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[278]
But because Athronges, a person neither eminent by the dignity of
his progenitors, nor for any great wealth he was possessed of, but one
that had in all respects been a shepherd only, and was not known by any
body; yet because he was a tall man, and excelled others in the strength
of his hands, he was so bold as to set up for king. This man thought it
so sweet a thing to do more than ordinary injuries to others, that although
he should be killed, he did not much care if he lost his life in so great
a design. He had also four brethren, who were tall men themselves, and
were believed to be superior to others in the strength of their hands,
and thereby were encouraged to aim at great things, and thought that strength
of theirs would support them in retaining the kingdom. Each of these ruled
over a band of men of their own; for those that got together to them were
very numerous. They were every one of them also commanders; but when they
came to fight, they were subordinate to him, and fought for him, while
he put a diadem about his head, and assembled a council to debate about
what things should be done, and all things were done according to his pleasure.
And this man retained his power a great while; he was also called king,
and had nothing to hinder him from doing what he pleased. He also, as well
as his brethren, slew a great many both of the Romans and of the king's
forces, an managed matters with the like hatred to each of them. The king's
forces they fell upon, because of the licentious conduct they had been
allowed under Herod's government; and they fell upon the Romans, because
of the injuries they had so lately received from them. But in process of
time they grew more cruel to all sorts of men, nor could any one escape
from one or other of these seditions, since they slew some out of the hopes
of gain, and others from a mere custom of slaying men. They once attacked
a company of Romans at Emmaus, who were bringing corn and weapons to the
army, and fell upon Arius, the centurion, who commanded the company, and
shot forty of the best of his foot soldiers; but the rest of them were
aftrighted at their slaughter, and left their dead behind them, but saved
themselves by the means of Gratus, who came with the king's troops that
were about him to their assistance. Now these four brethren continued the
war a long while by such sort of expeditions, and much grieved the Romans;
but did their own nation also a great deal of mischief. Yet were they afterwards
subdued; one of them in a fight with Gratus, another with Ptolemy; Archelaus
also took the eldest of them prisoner; while the last of them was so dejected
at the other's misfortune, and saw so plainly that he had no way now left
to save himself, his army being worn away with sickness and continual labors,
that he also delivered himself up to Archclaus, upon his promise and oath
to God [to preserve his life.] But these things came to pass a good while
afterward.
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