CHAPTER I. Of the Wars , Valour , Military Glory , &c. of the Ancient Grecians .

THE ancient Grecians were an innocent and unpolish'd sort of Mortals , wholly unacquainted with the modern , and more refin'd Arts of War and Peace . Persons of the highest Birth and Quality , and whom they phansy'd to be descended from the Race of the Immortal Gods , had little other business to employ their Hours , beside tilling the Earth , or feeding their Flocks and Herds ; and the rapine of these , or some other petty Concerns , which was look'd on as a generous and heroical Exploit , occasion'd most of the Wars : so famous in their Story . Achilles in Homer tells Agamemnon , that 't was purely to oblige him , he had engag'd himself in so long and dangerous a War against the Trojans , from whom he had never receiv'd any just cause of Quarrel , having never been despoil'd of his Oxen , or Horses , or had the Fruits of his Ground destroy'd by them (a) (a) Iliad . ● . v. 152. : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For tho' I here 'gainst warlike Trojans fight , 'T is not to vindicate my injur'd Right ; Since they by impious Theft have ne'er detain'd My Oxen , Horses , or on Pthia's Land Destroy'd my Fruits ; for me , the craggy Way O'er pathless Mountains , and the boist'rous Sea Secure from what Invasion they wou'd make : But 't is , ungrateful Man , 't is for thy sake , T' advance thy Triumphs that I hither come , That thou with greater State may'st lord it home . Mr. Hutchin .

And the simplicity of their Conduct may be sufficiently evinc'd , as from several other Instances , so by those especially , where an Achilles , an Hector , or an Ajax are introduc'd opposing themselves to vast Numbers , and by the force of their own Valour putting to flight whole Squadrons of their Enemies . Nor is the Poet to be thought blame-worthy , or to have transgress'd the rules of probability in such Relations ; which , tho' perhaps strange and incredible in our Days , were no doubt accommodated to the manners of the Times , of which he wrote . For even in the Sacred Story we find it recorded , that a single Goliath defy'd all the Armies of Israel (b) (b) I Sam. XVII . 11 , 14. , and with a big look , and a few arrogant Words , put so great terrour into them , that they fled before him .

Notwithstanding this , in the revolution of a few Ages , Greece became the celebrated Mother of the bravest , and most experienc'd Souldiers in the World : For being canton'd into a great number of little independent States , all which , tho' bordering upon one another , were govern'd by different Laws , and prosecuted contrary Interests , it became the Seat of continual Wars ; every Hamlet being ambitious of enlarging it's Territory , by encroaching upon it's neighbour-village , and contending for the addition of a few Lands with no less heat and fury , than if whole Kingdoms had been the Prize : The consequence whereof was , that the Grecians , being from their childhood inur'd to Martial Affairs , and having to their native Bravery added long and constant Experience , were render'd as well in good Order and Discipline , as true Courage and Valour , superiour to most other Nations . They became a terrour to all the Countries round about them , and with small Numbers often put to flight vast multitudes of the Barbarians : The Persians frequently experienc'd the sad effects of it in the loss of numerous Armies , and at length of the greatest Empire in the World . And ( to enumerate no more Instances in a thing so well known ) the Carthaginians , tho' Men of great Courage , and excellently skill'd in the Art of War , being worsted in Sicily by Timoleon the Corinthian in several Encounters , and by unequal numbers of Men , were driven into an admiration of the Grecian Valour ; and forc'd to confess , that they were the most pugnacious and insupportable of Mankind ; and forthwith made it their business to entertain as many of them as they could procure , in their Service (a) (a) Plurarchus Timcleanse . .

But tho' almost all the Grecians had their share in Military Glory , yet were the rest far inferiour to the Lacedemonians , who by the Laws of their Country were under an obligation to make War their Profession ; they never apply'd themselves to any Art , or Employment , or the exercise of Trade , which they accounted unworthy of Generous and Free-born Souls ; but , committing all such cares to the Helots , who were a gentiler sort of Slaves , spent their Time in manly Exercises , to render their Bodies strong and active . They were also accustom'd by hard Diet , by Stripes , and other severities , patiently to undergo any hardships , to endure Wounds , to encounter any Dangers , and , if the Honour of their Country so requir'd , to throw themselves into the Arms of Death without Fear , or Regret . Yet were they not so imprudent or fool-hardy , as to court Dangers , or Death ; but were taught from their childhood to be always prepar'd either to live , or die , and equally willing to do either ; as appears from those Verses , cited by Plutarch (b) (b) 〈◊〉 . to this purpose ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They dy'd , but not as lavish of their Blood , Or thinking Death it self was simply good , Or Life : both these the strictest Vertu●●y'd . And as that call'd , they gladly liv'd , or 〈◊〉 . Nor was this Indifferency to Life or Death only discours'd of amongst them , as a point of meer Speculation ; but carefully and seriously instill'd into their tender Years , and always embrac'd as one of the first Principles of their Actions ; which begot in them such an undaunted Courage , and so firm and unmoveable a Resolution , that scarce any thing compos'd of Flesh and Blood was able to stand before them . This extraordinary and unparallell'd Bravery , being adorn'd and strengthen'd with the wisest Conduct , and the most perfect Skill in all the Stratagems of War those Times were capable of , has render'd them famous in Story , and examples of Military Vertue to all succeeding Ages : For ( these are Plutarch's (a) (a) Telopida words ) the Lacedemonians were most expert and cunning in the Art of War , being train'd up and accustom'd to nothing more than to keep themselves , from Confusion , when their Order should be broken ; to follow any Leader or Right-handman , so rallying themselves into Order ; and to sight on what part soever Dangers press .

