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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
This compilation is designed to be a companion to the author's History of Greece. It is hoped that it may fill a want, now felt in many high schools and academies, of a short and clear statement of the rise and fall of Rome, with a biography of her chief men, and an outline of her institutions, manners, and religion. For this new edition the book has been entirely rewritten, additional matter having been introduced whenever it has been found necessary to meet recent requirements. The penults of
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CHAPTER I. GEOGRAPHY OF ITALY.
CHAPTER I. GEOGRAPHY OF ITALY.
Italy is a long, narrow peninsula in the southern part of Europe, between the 38th and 46th parallels of north latitude. It is 720 miles long from the Alps to its southern extremity, and 330 miles broad in its widest part, i.e. from the Little St. Bernard to the hills north of Trieste. It has an area of nearly 110,000 square miles, about that of the State of Nevada. The Alps separate Italy on the north and northwest from the rest of Europe. The pass over these mountains which presents the least
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CHAPTER II. THE EARLY INHABITANTS OF ITALY.
CHAPTER II. THE EARLY INHABITANTS OF ITALY.
So far as we know, the early inhabitants of Italy were divided into three races, the IAPYGIAN, ETRUSCAN, and ITALIAN. The IAPYGIANS were the first to settle in Italy. They probably came from the north, and were pushed south by later immigrations, until they were crowded into the southeastern corner of the peninsula (Calabria). Here they were mostly absorbed by the Greeks, who settled in the eighth and seventh centuries all along the southern and southwestern coast, and who were more highly civil
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CHAPTER III. THE ROMANS AND THEIR EARLY GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER III. THE ROMANS AND THEIR EARLY GOVERNMENT.
We have learned the probable origin of the LATINS; how they settled in Latium, and founded numerous towns. We shall now examine more particularly that one of the Latin towns which was destined to outstrip all her sisters in prosperity and power. Fourteen miles from the mouth of the Tiber, the monotonous level of the plain through which the river flows is broken by a cluster of hills (Footnote: The seven hills of historic Rome were the Aventine, Capitoline, Coelian, Esquiline (the highest, 218 fe
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CHAPTER IV. THE EARLY GROWTH AND INTERNAL HISTORY OF ROME.
CHAPTER IV. THE EARLY GROWTH AND INTERNAL HISTORY OF ROME.
The position of Rome was superior to that of the other towns in the Latin Confederacy. Situated on the Tiber, at the head of navigation, she naturally became a commercial centre. Her citizens prospered and grew wealthy, and wealth is power. Her hills were natural strongholds, easily held against a foe. Thus we see that she soon became the most powerful of the Latin cities, and when her interests conflicted with theirs, she had no scruples about conquering any of them and annexing their territory
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CHAPTER V. THE DYNASTY OF THE TARQUINS.
CHAPTER V. THE DYNASTY OF THE TARQUINS.
Of the seven traditional kings of Rome, the last three were undoubtedly of Etruscan origin, and their reigns left in the city many traces of Etruscan influence. The Etruscans were great builders, and the only buildings of importance that Rome possessed, until a much later period, were erected under this dynasty. The names of these kings are said to have been LUCIUS TARQUINIUS PRISCUS, SERVIUS TULLIUS, his son-in-law, and LUCIUS TARQUINIUS SUPERBUS. Under the first of these kings were built the f
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CHAPTER VI. THE CONSULS AND TRIBUNES.
CHAPTER VI. THE CONSULS AND TRIBUNES.
At the close of the dynasty of the Tarquins, the regal form of government was abolished, and instead of one king who held office for life, two officers, called CONSULS, were elected annually from the PATRICIANS, each of whom possessed supreme power, and acted as a salutary check upon the other; so that neither was likely to abuse his power. This change took place towards the close of the sixth century before Christ. In times of great emergency a person called DICTATOR might be appointed by one o
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CHAPTER VII. THE COMITIA TRIBUTA AND THE AGRARIAN LAWS.
CHAPTER VII. THE COMITIA TRIBUTA AND THE AGRARIAN LAWS.
