Page 796 concerning Bacchus's Peregrination, and wou'd have none to doubt but that Nysa was built by Bacchus, because that he himself was now come as far as Bacchus ever came, and was still desirous to go further than he ever did. And he was of Opinion, that the Macedonians, out of Emulation to the Acts of Bacchus, wou'd willingly with himself undergo further Toils and Labours. He granted therefore Liberty to the Nysaeans, and that they should Govern according to their own Laws And when he understood what their Laws were, and how they were under the Government of an Aristocracy, he commended their Constitution, and commanded 'em to furnish him with three hundred Horsemen, and send him a hundred of them that were of the Aristocracy (who were three hundred in all) such as he would chuse. Acuphis was one of the Number of them that were pick'd out, whom the King had made Governour of the whole Province of Nysaea. 'Tis reported, that Acuphis smil'd at these Demands, and that Alexander asking him why he laugh'd, Acuphis answer'd, How is it possible, O King, for the City to be well Govern'd, when 'tis stript of an hundred good Men all at once! But if your Majesty have a Kindness for the City, be pleas'd to accept of three hundred Horsemen (and more if you think fit;) but as for an hundred of the best Men of the City which you desire, be pleas'd to be content with two hundred of the worst, that whensoever you return hither again, you may find that the City has maintain'd and kept up her ancient State and Grandeur. With these Words, because he judg'd them prudently spoken) Alexander was persuaded, and commanded only the three hundred Horsemen to be sent him; and for the three hundred of the Chief of the City, he neither desir'd them, nor any others in their stead. But Acuphis his Son, and his Nephew by his Sister, were sent to Alexander.
Afterwards Alexander had a longing desire to see that City, in which the Nysaeans boast there are some Monuments of Dionysius; and to go likewise, accompanied with some Horse of his Friends, and a Regiment of Foot, to the Mountain Meros, that he might see the Hill grown over with Ivy and Laurel, and the shady Groves, that abounded with all sorts of wild Beasts. The Ivy was a very pleasant Sight to the Macedonians, having not seen any of a long time; for India bears no Ivy, neither those Places where Vines grow. Of the Ivy they wore Garlands on their Heads, singing Praise to Bacchus, with all his Titles and Appellations. Alexander there sacrific'd to Bacchus, and feasted with his Friends.
WHen the Barbarians heard of Alexander's coming, they durst not abide him in a Body, but brake up their Army, and dispers'd themselves every one as they could into several Cities, purposing there to stand upon their Guard.
Alexander march'd first with his Army to Massaga, the greatest City of that Country; approaching therefore with his Army close to the City; the Barbarians having got into the Town for their assistance seven thousand Mercenary Indians from the inner parts of India made a fierce Sally upon the Macedonians as they lay Encampt. Alexander perceiving that the Fight was likely to be under the City Walls, design'd to draw off the Enemy at a further distance, lest when they fled (which he clearly foresaw they would) they might with ease (being so very near) get into the Town and so escape, perceiving therefore the Barbarians pouring out upon them, he forthwith commanded his Macedonians to wheel about and make to a Hill about seven furlongs distant from the River Guraeus, where he had purpos'd to Encamp. The Enemy hereupon emboldned (the Macedonians seeming to give back) in great confusion and disorder hotly pursu'd them, But when they were got within the cast of a dart, upon a sign given by Alexander, the Phalanx furiously turned upon 'em. But first indeed the Horse that were darters, the Agrians and Archers made an excursion, and ingag'd with the Barbarians, But Alexander led the Phalanx (in Battalia) himself. The Indians amaz'd at the sudden and unexpected turn, when it came to the Swords point fled back into the City. Two hundred of 'em were kill'd in the pursuit, but the rest got within the Walls.
Alexander presently drew up his main Battel of Macedons before the Walls, and from thence was slightly wounded by an Arrow struck into his Heel. The next day the Engines being brought up to the Walls, part of 'em were easily batterr'd down, upon which (the Macedonians endeavouring to force their way through the Ruins) the Indians stoutly
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.