It is therefore by no mean ▪ to be wonder'd , that foreign and vastly remote Nations should be desirous to entertain the Laceacmonians into their Service ; that Cyrus the Younger should think That the readiest and most effectual Method to advance himself to the Empire of Persia : That Crasus , the wealthy King of Lydia , and several of the Aegyptian Monarchs , tho' surrounded with numerous Forces of their own , should never esteem themselves secure without assistance from Sparta ; or that the Sicilians , Thracians , Carthaginians , with the Cyrenaeans , and many others , were beholding to it for Protection , and Deliverance from powerful Enemies . And for the Grecians themselves , whenever any of their little States were in danger of being swallow'd up by their more powerful Neighbours , we find them having Recourse for Aid to the Spartans , who were a common Refuge to the oppress'd , and restrain'd the Ambitious Invaders of other Men's Rights .

Hence likewise it came to pass , that in all Confederacies they were look'd on as the principal Associates ; and in all Wars carry'd on by publick Contributions , they challeng'd the chief Command as their right and peculiar . Nor could any Exigency prevail with them to depart from that Claim , or resign it to the greatest of Princes : Gelon , King of Sicily , tho' promising to furnish them with large Supplies against the Barbarians , on condition he might be declar'd Captain-general of the Grecian Forces , was rejected (b) (b) Herodotus lib. VII . . Yet we find , that after the Victory over Mardonius at Plataeae , Pausanias the Lacedaemonian General , having by his excessive Severity , and Tyrannical Behaviour to the rest of the Souldiers render'd the Spartans very odious , in the end they revolted to the Athenians , the gentle and courteous Carriage of whose Commanders , Aristides and Cimon , had endear'd them to all the rest of the Grecians : And here the Magnanimity of the Lacedemonians was wonderful ; For when they perceiv'd that their Generals were corrupted , and their Minds too much elevated and puffed up by the greatness of their Authority , they left off sending any more of them to the Wars , choosing rather to have Citizens of Moderation , and that persever'd in their ancient Manners and Customs , than to be honour'd with the Superiority of all Greece (a) (a) Plutarchus Aristide . . But this Misfortune did not put an end to the Lacedomonian Greatness ; for we find them in a little time re-assuming their ancient Spirits , and disdaining even Alexander himself ( tho' submitted to by the rest of the Grecians , and declar'd their General against ( Persia ) for their Superiour : Which is the reason , that in the Monuments erected after the Persian Victories , and bearing the Names of Alexander and the Grecians , the Lacedemonians were excepted by Name , as having no share in that Honour (b) (b) Plutarchus Alexandre , Arrianus De gestis Alexandri lib 1. .

The Athenians alone were able to dispute with the Lacedemonians this Prerogative ; some few times excepted , when some unusual Success rais'd any of the other States beyond their ordinary Grandeur ; as it happen'd to the Thebans , who , from a mean and despicable People , were by the Conduct of Epaminondas and Pelopidas advanc'd to an Equality , is not a Superiority over the most flourishing Cities of Greece .

Notwithstanding these , and some other Obstacles , the Lacedemonians for the most part made good their Pretensions , and , in most Wars carry'd on by a Confederacy , were Generals of all the Land-forces ; but were at length constrain'd to leave the Dominion of the Seas to the Athenians ; who having laid out their whole Strength in sitting out a Navy against Xer●es , for a long Time reign'd sole Lords of the liquid Element : During which Season we find a Decree put so●th by their Senate , wherein it was order'd , That the Command of all the Naval Forces of Greece should belong to Athens ; but the Land armies should obey a General from Sparta (c) (c) Xenophon 〈◊〉 lib. VII . . But the Rival Cities could not be long content with this equal distribution of Power , each being jealous of the other's Greatness , and thinking her self best able to govern the whole jurisdiction ; till at length the Athenians , having their whole Fleet , except twelve Trireme-Gallies , destroy'd at once by Lysander the Spartan Admiral , in the famous Battle at Aegos-potamus , were constrain'd to own the Lacedemonians for Sovereigns both at Sea and Land (d) (d) Xemphon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. VI. Plutarchus Lysandro . .