The next gain made by the plebeians was the annual appointment from their own ranks of two officers, called AEDILES. (Footnote: The word "Aedile" is derived from Aedes , meaning temple.) These officers held nearly the same position in reference to the Tribunes that the Quaestors did to the Consuls. They assisted the Tribunes in the performance of their various duties, and also had special charge of the temple of Ceres. In this temple were deposited, for safe keeping, all the decrees of the Senat
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CHAPTER VIII. THE CONTEST OF THE PLEBEIANS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS.
CHAPTER VIII. THE CONTEST OF THE PLEBEIANS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS.
The plebeians were now (about 475) as numerous as the patricians, if not more so. Their organization had become perfected, and many of their leaders were persistent in their efforts to better the condition of their followers. Their especial aim was to raise their civil and political rights to an equality with those of the patricians. The struggle finally culminated in the murder of one of the Tribunes, Gnarus Genucius, for attempting to veto some of the acts of the Consuls. VALERO PUBLILIUS, a T
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CHAPTER IX. EXTERNAL HISTORY.
CHAPTER IX. EXTERNAL HISTORY.
The first authentic history of Rome begins about 400. The city then possessed, possibly, three hundred square miles of territory. The number of tribes had been increased to twenty-five. Later it became thirty-five. In 391 a horde of Celtic barbarians crossed the Apennines into Etruria and attacked CLUSIUM. Here a Celtic chief was slain by Roman ambassadors, who, contrary to the sacred character of their mission, were fighting in the ranks of the Etrurians. The Celts, in revenge, marched upon Rom
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CHAPTER X. WARS WITH PYRRHUS (281-272).
CHAPTER X. WARS WITH PYRRHUS (281-272).
In the early times of Rome, while she was but little known, it had been the custom of Greece to send colonies away to relieve the pressure of too rapid increase. We find them in Spain, France, Asia Minor, and especially in Sicily and Southern Italy, where the country became so thoroughly Grecianized that it was called MAGNA GRAECIA. Here were many flourishing cities, as Tarentum, Sybaris, Croton, and Thurii. These had, at the time of their contact with Rome, greatly fallen from their former gran
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CHAPTER XI. DIVISIONS OF THE ROMAN TERRITORY.—NOTED MEN OF THE PERIOD.
CHAPTER XI. DIVISIONS OF THE ROMAN TERRITORY.—NOTED MEN OF THE PERIOD.
Rome was now mistress of all Italy south of the Arnus and Aesis. This country was divided into two parts. I. The AGER ROMÁNUS, including about one quarter of the whole, bounded on the north by CAERE, on the south by FORMIAE, and on the east by the APENNINES. II. The DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES. The Ager Románus was subdivided, for voting and financial purposes, into thirty-three, afterwards thirty-five districts (tribes), four of which were in Rome. The elections were all held at Rome. These districts
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CHAPTER XII. FOREIGN CONQUEST.
CHAPTER XII. FOREIGN CONQUEST.
ROME AND CARTHAGE.—FIRST PUNIC WAR. (264-241.) (Footnote: The word "Punic" is derived from Phoenici . The Carthaginians were said to have come originally from PHOENICIA, on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. Their first ruler was Dido. The Latin student is of course familiar with Virgil's story of Dido and Aenéas.) While Rome was gradually enlarging her territory from Latium to the Straits of Messána, on the other shore of the Mediterranean, opposite Italy and less than one hundred miles fr
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CHAPTER XIII. ROME AND CARTHAGE BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND PUNIC WARS
CHAPTER XIII. ROME AND CARTHAGE BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND PUNIC WARS
(241-218). Twenty-three years elapsed between the First and Second Punic Wars. The Carthaginians were engaged during the first part of this time in crushing a mutiny of their mercenary troops. Rome, taking advantage of the position in which her rival was placed, seized upon SARDINIA and CORSICA, and, when Carthage objected, threatened to renew the war, and obliged her to pay more than one million dollars as a fine (237). The acquisition of Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica introduced into the govern
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CHAPTER XIV. THE SECOND PUNIC WAR.—FROM THE PASSAGE OF THE PYRENEES TO THE BATTLE OF CANNAE. (218-216.)
