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Often appears with: conquest, plunder, and captives · forms of government · diplomacy and embassies · counsel and advisers to rulers · political legitimacy and consent · treaties, truces, and peacemaking · strategy and the aims of war · faction, party, and civil strife · revolution and the fall of states · religious persecution and toleration · crime and punishment · civil war and rebellion
Usually: detachment (492) · narrative (424) · argument (296) · the fall of the great (194) · skepticism (127) · indignation (111) · curiosity (109) · commentary or gloss (87) · injustice endured (84) · censure (65)
“States that rise unexpectedly, then, like all other things in nature which are born and grow rapidly, cannot leave their foundations and correspondencies fixed in such a way that the first storm will not overthrow them.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“Mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous; and if one holds his state based on these arms, he will stand neither firm nor safe; for they are disunited, ambitious, and without discipline, unfaithful, valiant before friends, cowardly before enemies; they have neither the fear of God nor fidelity to men, and destruction is deferred only so long as the attack is; for in peace one is robbed by them, and in war by the enemy.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · observation
“The evening being come, I return home and go to my study; at the entrance I pull off my peasant-clothes, covered with dust and dirt, and put on my noble court dress, and thus becomingly re-clothed I pass into the ancient courts of the men of old” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · vivid
“The executive of the modern State is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie.” Karl Marx; Friedrich Engels, Manifesto of the Communist Party · insight
“All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses his real conditions of life and his relations with his kind.” Karl Marx; Friedrich Engels, Manifesto of the Communist Party · vivid
“Men do not change from enemies to friends by the alteration of a name:” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · insight
“Territorial disputes have at all times been found one of the most fertile sources of hostility among nations.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“The other States would no doubt insist on a proportion, by right of representation.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“A dissolution or usurpation is the dreadful dilemma to which it is continually exposed.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“If a single member should attempt to usurp the supreme authority, he could not be supposed to have an equal authority and credit in all the confederate states.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · precept
“A nation, without a national government, is, in my view, an awful spectacle.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · vivid
“Yet such things happen for folks' sins, that they will not love God and righteousness.” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · insight
The passage continues Sura VIII with inheritance-like rules tying believers by faith and migration, warns that infidels support one another, and closes the legal and communal framework for the believers’ unity.
shall know good21 to be in your hearts, He will give you good beyond all that hath been taken from you, and will forgive you: for God is Forgiving, Merciful." But if they seek to deal treacherously with you-they have already dealt treacherously22 with God before! Therefore hath He given you power over them. God is Knowing, Wise. Verily, they who have believed and fled their homes and spent their substance for the c…
Continuing the memoir, the text describes Pepys’s official reforms in naval administration, his close relationship with the Duke of York, his removal and Tower imprisonment over Catholic allegations, and eventual reinstatement under Charles II.
soon came to render him useful. The distresses of the young couple at this period were subjects of pleasant reflexion during their prosperity--as recorded in the Diary, 25th February, 1667. But better times were approaching Mr. Pepys: he accompanied Sir Edward Montagu upon his Expedition to the Sound, in March, 1658, and upon his return obtained a clerkship in the Exchequer. Through the interest of the Earl of Sand…
Pepys reports that Monk has begun taking down the City’s gates and chains, the City Council looks helpless, and Parliament orders the Common Council to cease and be replaced by newly qualified members.
had voted that he should pull down their gates and portcullisses, their posts and their chains, which he do intend to do, and do lie in the City all night. To Westminster Hall, where I heard an action very finely pleaded between my Lord Dorset [Richard, 5th Earl of Dorset, ob. 1677.] and some other noble persons, his lady and other ladies of quality being there, and it was about 330l. PER ANNUM, that was to be paid …
Pepys records news of Sir Robert Slingsby’s death, concerns about Navy officials, money and illness in London, and the governance planning around Tangier, including Peterborough’s role.