But the Lacedemonians were not long able to maintain this Command ; for the Athenians , having recruited their Naval Forces , and engag'd Evagoras the King of Cyprus , and Pharnabazus the Persian Emperour's Lieutenant to their Interest ; by their Assistance , and the singular Conduct of their own Admiral Conon , gave them so great an overthrow at Cnidus (a) (a) Isocrates pro 〈◊〉 , in Phili●pum , Panamenaica , Xenoph●n 〈◊〉 lib VI. Plutarchus 〈◊〉 . , that they never after pretended to contest the Sovereignty of the Seas ; contenting themselves with the chief Command at Land , which the Athenians suffer'd them to enjoy without farther molestation ; both Cities being weary of the Contention , and convinc'd at length of the Truth of what had been commonly observ'd , That Fortune was most favourable to the Lacedemonians by Land , but in Sea-engagements sided with the Athenians (b) (b) Xenophon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. VII . . This seems not to have been without reason , the Athenians by the commodiousness of their Situation being dispos'd , and , as it were , invited by Nature to apply themselves to Naval Affairs ; whereas the Lacedemonians were plac'd at a greater distance from the Sea , and more inclin'd to Land-service , ( to which they were inur'd from their tender Years ) than to venture themselves on the Ocean , to which they had never been accustom'd ; for Lycurgus their Law-giver expressly forbad them (c) (c) Plutarchus Institut. La●cnices . to visit foreign Countries , out of a well-grounded fear , lest his Citizens should be corrupted by the conversation of Strangers , and forsake that excellent platform of Government , he contriv'd for them : And it happen'd to them as he had wisely foreseen ; for no sooner had Lysander render'd them Sovereigns of the Seas , when they began by degrees to leave off their ancient Customs , and sensibly to degenerate from the Vertue and Glory of their Ancestours (d) (d) Demoslinenes Orat in Philip. III. .

CHAPTER II. Of their Levies , Pay , &c. of Souldiers .

THE Grecian Armies consisted for the most part of free Denizons , whom the Laws of their Country oblig'd , when arriv'd at a prefix'd Age , to appear in Arms , upon the summons of the Magistrate , or Commission'd Officer . In some places they were more early admitted to the Wars , in others later ; the Athenians were sent at twenty , the Spartans seldom till thirty : The younger Men in both Cities , with those , who by reason of their Age were discharg'd from Military Service , were left at home to defend their Habitations .

Some Persons were excus'd by reason of their Age ; for having spent their Youth and Strength in serving their Country , it was but reasonable to discharge them from farther Service , that they might end their Days in Peace . After threescore Years it seems to have been usual in most places to allow them Liberty of retiring . Others were exempt on account of their Function ; such were at Athens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Farmers of the publick Customs (a) (a) Demosthenes in Nearam . ; and several of the holy Orders , with those that were appointed to dance at Bacchus's Festival (b) (b) Idem Midiana . .

Others were excluded from-serving in the Wars ; such were the Slaves , and such others as liv'd amongst them , but were not honour'd with the Freedom of their Cities . These were never admitted , except in cases of extreme Danger , when there remain'd no other means of preserving the Common-wealth . Of this Custom I have already given a large Account in one of the fore-going Books (c) (c) Lib 1 Cap. X. .

All that serv'd , were enter'd into a publick List , or Register ; whence the Levy was call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; and to make a Levy , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Amongst the Primitive Grecians , it seems to have been frequently made by Lots , every Family being oblig'd to furnish out a certain number , and filling up their proportion by the Chance of Lots : Whence Mercury in Homer (d) (d) liad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . , pretending to be one of the seven Sons of Polyctor the Myrmidon , adds , that he was appointed by Lots to follow Achilles to the Trojaen War , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 'T was I , who when the Lots were drawn , Was doom'd to follow Peleus's mighty Son . For the appointment of all Persons of a certain Age to be ready to serve in the Wars , seems only to be an Institution of later Ages ; whereas all such like things were formerly manag'd at the pleasure of the Supreme Magistrate .

The Souldiers were all maintain'd at their own expences ; no Name was more opprobrious than that of a Mercenary , it being look'd upon as a Disgrace for any Person of ingenuous Birth and Education to serve for Wages . For all this , it was not permitted any Person to absent himself , except upon reasons allow'd by the Law ; and whoever was found thus to have transgress'd , was at Athens depriv'd of his Voice in all publick Business , and in a manner of all other Rights of Citizens , and was forbidden to enter into any of the publick Temples (a) (a) Aeschines 〈◊〉 , Demosthenes Timocrates . . And lest any of the Persons appointed to serve should make their escape , we find they were branded in the Hand with certain Marks , call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to which Custom Saint Paul is thought to allude in his Epistle to the Galatians (b) (b) Cap VI , 17. , where speaking of the wounds he had receiv'd in his Christian Warfare , he tells us , that he bore in his body the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Marks , of the Lord JESUS .