CHAPTER XIV. THE SECOND PUNIC WAR.—FROM THE PASSAGE OF THE PYRENEES TO THE BATTLE OF CANNAE. (218-216.)
In the spring of 218 Hannibal started from Carthágo Nova to invade Italy. His army consisted of 90,000 infantry, 12,000 cavalry, and 37 elephants. His march to the Pyrenees occupied two months, owing to the opposition of the Spanish allies of Rome. Hannibal now sent back a part of his troops, retaining 50,000 infantry and 9,000 cavalry, all veterans. With these he crossed the mountains, and marched along the coast by Narbo (Narbonne) and Nemansus (Nîmes), through the Celtic territory, with littl
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CHAPTER XV. THE SECOND PUNIC WAR.-FROM CANNAE TO THE BATTLE OF ZAMA
CHAPTER XV. THE SECOND PUNIC WAR.-FROM CANNAE TO THE BATTLE OF ZAMA
(216-202). ROME was appalled; but though defeated, she was not subdued. All the Latin allies were summoned for aid in the common peril. Boys and old men alike took up arms even the slaves were promised freedom if they would join the ranks. Hannibal marched from Cannae into Campania. He induced Capua, the second city of Italy, to side with him. But his expectations that other cities would follow her example were not fulfilled. He went into winter quarters here (215-214). The Capuans, notorious fo
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CHAPTER XVI. ROME IN THE EAST.
CHAPTER XVI. ROME IN THE EAST.
ROME was now in a position to add new nations to her list of subjects. The kingdoms of the East which formerly composed a part of the vast empire of Alexander the Great, and which finally went to swell the limits of Roman authority, were Egypt, Syria, Macedonia, and Greece proper. EGYPT was governed by the Ptolemies, and included at this time the valley of the Nile, Palestine, Phoenicia, the island of Cyprus, and a number of towns in Thrace. SYRIA, extending from the Mediterranean to the Indus,
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CHAPTER XVII. THE SYRIAN WAR.
CHAPTER XVII. THE SYRIAN WAR.
Antiochus III. of Syria, who had proposed to share Egypt with Philip, had been engaged for some time in a campaign in the East, and did not hear of his ally's danger until too late to aid him. However, he claimed for himself portions of Asia Minor and Thrace, which Philip had previously held, and which Rome now declared free and independent. He crossed the Hellespont into Thrace in 196, but did not dare to enter Greece, although earnestly urged to do so by the Aetolians, until after Flamininus h
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CHAPTER XVIII. CONQUEST OF MACEDONIA AND GREECE. (171-146.)
CHAPTER XVIII. CONQUEST OF MACEDONIA AND GREECE. (171-146.)
Although Philip had aided the Romans in their campaign against Antiochus, he did not receive from them the expected reward in additions to his territory. Immediate resistance would be futile; but he labored patiently and quietly to increase his resources, and to stir up among the neighboring Greeks hostile feeling towards Rome. He placed his army on the best footing possible, and soon began to enlarge his boundaries. Complaints were made to Rome, and the king was compelled to give up his conques
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CHAPTER XIX. THE THIRD PUNIC WAR, AND FALL OF CARTHAGE.
CHAPTER XIX. THE THIRD PUNIC WAR, AND FALL OF CARTHAGE.
Fifty years had passed since Zama. It was a period of great commercial prosperity for Carthage, but her government was weakened by the quarrels of conflicting factions. MASINISSA, King of Numidia, an ally of the Romans, was a continual source of annoyance to Carthage. He made inroads upon her territory, and, as she was bound by her treaty not to war upon any allies of Rome, her only recourse was to complain to the Senate. In 157 an embassy was sent to inquire into the troubles. MARCUS PORCIUS CA
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CHAPTER XX. ROME AND SPAIN.-THE NUMANTINE AND SERVILE WARS. (206-132.)
CHAPTER XX. ROME AND SPAIN.-THE NUMANTINE AND SERVILE WARS. (206-132.)