Sir W. Batten, who is to go to Portsmouth to-morrow to wait upon the Duke of York, who goes to take possession and to set in order the garrison there. 26th. This morning Sir J. Pen and I should have gone out of town with my Lady Batten, to have met Sir William coming back from Portsmouth, at Kingston, but could not, by reason that my Lord of Peterborough (who is to go Governor of Tangier) come this morning, [Henry,…
Pepys hears a sudden death at the Tangier Committee, follows the Queen’s spotted-fever illness at St. James’s, and discusses plague in Amsterdam and Ottoman power in Christian-European politics.
and so said nothing about her; which makes me fear she is dead. But enquiring of Sir J. Minnes, he told me that he heard she was better last night. 19th. Waked with a very high wind, and said to my wife, "I pray God I hear not of the death of any great person, this wind is so high! fearing that the Queene might be dead. So up; and going by coach with Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes to St. James's, they tell me th…
A Tangier committee reads poorly understood Peterborough’s accounts; Pepys also reports Edward Montagu’s removal from court due to pride and alleged intimacy with the Queen, then notes the King traveling to Chatham.
office of keeping the Records; but that he never comes thither, nor had been there these six months: so that I perceive they expect to get his employment from him. 19th, To a Committee of Tangier; where God forgive how our Report of my Lord Peterborough's accounts was read over and agreed to by the Lords, without one of them understanding it! And had it been what it would, it had gone: and, besides, not one thing …
Pepys notes the Duke of York’s return, the renewed Dutch ship preparations, a long conversation about the Duke’s Irish connections and advisers, and discussion of Dutch peace offers and the comet sightings.
a matter of some reputation to us it is, and blemish to them; but in no degree like what it is esteemed at, the weather requiring them to do so. 5th. Up, and to White Hall with Sir J. Minnes; and there, among an infinite crowd of great persons, did kiss the Duke's hand; but had no time to discourse. 6th. To the Old Exchange, and there hear that the Dutch are fitting their ships out again, which puts us to new dis…
Pepys continues March 20 to March 28, describing his role in Tangier administration confirmation, compliments from the Duke of Albemarle and others, scientific and character anecdotes from Sir William Petty, and his private Navy work and river inspections.
Duke of Hamilton, wife of Lord Carnegy, who became Earl of Southesk on his father's death. She is frequently mentioned in the "Memoires de Grammont."] once my Lady Anne Hambleton. 20th. Creed and I had Mr. Povy's coach sent for us, and we to his house; where we did some business in order to the work of this day. Povy and I to my Lord Sandwich, who tells me that the Duke is not only a friend to the business, but to…
Pepys helps arrange marriage negotiations involving Lord Sandwich and the Carterets, secures planned funding for Tangier from the Lord Treasurer, learns Coventry will become a Privy Counsellor, and notes Lawson’s death.
sense of my kindness to him herein. Sir William Pen told me this day that Mr. Coventry is to be sworn a Privy Counsellor, at which my soul is glad. 25th. To White Hall, where, after I again visited G. Carteret, and received his (and now his Lady's) full content in my proposal, my Lord Sandwich did direct me to return to Sir G. Carteret, and give him thanks for his kind acceptation of this offer, and that he would t…
After traveling by boat to Woolwich, Pepys discusses neglect and lack of money in the government, then hears news that the whole Dutch fleet and East India merchant ships have returned from Bergen.
pleasant country to Brainford, and there put me into my boat, and good night. So I wrapped myself warm, and by water got to Woolwich about one in the morning. 9th. I was forced to get a bed at Captain Cocke's, where I find Sir W. Doyly, [Sir William Doyly, of Shottisham, Norfolk, knighted 1642, created Baronet 1663, M.P. for Yarmouth. Ob. 1677. He and Mr. Evelyn were at this time appointed Commissioners for the c…
On the morning after, Pepys orders transport for his money and plate to Sir W. Rider in Bednall Green, moves other goods by lighter and over Tower Hill, and describes the Duke of York’s efforts to keep order while household members argue amid evacuation.
night. We did put Mr. Hater, poor man, to bed a little; but he got but very little rest, so much noise being in my house, taking down of goods. 3rd. About four o'clock in the morning, my Lady Batten sent me a cart to carry away all my money, and plate, and best things, to Sir W. Rider's at Bednall-greene. Which I did, riding myself in my night gown, in the cart; and, Lord! to see how the streets and the highways …
Pepys notes continuing Navy failures at Chatham—lack of boats, men moving goods, and blame on Commissioner Pett, Brouncker, and others—while discussing Parliament’s likely inability to excuse neglect.