The Carians were the first that serv'd in Greece for Pay (c) (c) Strabo , He'ychius , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Author . , and have thereby render'd their Name infamous to Posterity ; being represented by all the Writers of those Times , as a base and servile Nation ; insomuch that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , are Proverbial Epithets for Persons of abject and pusillanimous Tempers , or servile Condition (d) (d) Hesychius . ; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is a synonymous term for Slaves ; as in that Proclamation at the end of the Athenian Festival Anthesteria , whereby the Slaves were commanded to be gone out of Doors ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Be gone , ye Slaves , the Anthesteria are ended . Thus they despis'd the poor Carians for introducing a Custom , which in a few Ages after was so far from being look'd upon as unworthy their Birth , or Education , that we find it practis'd by the whole Nation of the Greeks , who not only receiv'd Pay for serving their own Common-wealths , but listed themselves under foreign Kings , and fought their Battles for Hire ; their chief Magistrates not disdaining to accompany them in such Expeditions . Several Instances of this sort might be produc'd , were not that famous one of the Great Agesilaus's condescending to serve Ptolemee , King of Aegypt , instead of numbers of others .

The first that introduc'd the Custom of paying Souldiers at Athens was Pericles , who , to ingratiate himself with the Commonalty , represented how unreasonable it was , that Men of small Estates ; and scarce able to provide for their Families , should be oblig'd to neglect their Business , and spend what their Industry had laid up , in the publick Service , and thereupon preferr'd a Decree that all of them should have Subsistence money out of the Exchequer (e) (e) Ulpranus in Orat. De Syntaxi . ; which seems to have been receiv'd with general Applause . What Sum they daily receiv'd cannot easily be determin'd , it being encreas'd , or diminish'd as occasion requir'd . At first we find the Foot-Souldiers had two Oboli a Day , which in a Month amounted to ten Drachms (a) (a) Demosthenes Philipp . I. . What we read in Thucydides (b) (b) Lib. III. of the Souldiers that garrison'd Potidaea , to every one of which was allotted a Drachm a Day , with another to a Servant for attending upon him , must not be understood , as if their ordinary Pay was of that value , that being only to the common Sea-men of Athens three Oboli , to those that mann'd the Sacred Vessel call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and the Foot-Souldiers , four ; whence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is a Proverbial Expression for a Souldier's life (c) (c) Eustath . Odyss . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for serving in the War . The Horsemen's Pay was for the most part thirty Drachms a Month , that is a Drachm a Day ; this we find to have been term'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (d) (d) Saidu● V .

The ordinary Method of raising this Money , was by imposing a Tax on the whole Common-wealth , whereby all Persons were oblig'd to contribute according to the value of their Estates . But this was done only , when the publick Treasury was exhausted , and the constant Revenues from Tributary Cities , publick Lands , Woods , Mines , or from Fines and Amercements were not sufficient to desray the charges of the War . In cases of greater Necessity , the Richer Citizens at Athens were oblig'd to extraordinary Contributions , and there appears to have been a generous and laudable Emulation amongst the Men of Quality in that City , who voluntarily offer'd more than was requir'd of them , and contended which of them should most largely contribute towards the Honour and Preservation of their Native Country .

Confederate Wars were maintain'd at the common Charge of all the Allies , every one of whom was oblig'd to send forth a proportion of Men ; as we find practis'd in the Trojan War , which was the first , wherein the whole Country of Greece united against a foreign Enemy . Sometimes they were carry'd on by publick Contributions of Money , levy'd by Persons delegated by the common consent of the Confederates , which was only the Practise of later Ages ; the primitive Wars , wherein the Souldiers serv'd at their own Expence , and supply'd their Necessities out of the Spoils of their Enemies , being manag'd with less charge to the Publick . The first Tax , or Tribute of this Nature that we find paid by the Grecians , was after the Expulsion of Xerxes out of Greece , when they agree'd to make an Invasion upon their common Enemy , under the conduct of the Athenians : For then Aristides the Athenian , at the general desire of the Greeks , survey'd the whole Country and Revenue , and assess'd all particular Persons Town by Town , according to every Man's ability : Thus he tax'd them four hundred Talents , to which Pericles added about a third part more ; for we find in Thucydides , that in the beginning of the Peloponnesian War , the Athenians had coming in from their Confederates six hundred Talents . After Pericles's Death , being encreas'd by little and little , it was at length rais'd to the sum of thirteen hundred Talents (a) (a) Plutarchus Aristide . ; all which was manag'd at the Discretion of the Athenians .

CHAPTER III. Of the different sorts of Souldiers .

THE Armies were compos'd of various sorts of Souldiers , their Gross , or Main Body usually consisted of Foot-men , the rest rode some in Chario●s , some on Horseback , others upon Elephants .

The Foot-Souldiers we find distinguish'd into three sorts ; the first and Principal of which were term'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (b) (b) Suidas v. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . , being such as bore heavy Armour , engaging with broad Shields , and long Spears .

2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , were Light-arm'd Men , who fought with Arrows , and Darts , or Stones and Slings , annoying their Enemies at a distance , but were unfit for close Fight . They were in Honour and Dignity inferior to the Heavy-arm'd Souldiers ; and therefore when Teucer in Sophocles quarrels with Menelaus , he is scoffingly reprov'd by him in this manner , O 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (c) (c) Sophocl . Ajac. v. 1141. . This Archer seems to think himself some-body . It seems to have been frequent for them , having shot their Arrows , to retire behind the Shields of the Heavy-arm'd for Protection ; for so we find the same Teucer doing in Homer (d) (d) Iliad. 6. v. 266. , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Teucer the ninth from these at length appear'd , And all his Bows for certain Deaths prepar'd ; Lurk'd behind Ajax's Shield the Hero stood , Which whensoe'er the Warlike Chief remov'd , Around on all he casts his angry Eyes , Threatning Destruction to his Enemies ; But when he saw or wounded one , or slain , Back he betook him to his Shield again . So tim'rous Boys , approaching Ills to shun , With eager haste to careful Mothers run . Mr. Hutchin .