Africanus the elder left Spain in 206. After a provincial government of nine years (206-197), the country was divided into two provinces, separated by the IBÉRUS (Ebro), and each province was assigned to a praetor. It was some time, however, before Spain was really brought into a state of complete peace and order. The mountains and forests were a formidable obstacle to the Roman legions, and favored guerilla warfare, which makes conquest slow and laborious. The most warlike of the Spanish tribes
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CHAPTER XXI. INTERNAL HISTORY.—THE GRACCHI.
CHAPTER XXI. INTERNAL HISTORY.—THE GRACCHI.
We have seen how the long struggle between the patricians and plebeians terminated in a nominal victory for the latter. From about 275, the outward form of the old constitution had undergone little change. It was nominally that of a "moderate democracy." The Senate and offices of state were, in law, open to all alike. In practice, however, the constitution became an oligarchy. The Senate, not the Comitias, ruled Rome. Moreover, the Senate was controlled by a class who claimed all the privileges
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CHAPTER XXII. EXTERNAL HISTORY.—PERGAMUM.—JUGURTHINE WAR (118-104).
CHAPTER XXII. EXTERNAL HISTORY.—PERGAMUM.—JUGURTHINE WAR (118-104).
Pergamum was an ancient city of Mysia on the Caícus, fifteen miles from the sea. It first became important after the death of Alexander. Its first king, Attalus I. (241-197), added a large territory to the city. He was an ally of the Romans, and his successors remained their firm friends. The city became one of the most prosperous and famous in Asia Minor, noted for its architectural monuments, its fine library, and its schools. Attalus III., at his death in 133, bequeathed to Rome his kingdom,
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CHAPTER XXIII. THE CIMBRI AND TEUTONES.—POLITICAL QUARRELS.
CHAPTER XXIII. THE CIMBRI AND TEUTONES.—POLITICAL QUARRELS.
The war with Jugurtha ended none too soon, for Marius was needed in a struggle requiring all his talents. The CIMBRI and TEUTONES, barbarous nations from Northern Europe, were threatening the frontiers of Italy. Already the Roman armies had met with five successive defeats at their hands on the banks of the Rhone. Eighty thousand Romans and forty thousand camp followers are said to have fallen in these battles. Had the barbarians at this moment chosen to enter Italy, the destruction of Rome woul
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CHAPTER XXIV. INTERNAL HISTORY.-THE SOCIAL WAR (90-88).
CHAPTER XXIV. INTERNAL HISTORY.-THE SOCIAL WAR (90-88).
At this time there was a bitter rivalry between the Senate and the equestrian order, or commercial class. From the former were chosen the governors of the provinces, from the latter came the tax-gatherers ( publicani ) and the money-brokers ( negotiatores ). It will help us to understand better the condition of affairs, if we study the composition of the Senate and the Equites. The Senators, three hundred in number (later their number was increased to six hundred), held their office for life. Wh
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CHAPTER XXV. MARIUS AND SULLA.-CINNA.
CHAPTER XXV. MARIUS AND SULLA.-CINNA.
With the name of MARIUS is usually coupled that of LUCIUS CORNELIUS SULLA (138-78). "He was a patrician of the purest blood, had inherited a moderate fortune, and had spent it, like other young men of rank, lounging in theatres and amusing himself with dinner parties. He was a poet, an artist, and a wit. Although apparently indolent, he was naturally a soldier, statesman, and diplomatist. As Quaestor under Marius in the Jugurthine War, he had proved a most active and useful officer." In these Af
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CHAPTER XXVI. SERTORIUS.—SPARTACUS.—LUCULLUS.—POMPEY AND CRASSUS.
CHAPTER XXVI. SERTORIUS.—SPARTACUS.—LUCULLUS.—POMPEY AND CRASSUS.
Quintus Sertorius (121-72), a native of the little Sabine village of Nursia under the Apennines, had joined the party of Marius, and served under him in the campaigns against the Cimbri and Teutones. In 97 he served in Spain, and became acquainted with the country with which his fame is chiefly associated. In 91 he was Quaestor in Cisalpine Gaul. He was a partisan of Marius during his troubles with Sulla, and on Sulla's return from the East he left Rome for Spain, where he took the lead of the M
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CHAPTER XXVII. CAESAR.—CICERO.—VERRES.
CHAPTER XXVII. CAESAR.—CICERO.—VERRES.