are, as I understand from every body that has to do with them, the most debauched, damning, swearing rogues that ever were in the Navy, just like their prophane commander. 15th. All the morning at the office. No news more than last night; only Purser Tyler comes and tells me that he being at all the passages in this business at Chatham, he says there have been horrible miscarriages, such as we shall shortly hear o…
As Parliament turmoil continues, Pepys discusses political fears, rumored appointments for the Bill of Accounts, and visits Whitehall where he and Sir W. Coventry debate Navy administration and blame for failures in war.
have sixty sail of ships out the next year: so knows not what will become of us, but hopes the Parliament will find money for us to have a fleet. 7th. Somebody told me this day that they hear that Thomson with the wooden leg, and Wildman, the Fifth-Monarchy man (a great creature of the Duke of Buckingham's), are in nomination to be Commissioners, among others, upon the Bill of Accounts.
At the Committee of the Navy and with Sir W. Coventry, Pepys discusses disputes about Chatham yard, pensions for unemployed flag-officers, and watches his wife sit for a portrait.
with his round-table for him to sit in the middle, very convenient; and I borrowed several books of him, to collect things out of the Navy, which I have not. 6th. With Sir W. Coventry; and we walked in the Park together a good while. He mighty kind to me; and hear many pretty stories of my Lord Chancellor's being heretofore made sport of by Peter Talbot the priest, in his story of the death of Cardinal Bleau; by L…
Pepys records the King’s return to Whitehall and the sealing of Anglesy’s suspension, discusses changes in Ireland and planned naval and Admiralty shifts, and notes rumours about dissolving Parliament.
for his sake to have him cheerful. After dinner up, and looked up and down the house, and so to the cellar; and thence I slipt away without taking leave. 4th. To White Hall; and there I find the King and Duke of York came the last night, and every body's mouth full of my Lord Anglesy's suspension being sealed, which it was, it seems, yesterday; so that he is prevented in his remedy at the Council. And, it seems, th…
Pepys details administrative work with the Duke of York and Treasury commissioners on balancing Navy storekeeper accounts, including a hot debate, resentments among officials, and court decisions affecting governance of Ireland.
by deputy in his new employment which I design for him, about the Store-keeper's accounts; which the Duke of York did grant me, and I was mightily glad of it. 12th. To wait on the Duke of York with the rest of us at the Robes; where the Duke of York did tell us that the King would have us prepare a draught of the present administration of the Navy, and what it was in the late times, in order to his being able to di…
It describes Pepys’s enforced idleness after being displaced from navy-related work, his later rehabilitation under a settled government, and his reputation as an admired senior authority in the Navy.
know not how otherwise to compass it than by begging you, which I hereby do, to take your share with them and me here, to-morrow, of a piece of mutton, which is all I dare promise you, besides that of being ever, "Your most bounden and faithful humble servant, "S. P." He employed the enforced idleness caused by being thrust out of his employment …
The Corinthians urge Lacedaemonians to invade Attica quickly to help allies like Potidaea, then Athenian envoys arrive and shift the issue from accusations to a comprehensive review of causes.
action must be accompanied by the constant improvement of methods. Thus it happens that the vast experience of Athens has carried her further than you on the path of innovation. “Here, at least, let your procrastination end. For the present, assist your allies and Potidæa in particular, as you promised, by a speedy invasion of Attica, and do not sacrifice friends and kindred to their bitterest enemies, and drive the…
Athens argues that its ships, Themistocles, and uncompromising patriotism secured the Hellenic fleet’s success, and that keeping an empire was driven by fear, later by honor and interest.
invader himself. Defeated at sea, he considered his power to be no longer what it had been, and retired as speedily as possible with the greater part of his army. “Such, then, was the result of the matter, and it was clearly proved that it was on the fleet of Hellas that her cause depended. Well, to this result we contributed three very useful elements, viz., the largest number of ships, the ablest commander, and th…
Pausanias leads Hellenes from Sparta with ships to Cyprus and Byzantium but becomes abusive; the Ionian and newly freed allies turn to Athens, pausing Pausanias’s command and enabling Athens to manage emerging supremacy.
