now follow; but it would be absurd to bestow implicit credit on all the accounts they have given, and the editor has, therefore, pointed out the uncertain nature of the early history, not to encourage scepticism, but to accustom students to consider the nature of historical evidence, and thus early form the useful habit of criticising and weighing testimony. The authorities followed in the geographical chapters, are principally Heeren and Cramer; the treatise of the latter on ancient Italy is one of the most valuable aids acquired by historical students within the present century. Much important information respecting the peculiar character of the Roman religion has been derived from Mr. Keightley's excellent Treatise on Mythology; the only writer who has, in our language, hitherto, explained the difference between the religious systems of Greece and Rome. The account of the barbarians in the conclusion of the volume, is, for the most part, extracted from "Koch's Revolutions of Europe;" the sources of the notes, scattered through the volume, are too varied for a distinct acknowledgment of each. * * * * * CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. CHAPTER I. Geographical Outline of Italy II. The Latin Language and People--Credibility of the Early History III. Topography of Rome IV. The Roman Constitution V. The Roman Tenure of Land--Colonial Government VI. The Roman Religion VII. The Roman Army and Navy VIII. Roman Law.--Finance IX. The public Amusements and private Life of the Romans X. Geography of the empire at the time of its greatest extent HISTORY. I. Of the Origin of the Romans II. From the building of Rome to the death of Romulus III. From the death of Romulus to the death of Numa IV. From the death of Numa to the death of Tullus Hostilius V. From the death of Tullus Hostilius to the death of Ancus Martius VI. From the death of Ancus Martius to the death of Taiquinius Priscus VII. From the death of Tarquinius Priscus to the death of Servius Tullius VIII. From the death of Servius Tullius to the banishment of Tarquinius Superbus IX. From the banishment of Tarquinius Superbus to the appointment of the first Dictator X. From the Creation of the Dictator to the election of the Tribunes XI. From the Creation of the Tribunes to the appointment of the Decemviri, viz. Section 1.--The great Volscian war ---- 2.--Civil commotions on account of the Agrarian law XII. From the creation of the Decemviri to the destruction of the city by the Gauls, viz. Section 1.--Tyranny of the Decemviri ---- 2.--Crimes of Appius--Revolt of the army ---- 3.--Election of Military Tribunes--Creation of the Censorship ---- 4.--Siege and capture of Veii--Invasion of the Gauls ---- 5.--Deliverance of Rome from the Gauls XIII. From the wars with the Samnites to the First Punic war, viz. Section 1.--The Latin war ---- 2.--Invasion of Italy by Pyrrhus, king of Epirus