The Caesars were a family belonging to the Julian gens , which claimed descent from IÚLUS, the son of AENÉAS. Eight generations of Caesars had held prominent places in the commonwealth. They had been Consuls, Praetors, Censors, Aediles, and were aristocrats of the moderate wing. The direct ancestry of GAIUS JULIUS CAESAR can be traced no further back than his grandfather. This gentleman, of the same name as the great Caesar, married Marcia, who claimed descent from Ancus Marcius, the fourth King
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CHAPTER XXVIII. TROUBLES AT ROME.—CONSPIRACY OF CATILINE.
CHAPTER XXVIII. TROUBLES AT ROME.—CONSPIRACY OF CATILINE.
While Pompey was absent in the East, matters at Rome were daily becoming worse, and shaping themselves for the speedy overthrow of the Republic. There were many who had suffered under Sulla, and who were anxious to regain what they had lost, and there were many who, enriched by the Dictator, had squandered their ill-gotten wealth, and now only waited a leader to renew the assault upon the state. The Senate was jealous of the power of the people, and the people distrusted the Senate. Among the pa
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CHAPTER XXIX. THE FIRST TRIUMVIRATE.
CHAPTER XXIX. THE FIRST TRIUMVIRATE.
Pompey was ostensibly at the head of the first Triumvirate, and in return supported Caesar in his candidacy for the consulship. Crassus was to contribute his wealth to influence the election. Caesar was elected without opposition (59); his colleague, the Senate's tool, was Marcus Bibulus. Caesar had now reached the highest round in the ladder of political offices. He had shown himself in all his course to be careful in keeping within the bounds of the constitution, never exerting himself in poli
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CHAPTER XXX. CAESAR'S CAMPAIGNS IN GAUL.
CHAPTER XXX. CAESAR'S CAMPAIGNS IN GAUL.
Caesar was now in the prime of manhood, in the full vigor of mind and body. His previous experience in camp life had been comparatively small. His early service in Asia, and his more recent campaigns in Spain, however, had shown his aptitude for military life. The Romans had already obtained a foothold in Gaul. Since 118, the southern part of the country along the seaboard had been a Roman province, called GALLIA NARBONENSIS, from the colony of Narbo which the Romans had founded. The rest of Gau
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CHAPTER XXXI. CLODIUS AND MILO.—DEATH OF CRASSUS.
CHAPTER XXXI. CLODIUS AND MILO.—DEATH OF CRASSUS.
During the nine years (59-50) passed by Caesar in Gaul, great confusion prevailed at Rome. The Republic needed a strong, firm hand, which would stop the shedding of blood and insure security of person and property. Pompey had attempted to bring about this result, but had failed. There were two prominent factions, one led by CLODIUS, the other by MILO. "Clodius is the most extraordinary figure in this extraordinary period. He had no character. He had no distinguished talent save for speech; he ha
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CHAPTER XXXII. CAESAR'S STRUGGLE WITH POMPEY.—BATTLE OF PHARSALIA.
CHAPTER XXXII. CAESAR'S STRUGGLE WITH POMPEY.—BATTLE OF PHARSALIA.
Pompey was elected sole Consul in February, 52. He at once threw off all pretence of an alliance with Caesar, and devoted himself to the interests of the Senate and aristocracy. The brilliant successes of Caesar in Gaul had made a profound impression upon the minds of the citizens, to whom the name of the northern barbarians was still fraught with terror. Caesar had won for himself distinction as a soldier greater than the Scipios, or Sulla, or Pompey. "He was coming back to lay at his country's
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CHAPTER XXXIII. CAESAR'S OPERATIONS IN EGYPT, ASIA, AFRICA, AND SPAIN.
CHAPTER XXXIII. CAESAR'S OPERATIONS IN EGYPT, ASIA, AFRICA, AND SPAIN.
Pompey, in his flight from Pharsalia, hastened by the shortest way to the sea, and, seeing a vessel weighing anchor, embarked with a few companions who had accompanied him in his flight. He went to Mityléne, and from there to Egypt, hoping to obtain an asylum with the young PTOLEMY; but he was seized upon his arrival, and beheaded, 28 September, 48. Just before his death Pompey had completed his fifty-eighth year. "Though he had some great and good qualities, he hardly deserved the surname of GR
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CHAPTER XXXIV. MURDER OF CAESAR.