go down into Piraeus, and defy the world with their fleet. Thus, therefore, the Athenians completed their wall, and commenced their other buildings immediately after the retreat of the Mede. Meanwhile Pausanias, son of Cleombrotus, was sent out from Lacedaemon as commander-in-chief of the Hellenes, with twenty ships from Peloponnese. With him sailed the Athenians with thirty ships, and a number of the other allies. …
After Athens gains leadership from allies’ hatred of Pausanias, it organizes “Treasurers for Hellas,” fixes tribute at 460 talents, and then explains Athenian empire growth via campaigns against Medes and allied revolts.
they desired to be rid of the Median War, and were satisfied of the competency of the Athenians for the position, and of their friendship at the time towards themselves. The Athenians, having thus succeeded to the supremacy by the voluntary act of the allies through their hatred of Pausanias, fixed which cities were to contribute money against the barbarian, which ships; their professed object being to retaliate for…
Thucydides narrates Pausanias’ attempt to court Persian favor after his recall, his adoption of Persian customs near Byzantium, and how Spartan authorities proceed from suspicion to accusing him of plotting with Helots and the Persians.
able to do this, with your co-operation. Accordingly if any of this please you, send a safe man to the sea through whom we may in future conduct our correspondence.” This was all that was revealed in the writing, and Xerxes was pleased with the letter. He sent off Artabazus, son of Pharnaces, to the sea with orders to supersede Megabates, the previous governor in the satrapy of Daskylion, and to send over as quickly…
Pericles warns against withdrawal and “unambitious” politics, insisting that an imperial city needs strong policy and protection, not retreat, and that heaven and the enemy require different kinds of endurance.
unambitious are never secure without vigorous protectors at their side; in fine, such qualities are useless to an imperial city, though they may help a dependency to an unmolested servitude. “But you must not be seduced by citizens like these or angry with me—who, if I voted for war, only did as you did yourselves—in spite of the enemy having invaded your country and done what you could be certain that he would do, …
Alcidas flees from Ephesus after learned criticism, with Paches chasing him and later dealing with Notium’s factions and Colophon’s politics; Paches then reduces Pyrrha and Eresus, sends Salaethus to Athens, and settles Lesbos.
his vessels, rather coming up to them, taking them for Athenian, having no sort of expectation that while the Athenians commanded the sea Peloponnesian ships would venture over to Ionia. From Ephesus Alcidas set sail in haste and fled. He had been seen by the Salaminian and Paralian galleys, which happened to be sailing from Athens, while still at anchor off Clarus; and fearing pursuit he now made across the open se…
Corcyra is presented as the first example of revolutionary crimes, followed by continuing exile-based raids, seizure of territory from Mount Istone, and then the Athenians dispatch ships to Sicily to support allies and test future control of the island.
in high reputation. Meanwhile the moderate part of the citizens perished between the two, either for not joining in the quarrel, or because envy would not suffer them to escape. Thus every form of iniquity took root in the Hellenic countries by reason of the troubles. The ancient simplicity into which honour so largely entered was laughed down and disappeared; and society became divided into camps in which no man tr…
After the deaths of Cleon and Brasidas, Nicias and Pleistoanax push for peace, while negotiations proceed toward a finalized treaty whose terms include restoring conquests and securing Nisaea.
more inclined to listen, at once concluded the armistice for a year, during which they were to confer together and see if a longer period could not be agreed upon. Now, however, after the Athenian defeat at Amphipolis, and the death of Cleon and Brasidas, who had been the two principal opponents of peace on either side—the latter from the success and honour which war gave him, the former because he thought that, if …
Lacedaemonians campaign into Arcadia against Parrhasians and raze Cypsela’s fort, free Helots who served with Brasidas then later restore their franchise, while Delians are brought back and Pylos and treaty tensions continue.
truce, in spite of the prayers and reproaches of the Corinthians for their breach of faith; and these last had to content themselves with a de facto armistice with Athens. The same summer the Lacedaemonians marched into Arcadia with their whole levy under Pleistoanax, son of Pausanias, king of Lacedaemon, against the Parrhasians, who were subjects of Mantinea, and a faction of whom had invited their aid. They also m…
Alcibiades continues, insisting Athens must not neglect allies in Sicily, arguing that empire requires constant extension or it will be taken away, and warning that inaction will ruin the city.