3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (a) (a) Sai●as loc. cit . Aelianus . , tho' frequently comprehended under the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as oppos'd to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , where a middle sort between both , being arm'd with Shields and Spears , but far inferiour in bigness to those of the Heavy-arm'd Men. From their narrow Shields call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , they receiv'd their Name .

The Horsemen amongst the Ancient Grecians were not very numerous , being only such as were possess'd of Estates , and able to furnish out Horses a● their own Charge . Hence both at Athens and Sp●●ta we find 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Horsemen , to have compos'd the second Order in the Common-wealth , being plac'd above the Commonalty , and next to those of the highest Quality and Fortune ; The same is recorded of the Roman Equites , and ( to mention no more ) we are told by Herodotus (b) (b) Lib. V. , that among the Chalcidians none but Rich Men were admitted into that Order . Afterwards , when Men of Estates began to court Ease and Pleasure , and thought it more advisable to furnish out a Horseman , and maintain him at their proper Expences , than to venture their own Persons ; they retain'd indeed their former Name , but the Honour of Serving on Horse-back was lost (c) (c) Xenophon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib VI. .

Who it was , that first instructed Mankind in the Art of Horsemanship , is not agree'd on by the ancient Writers of Fables ; some attributing it to the Amazons (d) (d) 〈◊〉 Orator . , others to the Centaurs (e) (e) Palaphatus lib. I. , others to Bellerophon (f) (f) Plinius lib. VII . cap. LVI . ; others , lastly ( to trouble you with no more ) ascribe the Honour of it to Neptune (g) (g) Homerus in Hymn . Sophocles Oedipo . , the first Creatour of this Animal ; for which reason we find the various Epithets 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (h) (h) Pausanias Ach●icu . , I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (i) (i) Pindarus Pyth. , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (k) (k) Lycophron Cessandr . , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. conferr'd upon him by the Poets , and Mythologists .

Whoever oblig'd Mankind with the first Invention of this Art , seems to have left it very imperfect ; for in those early Ages 't is probable they understood not the Method of governing Horses with Reins , and Bits , but manag'd them only with a Rope , or Switch , and the Accent of their Voice ; this we find to have been the Practise of several other Nations , as the Numidians (a) (a) Silius lib. I. , Getulians (b) (b) Idem lib. II. Lybians (c) (c) Stra●o lib. XVII . , and Mas●ylians of whom Lucan speaks thus (d) (d) Lu●anus lib. IV. , Et gens quae nudo residens Massylia dorso , Ora levi flectit fraenor●● nescia virgā . Without a Saddle the Mas●ylians ride , And with a tender Switch their Horses guide . Afterwards Bridles came into Fashion , of which the most remarkable were those call'd Lupata , having Bits of Iron , not unlike Wolves Teeth , and therefore call'd in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in Latin Lupi : whence Horace (e) (e) Lib. I. Od. VIII . — Gallica ne lupatis Temperet ora fraenis . Not with the sharper Bits Manage th' unruly Horse . The first Invention of them is by Statius attributed to Neptune , — Neptunus equo , si certa priorum Fama patet , primus tencris laesisle lupatis Ora , & littoreo domuisse in pulvere sertur . Neptune , if we may credit give to Fame , First taught with Bits the gen'rous Horse to tame . By others to the Lapithae , or Centaurs , who inhabited a Town in Thessaly , call'd Pelethronium : Thus Virgil (f) (f) Georgic . III 115. , Fraena Pelethronii Lapithae , gyrosque dedere Impositi dorso — The Lapithae of Pelethronium rode With Bridles first , and what their use was show'd . Tho' some are of opinion that the Poet speaks of Bridles , as invented not by the Lapithae , but a Man of that Nation , whose Name was Pelethronius , to whom we find P●iny also attributing the Invention of Bridles , and Harness (g) (g) Lib. VII . cap. LVI . : The last of these the Greeks term 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which were made of divers sorts of Stuffs , as Leather , Cloth , or the Skins of wild Beasts . Parthenopaeus's Horse is cover'd with the Skin of a Lynx in Staius ; Aeneas's in Virgil with a Lyon's (a) (a) Aen. VIII . , — quem fulva leonis Pellis obit — Cover'd with a Lyon's Skin . — Sometimes we find them adorn'd with rich and costly Cloathing ; as in the same Poet (b) (b) Aen. VII . , Omnibus extemplo Teucris jubet ordine duci Instratos ostro alipedes , pictisque tapetis , Aurea pectoribus dem'sia monilia pendent . For ev'ry Trojan straight it is decreed , That sprightly Cour●ers be in order led , Adorn'd with costly Trappings , to whose Breasts The Golden Poitrels hang. — Of the Saddles in use amongst us we find no mention in any ancient Writer ; as neither of the Stapia , or more properly Subex pedaneus , or Stirrop , which do's not appear to have been us'd till these later Ages ; there being no notice taken of any such thing in any Author , that I know of , before Eustathius , who flourish'd about five hundred Years ago , and in his Commentaries upon Homer hath mention'd an Instrument of this sort . In former Ages they supply'd the want of such helps by their Art , or Agility of Body●punc ; being able to leap on Horseback , as the Heroes in Virgil (c) (c) Aen. XII . , — Corpora salin Subjiciunt in equos — And by a Leap bestride their Horses . Or for their greater convenience , the Horses were taught submissively to bow their Bodies to the Ground , and receive their Riders upon their Backs (d) (d) P●llux lib. I. cap. XI . , as we find practis'd as well in Greece , as by the ancient Spaniards (e) (e) Strab● lib. III. , and other Nations . Hence Silius speaks of the Horse of Claelius , a Roman Knight in this manner (f) (f) Lib. X. , Inde inclinatus collum , submissus & armos De more , inflexis praebebat scandere terga Cruribus — Downwards the Horse his Head , and shoulders bent , To give his Rider a more fair ascent . Sometimes we find them leaping up by the help of their Spears , or other things . Several other Methods were us'd by Men of weak , and unactive Bodies : Some getting up on the Backs of their Slaves (a) (a) Volatereanus Epit. Xeno●hon . ; others by the help of short Ladders ; both which Support were term'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Lastly , we find the High-ways fill'd with Stones erected for this purpose ; which is said to have been done in Italy by Gracchus (b) (b) Plutarchus Graechu . ; and in Greece was always one part of the business of the Overseers of the Roads (c) (c) Xenophon Hipparcho . .