CHAPTER XXXIV. MURDER OF CAESAR.
Upon his return from Spain, Caesar granted pardon to all who had fought against him, the most prominent of whom were GAIUS CASSIUS, MARCUS BRUTUS, and CICERO. He increased the number of the Senate to nine hundred. He cut off the corn grants, which nursed the city mob in idleness. He sent out impoverished men to colonize old cities. He rebuilt Corinth, and settled eighty thousand Italians on the site of Carthage. As a censor of morals he was very rigid. His own habits were marked by frugality. Th
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CHAPTER XXXV. THE SECOND TRIUMVIRATE.—PHILIPPI AND ACTIUM.
CHAPTER XXXV. THE SECOND TRIUMVIRATE.—PHILIPPI AND ACTIUM.
Caesar in his will had appointed GAIUS OCTAVIUS, the grandson of his sister Julia, heir to three fourths of his property; and his other relatives were to have the remaining fourth. Young Octavius was in his nineteenth year when Caesar was murdered. He went at once to Rome to claim his inheritance. Caesar's widow, Calpurnia, had intrusted to Mark Antony all the money in the house,—a large sum,—and had also delivered to his care all the Dictator's writings and memoranda. Octavius was cool and saga
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CHAPTER XXXVI. AUGUSTUS (30 B.C.-14 A.D.)
CHAPTER XXXVI. AUGUSTUS (30 B.C.-14 A.D.)
After enjoying his triple triumph, Octavius should, according to the precedents of the Republic, have given up the title of IMPERATOR; but he allowed the Senate, which was only too glad to flatter him, to give him that name for ten years,—a period which was repeatedly renewed. In this way he became permanent commander of the national forces. Next the Imperator (Emperor) caused himself to be invested with the authority of Censor. This enabled him to revise the list of Senators, and to restore to
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CHAPTER XXXVII. THE AUGUSTAN AGE.
CHAPTER XXXVII. THE AUGUSTAN AGE.
In speaking of Augustus, we must take into account the writers whose names have given to his its brightest lustre, and have made the AUGUSTAN AGE a synonym for excellence in culture, art, and government. Virgil, Ovid, Horace, Livy, and a host of others, have given his reign a brilliancy unmatched in time, which is rather enhanced than diminished by the fame of Cicero, Caesar, and Sallust, who preceded, and that of Tacitus, Seneca, and others, who followed; for they belong to an epoch in which Au
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CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE JULIAN AND CLAUDIAN EMPERORS.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE JULIAN AND CLAUDIAN EMPERORS.
Augustus was succeeded by TIBERIUS CLAUDIUS NERO CAESAR (born 42 B. C.), the son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia. His mother obtained a divorce from Tiberius, and married Augustus. Tiberius had great military talent. He was a severe disciplinarian, and commanded the full confidence of his soldiers. As commander in Cantabria, Armenia, Rhaetia, Dalmatia, and Germany, he conducted his campaigns with success, and honor to himself. Returning to Rome in 7 B. C., he celebrated a triumph, and afterw
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CHAPTER XXXIX. THE FLAVIAN EMPERORS.
CHAPTER XXXIX. THE FLAVIAN EMPERORS.
The East now made a claim for the Emperor, and on July 1, 69, the soldiers who were engaged in war against the revolted Jews in Judaea proclaimed as Emperor their commander, TITUS FLAVIUS VESPASIÁNUS. He left the conduct of the war in charge of his son Titus, and arrived at Rome in 70. Here he overthrew and put to death Vitellius. In the course of this struggle the Capitol was burned. This he restored, rebuilding also a large part of the city. In his own life Vespasian was simple, putting to sha
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CHAPTER XL. THE FIVE GOOD EMPERORS.
CHAPTER XL. THE FIVE GOOD EMPERORS.