I compelled the Lacedaemonians to stake their all upon the issue of a single day at Mantinea; and although victorious in the battle, they have never since fully recovered confidence. “Thus did my youth and so-called monstrous folly find fitting arguments to deal with the power of the Peloponnesians, and by its ardour win their confidence and prevail. And do not be afraid of my youth now, but while I am still in its …
After narrating Hipparchus’ insult and the later tightening of Hippias’ tyranny, Thucydides recounts Archedice’s marriage for Persian influence, Hippias’ eventual exile, and how the Hermae investigation triggers arrests and executions in Athens.
slew him. Aristogiton escaped the guards at the moment, through the crowd running up, but was afterwards taken and dispatched in no merciful way: Harmodius was killed on the spot. When the news was brought to Hippias in the Ceramicus, he at once proceeded not to the scene of action, but to the armed men in the procession, before they, being some distance away, knew anything of the matter, and composing his features …
Euphemus the Athenian ambassador replies that Ionian-speaking leaders rule by necessity, claiming they freed themselves from Sparta after the Median War and now protect allies by self-interest and fear.
of having the courage to revolt and sacrifice their property as we did when we abandoned our city, chose to be slaves themselves, and to try to make us so. “We, therefore, deserve to rule because we placed the largest fleet and an unflinching patriotism at the service of the Hellenes, and because these, our subjects, did us mischief by their ready subservience to the Medes; and, desert apart, we seek to strengthen o…
Euphemus argues that Athenian rule is meant to prevent enslavement and uses local arrangements in Hellas and Sicily, while Syracusans seek to exploit Camarina’s suspicions.
of that magnitude would be no longer easy for us to deal with united, and they would be more than a match for you as soon as we were away. “Any other view of the case is condemned by the facts. When you first asked us over, the fear which you held out was that of danger to Athens if we let you come under the dominion of Syracuse; and it is not right now to mistrust the very same argument by which you claimed to conv…
Alcibiades addresses the Spartans while supported by Corinthians and Syracuse, explaining his exile and urging open war: he recounts Athenian plans for Sicily and Carthage and the eventual threat to Peloponnese.
Syracuse to prevent their surrendering to the Athenians, showed no disposition to send them any assistance, Alcibiades now came forward and inflamed and stirred the Lacedaemonians by speaking as follows: “I am forced first to speak to you of the prejudice with which I am regarded, in order that suspicion may not make you disinclined to listen to me upon public matters. The connection, with you as your proxeni, which…
Athene introduces Odysseus to Arete and narrates the royal lineage of Nausithous, Arete’s family history, and her role in ending feuds, after which Odysseus enters and prays amid palace splendor.
high walls crowned with palisades, a marvel to behold. But when they had now come to the famous palace of the king, the goddess, grey-eyed Athene, spake first and said: “Lo, here, father and stranger, is the house that thou wouldst have me show thee: and thou shalt find kings at the feast, the fosterlings of Zeus; enter then, and fear not in thine heart, for the dauntless man is the best in every adventure, even tho…
He details legal and informal barriers to Black labor mobility—migration-agent laws, white “vouching” for unknown Black people, and county-level oppression—arguing these helped produce the Black Belt and later Migration to Town.
economic depths of the black American peasant; and in a study of the rise and condition of the Negro freeholder we must trace his economic progress from the modern serfdom. Even in the better-ordered country districts of the South the free movement of agricultural laborers is hindered by the migration-agent laws. The “Associated Press” recently informed the world of the arrest of a young white man in Southern Georgi…
Israel’s twelve tribes are arranged by four compass directions around the tabernacle, with specified tribal captains and troop counts, and Judah leads the march while Dan brings up the rear.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: The children of Israel shall pitch: every man by his own standard with the arms of their father's houses, a way from the presence of the tabernacle of witness. On the eastside toward the rising of the son, shall they of the standard of the host of Iuda pitch with their arms: And Nahesson the son of Aminadab shall be captain over the sons of Iuda. And his host and the nu…
A plot formed by Jewish men to kill Paul is uncovered via his sister’s son, leading the captain Claudius Lysias to send Paul by night to Caesarea with a letter to Felix.