Let us now return to their Military Affairs , where we shall find it disputed , whether the Warriours of primitive Ages were carry'd to the Field in Chariots , or on Horse-back : Lucretius indeed tells us , that the first Heroes were mounted upon Horses , whereas Chariots were only a later Invention (d) (d) Lib. V. , Et prius est reppertum in equi conscendere costas , Et moderarier hunc fraenis de●traque vigere , Quam bijugo curru belli tentare pericla . Mounted on well-rein'd Steeds in ancient Time , Before the use of Chariots was brought in , The first brave Heroes fought . — But we are inform'd by Palaephatus , that Chariots were first in use ; the Lapithae , who flourish'd about Hercules's Time , being the first that attempted to ride upon Horses , a thing strange and unheard of by the Grecians in those Days , who view'd them not without amazement , imagining them to have been Monsters compounded of the different shapes of Men and Horses , or Bulls , which they frequently back'd instead of Horses ; whence we have the Fables of the Centaurs , and Hippocentaurs . And 't is more than probable , that at the time of the Trojan War , the custom of Riding and Fighting upon Horses was not commonly receiv'd by the Grecian● ; since the Heroes of Homer , whose Authority must in such cases ever be held Sacred , are always introduc'd into the Battel in Chariots , never on Horse-back .

The Chariots of Princes , and Heroes were not only contriv'd for Service , but Ornament ; being richly emboss'd with Gold , and other Metals , as we read of Orsines the Persians's in Curtius (e) (e) Lib. X. , and several of Homer's , as that of Rhesus (f) (f) 〈◊〉 . ● . , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Silver and Gold his Chariot did adorn . And another of Diomedes (a) (a) Iliad . V. , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chariots richly adorn'd with Gold and Tin . They were likewise adorn'd with curious Hangings ; whence we read of Lycaon's Chariot (b) (b) Iliad . V. , — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . — Like Wings it's Hangings are expanded wide . And Achilles's the Poet calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (c) (c) Iliad . X. .

The Chariots in Homer are drawn for the most part by two Horses coupled together ; that of Achilles had no more , the Names of his Horses being only Xanthus and Balius . So Lycaon's (d) (d) Iliad . V. , — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 — Two well-pair'd Steeds to ev'ry Chariot stand . And Aeneas's in Virgil (e) (e) Aenid . VII . v. 280. , Absenti Aeneae currum , geminosque jugales . A Chariot , and two sprightly Steeds are sent To absent Aeneas . — To these two they sometimes added a third , which was not coupled with the other two , but govern'd with Reins , and therefore call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. but in Homer usually 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and the Rein wherewith he was held in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The same Custom was practis'd by the Romans , till the time of Dionysius the Halicarnassian (f) (f) Antiquit. Rom. lib. VII . , tho' left off in Greece long before . In the eighth Iliad , Hector's Chariot seems to be drawn by four Horses for there the Hero thus bespeaks 'em , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And however some ancient Criticks will have the two former to be no more than Epithets of the later , because Hector afterwards speaks them in the Dual Number , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 — Yet it is evident from other places , that even in Homer's time it was customary to have Chariots drawn by four Horses ; as when he tells us , the Phaeacian Ship shap●● her course , — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , (a) (a) Odyss. V. .