NERVA was appointed by the Senate to succeed Domitian, and was the first Emperor who did not owe his advancement to military force or influence. He associated with himself MARCUS ULPIUS TRAJANUS, then in command of the army on the Rhine. Nerva ruled only sixteen months; but during that time he restored tranquillity among the people, conferring happiness and prosperity upon every class. TRAJAN (98-117). Nerva was succeeded by TRAJAN, whose character has its surest guaranty in the love and venerat
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CHAPTER XLI. PERIOD OF MILITARY DESPOTISM.—DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE.
CHAPTER XLI. PERIOD OF MILITARY DESPOTISM.—DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE.
On the death of Aurelius, his son, Commodus, hastened to Rome, and was received by both the Senate and army without opposition. His character was the opposite of that of his good father. In ferocity and vindictiveness he was almost unequalled, even among the Emperors of unhappy Rome. By means of informers, who were well paid, he rid himself of the best members of the Senate. His government became so corrupt, he himself so notorious in crime, that he was unendurable. His proudest boasts were of h
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CHAPTER XLII. INVASIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE BARBARIANS.
CHAPTER XLII. INVASIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE BARBARIANS.
The sieges and captures of Rome by the Barbarians we present in a separate chapter, instead of in the narrative of the Emperors, because by this plan a better idea of the operations can be given; and especially because we can thus obtain a clearer and more comprehensive conception of the rise of the nations, which, tearing in pieces the Roman Empire, have made up Modern Europe. The HUNS, who originated the movement which overthrew the Western Empire, came, it is supposed, from the eastern part o
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CHAPTER XLIII. ROMAN LITERATURE.
CHAPTER XLIII. ROMAN LITERATURE.
PLAUTUS, the comic poet, was one of the earliest of Roman writers. Born at Sarsina in Umbria, of free parentage, he at first worked on the stage at Rome, but lost his savings in speculation. Then for some time he worked in a treadmill, but finally gained a living by translating Greek comedies into Latin. Twenty of his plays have come down to us. They are lively, graphic, and full of fun, depicting a mixture of Greek and Roman life. TERENCE (195-159). TERENCE was a native of Carthage. He was brou
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CHAPTER XLIV. ROMAN ROADS.—PROVINCES.
CHAPTER XLIV. ROMAN ROADS.—PROVINCES.
The Romans were famous for their excellent public roads, from thirteen to fifteen feet wide. The roadbed was formed of four distinct layers, placed above the foundation. The upper layer was made of large polygonal blocks of the hardest stone, fitted and joined together so as to make an even surface. On each side of the road were footpaths strewn with gravel. Stone blocks for the use of equestrians were at regular distances, and also milestones telling the distance from Rome. There were four main
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CHAPTER XLV.
CHAPTER XLV.
(Footnote: Most of the information given in this chapter is scattered in different parts of the history; but it seems well to condense it into one chapter for readier reference.) ROMAN OFFICERS, ETC. The magistrates of Rome were of two classes; the Majores , or higher, and the Minores , or lower. The former, except the Censor, had the Imperium ; the latter did not. To the former class belonged the Consuls, Praetors, and Censors, who were all elected in the Comitia Centuriáta. The magistrates wer
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CHAPTER XLVI. HOUSES, CUSTOMS, INSTITUTIONS, ETC.
CHAPTER XLVI. HOUSES, CUSTOMS, INSTITUTIONS, ETC.
The private houses of the Romans were poor affairs until after the conquest of the East, when money began to pour into the city. Many houses of immense size were then erected, adorned with columns, paintings, statues, and costly works of art. Some of these houses are said to have cost as much as two million dollars. The principal parts of a Roman house were the Vestibulum , Ostium , Atrium , Alae , Tablínum , Fauces , and Peristylium . The VESTIBULUM was a court surrounded by the house on three
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CHAPTER XLVII. PUBLIC BUILDINGS, SQUARES, ETC.
CHAPTER XLVII. PUBLIC BUILDINGS, SQUARES, ETC.
Rome was built on seven hills,—the Palatine, the Aventine, the Capitoline, the Esquiline (the largest), the Quirínal, the Viminal, and the Coelian. There were various public squares ( forum = square or park). Some were places of resort for public business, and most were adorned with porticos. The most celebrated square was the Forum Románum , or simply The Forum . There were also the Forum Caesaris and Forum Trajáni . Some served as markets; as Forum Boarium , the cattle market; Forum Suarium ,
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CHAPTER XLVIII. COLONIES.—THE CALENDAR.—RELIGION.
