in this War the Samnites, the Asculans, Lucanans, Picentians, them of Nola, and other Cities and Nations. Amongst which was Cortinum a large and famous City greatly frequented, in which the Italians had a little before planted a Colony. Here were all things necessary for the support and defence of so great a City, and the maintenance of the Government; particularly a large Market-place and Court-House, with a vast Treasure, and plentiful Provisions of all sorts. They had likewise a Senate consisting of 500 Men. Out of which were chosen those reputed fit to execute the highest places of Magistracy, and to manage the weighty Affairs of the Commonwealth. These therefore they entrusted with the management of the War, and put the absolute power of the disposing of all their concerns into the hands of the Senators, who made a Law that Two Consuls should be chosen every year, and Twelve Generals. At which time Quintus Pompoedius Silo a Marsian, (a Man of chiefest quality in his Country,) and Caius Aponius Motulus (famous for his noble Acts above the rest of his own Nation.) were chosen Consuls. They divided all Italy into Two Parts, and took either of their equal shares for the executing of their Consular Authority. They allotted the Region or Tract from the Cercoli (so call'd) to the Adriatick Sea, which lay to the North and West to Pompaedius, to six of the Generals. The rest which lay to the South and East the Italians assign'd to Motulus, with as many more of the Military Officers. Having put all things into this good Order, and (to sum up all) having order'd all things according to the ancient Model of the Roman Government, they set themselves more intently and earnestly to the prosecuting of the War, and call'd the City it self Italy. And they were so successful, that they came off Conquerors for the most part, till Cneius Pompeius was made Consul and General, who with Sylla (deputed by Cato the other Consul) often routed them, and reduc'd them to those straits, that at length their Power was broken in pieces. However they still continu'd the War, but were often worsted by Caius Cossinius General in * Japygia. Being therefore distress'd and harass'd with so many and great mischiefs one upon the neck of another (and the Marsians and other Nations falling to the Romans) they forsook their new City, and transplanted themselves to Aesernia a City of the Samnites, under the conduct of Five Generals; of whom they made Quintus Pompoedius Chief, for his Valour and prudent management of the War, who with the consent of all the other Captains, rais'd a great Army, which with the old Soldiers amounted to the number of 30000. And besides, he got together at least 20000 Foot, and 1000 Horse of manumitted Slaves, and Arm'd them as well as the time would allow. And coming to an Engagement with the Romans, whose General was Mamercus; he kill'd a few of them, but lost above 6000 of his own Men.
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.