The history of the Carthaginians, that of the Assyrians, and the Lydians, which occurs in the second volume, is supported by the best authorities; but it is highly necessary to review the geography, the manners, and customs of the different nations here treated of; and first with regard to the religion, manners, and institutions of the Persians and Grecians; because these show their genius and character, which we may call, in some measure, the soul of history. For to take notice only of facts and dates, and confine our curiosity and researches to them, would be imitating the imprudence of a traveller, who, in visiting many countries, should content himself with knowing their exact distance from each other, and consider only the situation of the several places, their buildings, and the dresses of the people; without giving himself the least trouble to converse with the inhabitants, in order to inform himself of their genius, manners, disposition, laws, and government. Homer, whose design was to give, in the person of Ulysses, a model of a wise and intelligent traveller, tells us, at the very opening of his _Odyssey_, that his hero informed himself very exactly of the manners and customs of the several people whose cities he visited; in which he ought to be imitated by every person who applies himself to the study of history. As Asia will hereafter be the principal scene of the history we are now entering upon, it may not be improper to give the reader such a general idea of it, as may at least make him acquainted with its most considerable provinces and cities. The northern and eastern parts of Asia are less known in ancient history. To the north are ASIATIC SARMATIA and ASIATIC SCYTHIA, which answer to Tartary. Sarmatia is situated between the river _Tanais_, which separates Europe and Asia, and the river _Rha_, or _Volga_. Scythia is divided into two parts; the one on this, the other on the other side of mount _Imaus_. The nations of Scythia best known to us are the _Sacæ_ and the _Massagetæ_. The most eastern parts are, SERICA, Cathay; SINARUM REGIO, China; and INDIA. This last country was better known anciently than the two former. It was divided into two parts; the one on this side the _Ganges_, included between that river and the _Indus_, which now composes the dominions of the Great Mogul; the other part was that on the other side of the Ganges. The remaining part of Asia, of which much greater mention is made in history, may be divided into five or six parts, taking it from east to west.