[3-8] _Champaign_, or _campagna_, means any open, level tract of country. The name is specifically applied to the extensive plains about Rome. [4-9] A part of the Capitoline, one of the seven hills on which Rome is built, was called the Tarpeian Rock, after Tarpeia, daughter of an early governor of the citadel on the Capitoline. According to the popular legend, when the Sabines came against Rome, Tarpeia promised to open the gate of the fortress to them if they would give her what they wore on their left arms. It was their jewelry which she coveted, but she was punished for her greed and treachery, for when the soldiers had entered the fortress they hurled their shields upon her, crushing her to death. [5-10] _Fathers of the City_ was the name given to the members of the Roman Senate. [5-11] Ostia was the port of Rome, situated at the mouth of the Tiber. [5-12] Janiculum is a hill on the west bank of the Tiber at Rome. It was strongly fortified, and commanded the approach to Rome. [5-13] _Iwis_ is an obsolete word meaning _truly_. [5-14] When the kings were banished from Rome the people vowed that never again should one man hold the supreme power. Two chief rulers were therefore chosen, and were given the name of _consuls_. [7-15] Sextus was the son of the last king of Rome. It was a shameful deed of his which finally roused the people against the Tarquin family. [8-16] In the temple of the goddess Vesta a sacred flame was kept burning constantly, and it was thought that the consequences to the city would be most dire if the fire were allowed to go out. The Vestal virgins, priestesses who tended the flame, were held in the highest honor. [10-17] The Roman people were divided into two classes, the patricians, to whom belonged all the privileges of citizenship, and the plebeians, who were not allowed to hold office or even to own property. Macaulay gives the English name _Commons_ to the plebeians. [11-18] A discussion as to who these chiefs were, or as to where the places mentioned were located, would be profitless. The notes attempt to give only such information as will aid in understanding the story. [12-19] _Campania_ is another name for the campagna. [12-20] _Hinds_ here means _peasants_. [14-21] Romulus, the founder of Rome, and Remus, his brother, were, according to the legend, rescued and brought up by a she-wolf, after they had been cast into the Tiber to die. [18-22] The Palatine is one of the seven hills of Rome. [18-23] The Romans personified the Tiber River, and even offered prayers to it. [20-24] The Comitium was the old Roman polling-place, a square situated between the Forum and the Senate House. [20-25] The Volscians were among the most determined of the Italian enemies of Rome. [20-26] Juno was the goddess who was thought of as presiding over marriage and the birth of children.