^3< 26] SIEGE GF E PI DAMN US 19 for they were more than a match for them in military strength, and as rich as any state then existing in Hellas. They would often boast that on the sea they were very far superior to them, and would appropriate to themselves the naval renown of the Phaeacians, who were the ancient inhabitants of the island. Such feelings led them more and more to strengthen their navy, which was by no means despicable ; for they had a hundred and twenty triremes when the war broke out. Irritated by these causes of offence, the Corinthians 26 were too happy to assist Epidamnus ; ne Con,M{ans se„d accordingly they invited any one who hoops and colonists to was willing to settle there, and for the ^P'^^ammts. The Co,- r- . . . . . . cvraeans demand thctr protection of the colonists despatched dismissal ; on being ve- with them Ambracian and Leucadian fused they besiege the troops and a force of their own. All "^^• these they sent by land as far as Apollonia, which is a colony of theirs, fearing that if they went by sea the Cor- cyraeans might oppose their passage. Great was the rage of the Corcyraeans when they discovered that the settlers and the troops had entered Epidamnus and that the colony had been given up to the Corinthians. They immediately set sail with five and twenty ships, followed by a second fleet, and in insulting terms bade the Epidamnians receive the exiled oligarchs, who had gone to Corcyra and implored the Corc3Taeans to restore them, appealing to the tie of kindred and pointing to the sepulchres of their common ancestors^. They also bade them send away the troops and the new settlers. But the Epidamnians would not listen to their demands. Whereupon the Corcyraeans attacked them with forty ships. They were accompanied by the exiles whom they were to restore, and had the assistance of the native lUyrian troops. They sat down before the city, and made proclamation that any Epidam- nian who chose, and the foreigners, might depart in Cp. iii. 58 mcd., 59 init. C 2