CHAPTER XLVIII. COLONIES.—THE CALENDAR.—RELIGION.
Colonies were established by Rome throughout its whole history. They were intended to keep in check a conquered people, and also to repress hostile incursions. Many were founded to provide for veteran soldiers; a practice which was begun by Sulla, and continued under the Emperors. No colony was established without a lex , plebiscítum , or senatus consultum . Religious ceremonies always accompanied their foundation, and the anniversary was observed. The colonies were divided into two classes, viz
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CHAPTER XLIX. THE ROMAN ARMY IN CAESAR'S TIME.
CHAPTER XLIX. THE ROMAN ARMY IN CAESAR'S TIME.
The LEGIO was composed of infantry, and, though larger, corresponded to our regiment. It was divided into ten cohorts (battalions), each cohort into three maniples (companies), and each maniple into two centuries (platoons). In theory the number in each legion was six thousand, in practice about four thousand. The usual order of battle was to draw up each legion in three lines ( acies triplex), the first consisting of four cohorts, the second and third of three each. The defensive armor of the l
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CHAPTER L. LEGENDARY ROME.
CHAPTER L. LEGENDARY ROME.
AENEAS, son of Anchíses and Venus, fled from Troy after its capture by the Greeks (1184?) and came to Italy. He was accompanied by his son IÚLUS and a number of brave followers. LATÍNUS, who was king of the district where Aenéas landed, received him kindly, and gave him his daughter, LAVINIA, in marriage. Aenéas founded a city, which he named LAVINIUM, in honor of his wife. After his death, Iúlus, also called ASCANIUS, became king. He founded on Mount Albánus a city, which he called ALBA LONGA,
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SPECIMEN EXAMINATION PAPERS.
SPECIMEN EXAMINATION PAPERS.
JUNE, 1889. 1. Place or explain the following: Capua; Numidia; Veii; Pharsálus; Comitia Centuriata; Decemvir; law of Majestas. With what important events was each connected? (Omit one; answer very briefly.) 2. The campaigns of Pyrrhus in Italy. 3. The causes and results of the Samnite Wars. 4. Cato's efforts to reform the government of Rome. 5. ( a ) Education in Rome. ( b ) Amusements at Rome. (Take one) 1888. 1. Basilica; Lex Publilia; Patrician; Triumvir; Tribune; Roman citizen,—what were the
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1887.
1887.
(a) (Take five.) The Allia, Agrigentum, Lilybaeum, Placentia, Cannae, Numantia, Massilia,-where? Mention (with dates) historical events connected with four of these places. (Take any two.) 1. How were the members of the Roman Senate chosen at different times? 2. The origin of the Praetorship. What were the duties of the Praetor? 3. Describe or explain any five: Pater Patratus, Feriae Latinae, Curia, Equites, Flamines, the Licinian Laws, the law of Majestas. Questions on the "additional reading."
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YALE COLLEGE.
YALE COLLEGE.
June, 1889. 1. The Patricians and Plebeians: first causes of strife between them. Steps in the political progress of the Plebeians. Censors. Tribunes. Licinian Laws. 2. Greek influences on Roman life: what were they? In what ways and at what times introduced? 3. The Second Punic War: its causes. Hannibal's great march. Battles in Italy. Hasdrubal. Transference of the war. The result. Why did Hannibal fail? 4. Give some account of the members of the First Triumvirate. 5. Arrange in chronological
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UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
35TH ACADEMIC EXAMINATION November 22, 1889.—Time, 9.30 A.M. to 12 M., only. 48 credits; necessary to pass , 36. 1. Mention two prominent characteristics of the Roman people. (2) 2. Mention one element which Rome has contributed to the civilization of the world. (1) 3. Mention two foreign enemies that fought Rome on Italian soil; state the result in each contest. (4) 4. Describe the situation of any two of the following places, and state an important historical event connected with each: Caudine
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