The .xxiij. Chapter. Paul beheld the council and said: Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. The high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by, to smite him on the mought. Then said Paul to him: God shall smite thee thou painted wall. Sittest thou and judgest me after the law: and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said: Revilest thou…
Paul defends himself before Governor Felix, leading to Festus replacing him; Felix keeps Paul in custody but defers, and Paul is later brought before Festus by Jewish accusers.
in the temple disputing with any man, either raising up the people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city. Neither can they prove the things whereof they accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after that way (which they call heresy) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets, and have hope towards God, that the same resurrection from death (which…
Paul appeals to Caesar before Festus; Festus explains Roman procedure to King Agrippa, and Paul is examined publicly in Caesarea by Agrippa and Bernice.
as long as he answered for himself, that he had neither against the law of the jewes, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cesar offended any thing at all. Festus willing to do the jewes a pleasure, answered Paul, and said: Wilt thou go to Ierusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul: I stand at Cesar's judgement seat, where I ought to be judged. To the jewes have I no harm done, a…
After Paul’s defense, Agrippa and Festus agree he seems innocent but notes that only his appeal to Caesar prevented release; the narrative shifts to Paul’s voyage.
say should come, that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from death, and should shew light unto the people, and to the gentiles. As he thus answered for himself: Festus said with a loud voice: Paul, thou art besides thyself. Much learning hath made thee mad. And Paul said: I am not mad most dear Festus: but speak the words of truth and soberness. The king knoweth of these things, …
Fabius and Decius return again as consuls; patricians and plebeians dispute province allocation (lots vs Senate decision), with Fabius securing Etruria for himself after praetor Appius Claudius’ letters from the theater.
Claudius, praetor; all of them absent; and, by a decree of the senate, followed by an order of the commons, Lucius Volumnius was continued in the command for another year. 23. During that year many prodigies happened. For the purpose of averting which, the senate decreed a supplication for two days: the wine and frankincense for the sacrifices were furnished at the expense of the public; and numerous crowds of men a…
Livy recounts Roman handling of the Etrurian province: Etruria withdraws from the Comitium, and Quintus Fabius receives the province without sortition while younger citizens enlist in hopes of serving him.
Etruria, withdrew from the Comitium, and with no less unanimity of the people than of the senate, the province of Etruria was decreed to him without having recourse to lots. 25. Immediately almost all the younger citizens flocked together to the consul, and readily gave in their names; so strong was their desire of serving under such a commander. Seeing so great a multitude collected round him, he said, "My intentio…
Livy laments the long continuation of Samnite wars and notes the consulship of Lucius Postumius Megellus and Marcus Atilius Regulus, whose provinces include Samnium in response to intelligence about multiple enemy armies.
after victory. Who does not find his patience tired, either in writing, or reading, of wars of such continuance; and which yet exhausted not the resolution of the parties concerned? 32. Quintus Fabius and Publius Decius were succeeded in the consulship by Lucius Postumius Megellus and Marcus Atilius Regulus. The province of Samnium was decreed to both in conjunction; because intelligence had been received that the e…
Postumius moved from Samnium into Etruria, waged war against the Volsinii and others, concluded a peace with major Etruscan cities for forty years, then argued for and won a triumph.
no road open, through which they could even fly thence; in that spot they must fall, or else cut down the enemy's ranks, and make their way over their bodies." 36. They then threw the baggage in a heap in the centre, and, with their arms prepared for battle, formed their line, each falling into his post. There was now but a small interval between the two armies, and both stood, waiting until the shout and onset shou…
Livy describes Roman celebrations and Senate debates as Etrurians take up arms; allied ambassadors plead for protection, war is declared on the Faliscians, provinces are assigned by lot, and further Samnite cities are taken under siege and storm.
the senate and people of Rome, containing accounts of the services which they had performed, led away their legions to different quarters; Papirius going to attack Saepioura, Carvilius to Volana. 45. The letters of the consuls were heard with extraordinary exultation, both in the senate-house and in the assembly of the people; and, in a thanksgiving of four days' continuance, the public rejoicings were celebrated wi…
Livy explains Hamilcar’s plans in Africa and Spain, Hasdrubal’s eight-year command and murder, and the renewed treaty setting the Iberus as boundary and preserving Saguntine liberty.
