The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 05 : $b the Roman Republic
History
The historians' history of the world in twenty-five volumes, volume 05 : $b the Roman Republic
World history
From thence having led back his victorious army, and being a man highly
distinguished by his exploits, and one who could place them in the best
light, he went to the Capitol, carrying before him, suspended on a frame
curiously wrought for that purpose, the spoils of the enemy’s general,
whom he had slain; and there, after he had laid them down at the foot
of an oak held sacred by the shepherds, together with the offering, he
marked out the bounds for a temple of Jupiter, and gave a surname to the
god: “Jupiter Feretrius.” He says, “I, King Romulus, upon my victory,
present to thee these royal arms, and to thee I dedicate a temple within
those regions which I have now marked out in my mind, as a receptacle for
the grand spoils which my successors, following my example, shall, upon
their killing the kings or generals of the enemy, offer to thee.” This is
the origin of that temple, the first consecrated at Rome. It afterwards
so pleased the gods both that the declaration of the founder of the
temple should not be frustrated, by which he announced that his posterity
should offer such spoils, and that the glory of that offering should not
be depreciated by the great number of those who shared it. During so many
years, and amid so many wars since that time, grand spoils have been only
twice gained, so rare has been the successful attainment of that honour.
Whilst the Romans are achieving these exploits, the army of the
Antemnates, taking advantage of their absence, makes an incursion into
the Roman territories in a hostile manner. A Roman legion being marched
out in haste against these also, surprise them whilst straggling through
the fields. Accordingly the enemy were routed at the very first shout and
charge; their town was taken; and as Romulus was returning, exulting for
this double victory, his consort, Hersilia, importuned by the entreaties
of the captured women, beseeches him to pardon their fathers, and to
admit them to the privilege of citizens; that thus his power might be
strengthened by a reconciliation. Her request was readily granted. After
this he marched against the Crustumini, who were commencing hostilities;
but as their spirits were sunk by the defeat of their neighbours, there
was still less resistance there. Colonies were sent to both places, but
more were found to give in their names for Crustuminus, because of the
fertility of the soil. Migrations in great numbers were also made from
thence to Rome, chiefly by the parents and relatives of the ravished
women.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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