now the Aras, a river of Armenia Major, which takes its rise in a mountain called Alber, where the Euphrates also hath its origin. From this mountain it runs eastward with a serpentine course, discharging itself into the Caspian sea, after a run of upwards of 500 miles, during which it receives some considerable rivers. Some have imagined that it hath its rise in mount Ararat; but Tournefort affirms us that it comes no nearer that mountain than 12 miles. The Araxes is a very rapid river, and is supposed to be the Gibon mentioned by Moses. Besides this extreme rapidity, it is very apt to overflow after rains; so that they have in vain endeavoured to build bridges over it; tho' some of them appear, from the few arches remaining, to have been built of the best materials, and in the strongest manner. Such is the vehemence of its current after the thawing of the adjacent snows, or some fierce rains, that neither banks nor dykes can resist it; so that nothing can be more terrible than the noise and violence of its waves at such times: but in winter, when its waters are low, it is fordable in some places on camels.

ARBACES governed Media under Sardanapalus. Seeing him sporting among a company of his women, he flattered his people to revolt, and dethroned Sardanapalus; who thereupon burnt himself in his palace. Arbaces being crowned, began the monarchy of the Medes, which lasted 317 years under nine kings, till Alyages was expelled by Cyrus. Arbaces reigned 22 years, and died a. m. 3206.

ARBELA, now Isra, a city of Assyria, lying in E. Long. 44. 5. N. Lat. 35. 15. It is famous for the last and decisive battle fought in its neighbourhood between Alexander the Great and Darius Codomannus. This battle was fought 331 years before Christ, and the event of it determined the fate of the Persian empire. Arrian relates, that Darius's army consisted of a million of foot, and 40,000 horse; according to Diodorus, there were 200,000 horse, and 800,000 foot; Plutarch relates, that the horse and foot together made up a million; and Justin gives us exactly half Diodorus's number. The Macedonian army, according to Arrian, consisted of 40,000 foot, and 7000 horse. To prevent the endeavours of Darius to surround them, Alexander caused his front to be extended as wide as possible without weakening the centre. Darius's front was covered with 200 chariots armed with scythes, whose appearance was very terrible, and threatened destruction to the whole army; but Alexander's light-armed troops killed many of the horses and drivers, so that few reached the Macedonian line, which opening as Alexander had directed, they only passed thro', and were then either taken or disabled by his bodies of reserve. Some ancient writers describe this battle very particularly: but as the Macedonians lost only 300 men, while the Persians had 30,000 killed, according to Arrian; 40,000, according to Curtius; and 90,000, according to Diodorus; it is impossible the Persians could have made any great resistance. Indeed, as the compilers of the Universal History observe, "had the 7 or 800,000 men which Darius brought into the field thrown each one dart, or one stone, the Macedonians could never have bought the empire of the east at fo easy a rate." Darius, on seeing his numerous army so shamefully put to flight, was some time in suspense whether or not he should put an end to his life; but, being persuaded by his friends, or probably hurried away by the multitude who fled, he was obliged to fly with the rest; and arrived at Arbela the same night. After he had passed the river Lyceus, he was advised to break down the bridge, in order to stop Alexander's pursuit; but, considering how many of his own subjects had yet to pass, he could not be prevailed upon to do so; answering, that he had rather leave an open way to a pursuing enemy, than shut it to a flying friend. This battle is likewise called the battle of Gaugamela, a village nearer the scene of action; but as Arbela is the place of greatest consequence, its name is most usually retained.