despair of their affairs; and that Sardinia, during the disturbances in Africa, had been treacherously taken by the Romans, while, in addition, the payment of a tribute had been imposed. 2. Being disturbed with these anxieties, he so conducted himself for five years in the African war, which commenced shortly after the peace with Rome, and then through nine years employed in augmenting the Carthaginian empire in Spa…
Livy outlines further Roman military assignments and preparations while reporting intelligence from Carthage: Mago is redirected to Spain and Hasdrubal assigned to Sardinia, prompting Roman countermeasures.
the neighbourhood of that temple: on account of which shower the nine days' sacred rite was celebrated, as is usual on such occasions, and the other prodigies were carefully expiated. 32. The consuls divided the armies between them. The army which Marcus Junius the dictator had commanded fell to the lot of Fabius. To that of Sempronius fell the volunteer slaves, with twenty-five thousand of the allies. To Marcus Val…
Philip of Macedon, after early uncertainty, sends envoys to treat with Hannibal; Roman authorities at Juno Lacinia receive them, and Xenophanes concludes a proposed alliance transferring Italy to Carthage.
carry on war with such nations as the king pleased. That the cities on the continent and the islands which border on Macedonia, should belong to Philip, and his dominions." 34. A treaty was concluded between the Carthaginian general and the ambassadors, upon nearly these terms; and Gisgo, Bostar, and Mago were sent as ambassadors with them to receive the ratification of the king in person. They arrived at the same p…
After Hiero’s death in Syracuse, his grandson Hieronymus is controlled by guardians until their politics shift from Rome toward Carthage, following the guardians’ maneuvering of power.
took place between them, accordingly as either side had an opportunity or advantage; by which the Roman soldiery were improved, and became daily more guarded and more secure against stratagems. 4. In Sicily, the death of Hiero, and the transfer of the government to his grandson, Hieronymus, had completely altered all things with regard to the Romans. Hieronymus was but a boy, as yet scarcely able to bear liberty, st…
With Thraso removed, Roman influence collapses and Hieronymus aligns with Carthage: ambassadors from Appius Claudius are dismissed, Hannibal’s agents secure an alliance, and Sicilia is divided by the Himera.
subjected to torture, either concealed himself or fled, so great was their confidence in the fortitude and fidelity of Theodotus, and so great was his firmness in concealing their secret. 6. Thus on the removal of Thraso, who formed the only bond which held together the alliance with the Romans, immediately affairs clearly indicated defection. Ambassadors were sent to Hannibal, who sent back in company with a young …
A conspiracy murders Hieronymus in Syracuse: assassins strike him during his forum route, Dinomenes is wounded, and Appius Claudius informs Rome that Sicily has turned Carthaginian.
the Carthaginians. This levity and inconstancy of purpose in a hot-headed youth, did not excite their surprise, nor did they reprove it, anxious only to detach him from the Romans. 7. But every thing conspired to hurry him into perdition. For having sent before him Hippocrates and Epicydes with two thousand armed men, to make an attempt upon those cities which were occupied by Roman garrisons, he himself also procee…
The senate assigns provinces and armies: the consuls fight Hannibal, praetors control Luceria, Ariminum, Suessula, and other regions, prodigies are expiated, and the consuls depart for Lucania and Apulia.
senate respecting the war, their own provinces as well as those of the praetors, and also respecting the armies to be employed, and which each of them was to command. 44. The provinces and armies were thus distributed: the prosecution of the war with Hannibal was given to the consuls, and of the armies, one which Sempronius himself had commanded, and another which the consul Fabius had commanded, each consisting of …
Livy describes later accounts of how Appius Claudius and Taurea died, then details Rome’s post-surrender policy: executions, imprisonments, selling commoners, preserving Capua as a controlled farming settlement, and installing an annual prefect.
to Cales, to be kept in custody, and twenty-eight to Teanum; these being the persons by whose advice principally it appeared that the revolt from the Romans had taken place. 15. Fulvius and Claudius were far from being agreed as to the punishment of the Campanian senators. Claudius was disposed to grant their prayer for pardon, but Fulvius was more inclined to severity. Appius, therefore, was for referring the entir…
After senate decrees, consuls draw lots: Marcellus gets Sicily and the fleet, Laevinus gets Italy against Hannibal; Sicilians lament, press for provincial exchange, and Marcellus ultimately swaps toward Hannibal.
those whom they had vanquished in war. Both the consuls, however, first proposed to the senate the consideration of the state of the commonwealth, and the arrangements respecting the provinces. 28. On this occasion Laevinus reported the state of Macedonia and Greece, of the Aetolians, Acarnanians, and Locrians, and the services he had himself performed there on sea and land. That "Philip, who was bringing an army ag…
After Laelius returns from Spain with captives, the senate celebrates successes and keeps commands active; Livy then lays out how provinces and armies are redistributed, including renewed focus on Tarentum, Lucania/Bruttium, Sicily, and Macedonia.