Every Chariot carry'd two Men , whence it was term'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , (b) (b) Eustathius . ; tho' that word do's not in it's strict and proper acceptation denote the whole Chariot , but only that part , wherein the Men were plac'd . One of these was call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because he govern'd the Reins , which in those days was not a Servile , or ignoble Office , but frequently undertaken by Men of Quality ; for we find Nestor (c) (c) Iliad . V. , Hector (d) (d) Iliad . ● . , and several others of Note employ'd in it ; and that not on extraordinary occasions , but frequently , some of them making it their Profession . Yet the Charioteer was inferiour , if not always in Dignity , at least in Strength and Valour to the Warriour , who was call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and had command of the other , and directed him which way to drive , as Eustathius observes (e) (e) Iliad . ● . . When he came to encounter in close Fight , he alighted out of the Chariot , as we find every where in Homer , and the rest of the Poets . So Hercules and Cyenus about to engage , — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (f) (f) Hesiodus Scuto . Leapt from their Chariots on the Ground . And Turnus in Virgil (g) (g) Aeneid X. , — Desiluit bijugis , pedes apparat ire . Dismounts his Horse , and fits himself to walk . When they were weary , which often happen'd by reason of their Armour , being heavyer than any other , they retir'd into their Chariots , and thence annoy'd their Enemies with Darts , and missive Weapons .

Beside these , we find frequent mention in Historians of Chariots call'd Currus salcati , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because arm'd with Hooks , or Scyths , with which whole Ranks of Souldiers were cut off together . But afterwards it being consider'd , they were never of any use but in plain and open Ground , and w●re frequently turn'd back by affrighted and ungovernable Horses upon their own party , to it 's confusion and ruin , several Methods also being contriv'd to defeat or elude their Force , these and all other Chariots were wholly laid aside . Ac●●rdingly , when Military Discipline was carry'd to it's height , th● sometimes they were brought into Battles by Barbarians , as may be observ'd of the Persians in Curtius , yet we never find the Grecians make any use of them , or much damag'd by them ; but contemning that old and unskilful Method of Fighting , they chose rather to ride on Horse-back , which Custom seems to have been receiv'd in a short time after them Heroick Wars .

Of all the Grecians the Thes●alians have the greatest Name for Horsemanship , and in all Wars we find their Cavalry most esteem'd . The Colophonians had once by many remarkable Actions arriv'd to such a pitch of Glory , as to be look'd on as Invincible ; In all long and tedious Wars their Assistance was courted , and the Party that obtain'd Supplies from them , was certain of Success and Victory : Insomuch that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in Latin Colophonem imponere was us'd Proverbially for putting a Conclusion to any Affair (a) (a) Strabo lib. XIV . The Lacedaemonians were but meanly furnish'd with Cavalry , and till the Messenian Wa●s it does not appear that either they , or the rest of the Peloponnesians employ'd themselves in Horsemanship , but repos'd their chief Confidence in Foot (b) (b) Pausanias lib. IV. ; Peloponnesus being a Mountainous and Craggy Countrey , and therefore unfit for Horsemen (c) (c) Plato , who in such places become almost useless in Fight . But the Messenians being subdu'd , the Spartans carrying their Arms into other Countries , soon found the great occasion they had of Horse to support and cover their Foot ; and in a short time supply'd that Defect , by instructing their Youth in Horsemanship ; to which end we find they had Masters in that Art , call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (d) (d) Hes●ebius . . But the greatest part of their Cavalry was furnish'd from Seiros (e) (e) Xemphon . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lib. IV. , a Town not far distant from Sparta , the Inhabitans of which claim'd as their proper Post , the left Wing in the Lacedaemonian Armies (f) (f) Th●cydide . lib. V. . Attica was likewise an hilly Country , and therefore not design'd by Nature for breeding Horses : we find accordingly the Athenian Cavalry to have been exceeding few in Number , consisting only of ninety-six Horsemen : For the whole Athenian Nation being anciently divided into forty-eight Naucrariae , we are told by Pollux , that the Number of Horses , each of these were oblig'd to furnish to the War , was no more than two . And therefore 't is no great wonder if the M●des thought them depriv'd of reason , when at the 〈◊〉 of Morathan they had courage to encounter a strong and numerous Army with so small , and appearingly contemptible a 〈◊〉 Herod●tus . . Having afterwards expell'd the ●edes and Persians 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 , and rais'd themselves to a flourishing Condition , they encreas'd the Number of their Cavalry to three hundred ; and not long after , having once more restor'd Peace to their City , and establish'd it in great ▪ Power and Splendour than before , they augmented them to twelve hundred , and arm'd at the same time an equal Number of Men with Bows and Arrows (b) (b) Aeschines Orat. de falsa legatione , A●docides Orat. de pace . , of which they had before no greater plenty than of Horses ; For both then , and afterwards , the strength of most of the Grecian Armies consisted in their heavy-arm'd Foot .