Marcus Claudius, the consul, and in conformity with the same order of the people, Publius Licinius Crassus, chief pontiff, was appointed master of the horse by Quintus Fulvius, the dictator. 6. After the dictator had arrived at Rome, he sent Cneius Sempronius Blaesus, who had acted under him as lieutenant general at Capua, into the province of Etruria, to take the command of the army there, in the room of the praeto…
Livy outlines Roman administrative decrees for consuls, praetors, provinces, fleets, and legions, including continuing commands in Italy and overseas, and preparing ships to defend Italy’s coasts.
to have been killed by the Boii in the neighbourhood of Mutina, when acting as triumvir for the distribution of lands, was alive and in the hands of the enemy. 22. In the eleventh year of the Punic war, Marcus Marcellus, for the fifth time, reckoning in the consulate in which he did not act in consequence of an informality in his creation, and Titus Quinctius Crispinus entered upon the office of consuls. To both the…
After praetors are elected and the dictator abdicates, Roman provinces are assigned: Varro to Etruria, Manlius to observe affairs abroad, and fleets and ambassadors to restore Sicilians and Tarentines; consuls elect provinces against Hannibal and Hasdrubal.
our country as we would that of parents, by patience and resignation." All exerting themselves to the utmost, they succeeded in uniting Marcus Livius in the consulate with Caius Claudius. 35. The third day afterwards the election of praetors was held. The praetors created were, Lucius Porcius Licinus, Caius Mamilius, Aulus Hostilius Cato, and Caius Hostilius Cato. The election completed, and the games celebrated, th…
With elections approaching, Rome uses a dictatorship, assigns provinces for the renewed campaigns (Hannibal’s war in Bruttium and Gaul, plus Sicily and Sardinia), and lays out which armies each commander receives.
added their authority to the recommendation of the knights, relating in the public assembly the following day with what courage and fidelity their two lieutenant-generals in particular had served them. 10. When the time for the elections approached, and it was resolved that it should be held by a dictator, the consul Caius Claudius nominated as dictator his colleague Marcus Livius, who appointed Quintus Caecilius hi…
While Roman envoys act, Carthage strengthens Africa by allying with Numidian king Syphax through marriage to a Carthaginian woman of Hasdrubal, then Hasdrubal warns Syphax not to rely on Scipio’s promises.
out of those armies which were in Sicily, those forces which he would carry with him into Africa, and those which he would leave for the protection of the province. 23. While the Romans were thus employed, the Carthaginians, on their part, though they had passed an anxious winter, earnestly inquiring what was going on, and terrified at the arrival of every messenger, with watch-towers placed on every promontory, had…
For the consuls of the sixteenth year of the Punic War, Rome assigns provinces by lot, keeps Scipio in command for Africa, and authorizes renewed supplications as preparations shift toward the African campaign.
_Scipio, aided by Masinissa, defeats the Carthaginians, Syphax and Hasdrubal, in several battles. Syphax taken by Laelius and Masinissa. Masinissa espouses Sophonisba, the wife of Syphax, Hasdrubal's daughter; being reproved by Scipio, he sends her poison, with which she puts an end to her life. The Carthaginians, reduced to great extremity by Scipio's repeated victories, call Hannibal home fr…
Rome organizes fleets and troops for Sicily, Sardinia, and coastal defense, assigns further commanders in Spain and to guard Italy, and records prodigies interpreted by the pontiffs, after which consuls depart for provinces.
was passed, ordering a supplication to be made that the circumstance of his crossing over into Africa might be beneficial to the Roman people, the general himself, and his army. 2. Three thousand men were enlisted for Sicily, and lest any fleet should go thither from Africa, as all the efficient troops that province had possessed had been transported into Africa, it was resolved that the sea-coast of that island sho…