The 〈◊〉 admitted none to serve on Horse-back , till he had undergon a strict probation ; and if any Person was found to have fraudulently insinuated himself into the List , upon Conviction he was declar'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and disfranchis'd (c) (c) Lysias Orat. de ordine deserto . . This consisted , with respect to the Men , in a Search after their Estates , and observation of their Strength and Vigour of Body : For no Persons were enter'd into the List , but such as had plentifull Possessions , and were in good Plight of Body (d) (d) Xenophon . . Those that were found to be infirm , and worn out with Age , or Service , were branded with a mark call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which was a token of their Discharge (e) (e) Hesyclnus . . In Horses , they observ'd their obedience to their Riders , and such as they found ungovernable , or fearfull , were rejected : This was examin'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , by the found of a Bell , or some other instrument of that nature : Whence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is expounded 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to try , or prove ; and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , unprov'd . Such Horses likewise as were beaten out with long service , they branded upon the Jaw with a mark , frequently term'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (f) (f) Hesychius . , being the figure of a Wheel , or Circle , and sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , whereby the Beast was releas'd from farther service .

We meet with several Titles and Appellations of Horsemen , most of which were deriv'd from the variety of their Armour , or different manner of fighting , as that of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , who annoy'd their Enemies with missive Weapons at some distance , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , with oth●● , the distinction of all which is sufficiently intimated in their Names .

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sometimes by mistake , or corruption , call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (a) (a) Suidas , Pollax , lib I cap X. n. V. , were such as for conveniency had two Horses , on which they rode by turns . They were sometimes term'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because they lead one of their Horses ; which was not a late contrivance , but practis'd soon after the Heroical Times , as appears from Homer's (b) (b) Ilial . o● 684. mentioning it , — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nor do's he ever fall , tho' at full speed He leap from one upon the other Steed .

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , first instituted by Alexander the Great , were a sort of Dragoons , and accommodated with Armour something heavyer than that of ordinary Horse-men , but not quite so weighty as that of the Foot-souldiers ; to the end they might be ready to serve either on Horse-back , or on Foot ; for which reason they had servants attending to take their Horses , whenever the General commanded them to alight (c) (c) Vollux loc. cit . .

They were also distinguish'd into 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , heavy , and light arm'd , after the same manner with the Footmen . The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Curassiers , were not only fortify'd with Armour themselves , but had their Horses guarded with solid Plates of Brass , or other metals , which from the Members defended by them receiv'd different names , being call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. (d) (d) Idem eodem cap. , sometimes they were compos'd of Skins fortif●● with plates of metal , curiously wrought into Plumes , o● other Forms . Thus we find one of Virgil's Hero's arm'd his Steed ; (e) (e) Aen. XI . v. 770. Spumantemque agitabat equum , quem pellis ahenis In plumam squamis auro conserta tegebat . He spurr'd his gen'rous Horse , whose Cloathing was A Skin beset with Plates of Gold and Brass Made in the Fash'on of a costly Plume .

They were likewise bedeck'd with various Ornaments , viz. with Bells , as we find Rhesus's Horses in Euripides ; with Cloathing of Tapestry , Embroidery , and other curious Work ; with rich Collars , and Trappings , or what the Latins call phalcrae , the Gre● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which some will have to be an Ornament for the ●o●e-head , others for the Jaws● nor are there wanting , who think 〈◊〉 to signify all the Ornaments belonging to Horses .

Of Camels and Elephants , which are so much talk'd of in the Wars of some Countries , we have no Mention in the Grecian Story before the Times of Alexander , when we find a great number of Elephants transported from the Eastern parts of the World . These were wont to carry into the Battle large Towers , in which ten , fifteen , and as some affirm , thirty Souldiers were contain'd , who annoy'd their Enemies with mi●ive Weapons , themselves being secure , and out of danger (a) (a) Philostratus Vitā Apollonsi lib. I. cap. VI. . Nor were the Beasts idle , or useless in Engagements ; Fo● beside that , with their Smell , their vast and amazing Bulk , and their strange and terrible Noise , both Horses and Souldiers were struck with Terrour and Astonishment , they acted their parts couragiously , trampling under Feet all Opposers , or catching them in their Trunks , and tossing into the Air , or delivering them to their Riders (b) (b) Curtius lib. VIII . . Nor was it unus●● for them to engage with one another with great Fury , which t●ey always doubled after they had receiv'd Wounds , tearing their Adversaries in pieces with their Teeth (c) (c) Pelybius lib V. . But in a short Time they were wholly laid aside , their service not being able to compensate the great Mischiefs frequently done by them : For tho' they were endu'd with a great measure of Sagaciousness , and approach'd nearer to Human Reason than any other Animal , whereby they became more tractable to their Governours , and capable to pay obedience to their Instructions ; yet being sore wounded and press'd upon by their Enemies , they became ungov●rnable , and frequently turn'd all their Rage upon their own Party , put them into confusion , committed terrible Slaughters , ●●d deliver'd the Victory to their Enemies ; of which several remarkable Instances are recorded in the Historians of both Languages .