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Loraque Ie document eat trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un aeul clichA, 11 eat filmA A partir de I'angle aupArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en baa, en prenant Ie nombre d'imagea nAceaaaire. Lea diagrammea auivanta illuatrent la mAthode. ired by errata efilmed to / llement ita, une pelure, de fa^on dt iible. OX 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 awn ' wiij^iy rVl,^ "CfffJS-'KrVl / '^*rS P HZ PR] RE'PURl "^'\%y PINNOCK»S CATECHISM OF THE vat«c< BISTORT or FROM ROMB,^ THE EARLIEST AG TO THE PRESENT TIME. -•>«( A NEW AND IMPROVED EDITION. LONDON Ic M PRINTED FOR G. B. WHTTTA^B^^ ^ TREACHER, & OisiL t/ t ^ REPUBLISHED ^ SOLD BYC.Jh BELCH E£mm HALIFAX, N. S. 1886. ■■*i / / g*. % <- 4*r K chief city < most inter Q. Froi edi A. Froi central ps with these be the T united; bi under whi known, ar is evident] Q. Wh< gin of the A. The after the d into Italy \ inhabitant the hand c succession OATSOBZSaC OF ROMAN HISTORY. CHAPTER I. Of the Originof the Romans. Question. Who were the ancient Romans 1 Answer. The inhabitants of Ancient Rome, the chief city of Italy ; the history of which is full of the most interesting and surprising events. Q. From what people were the Romans descend- ed 1 A. From the ancient Latins, who inhabited the central part of Italy, which was called La'tium ; with these a people of Greciatt descent, supposed to be the Tyrrhenian Pelasgi, appear to have been united; but the real nature of the circumstances under which the Roman people was formed is un- known, and the common account given by historians is evidently a fable. Q. Whence do histokians usually derive the ori- gin of the Romans! A. They assert that iEne'as, a Trojan prince, after the destruction of his native city, led a colony into Italy ; that he was at first opposed by the native inhabitants, but finally obtained from King Lati^nus the hand of his daughter Lavinia, and the right of succession to the crown. ,--'*■' 4 CATECHIfM Of Q. How long it ^ne'as said to have reigned 1 A. Six yearf ; alHer which he was slain in battle by Mezentius, the sovereign of a petty nrincipality in Italy. Ho was afterwards worshippea under the name of Ju'piter Indi'getes. Q. By whom was ^ne'as succeeded ? A. The historians aie not agreed on this subject; the account generally received is, that Asca^nius or luluSf his eldest son, received the hereditary office of chief priest, and that the crown was placed on the head of iCne'as SyPvius, the son of Lavi'nia. Asca'- nius, however, seems to have held the reins of go- vernment during the minority of the young prince. Q. What city was founded by Asca'nius 1 A. Lon'ga Ai'ba : it is said that he was directed to build a city where he should discover a white sow with a litter of thirty young; having met such a prodigy, he immediately obeyed the precept, and transterred the seat of government from Lavinium to Al'ba. Q. Is there any certain account of the succession of king inAl'bal A. No ; the Roman historians, indeed, give a list of kings, and assign th^ duration of their reigns, but the list is manifestly an invention. They do npt, however, relate any particular event respecting the history of the Al'bans until after the deeth of Proteus. Q. You have more than once expressed some doubts of the authenticity of the early nistory of La' tium ; why do you regard it as uncertain ? A. The early history of Rome, and of Al'ba, from which Rome is said to have been a colony, is involv- ed in obscurity and fable. The art of writing waff very imperfectly known until a late period ; most of the ancient records preserved in Rome were des^ troyed when the city was burned by the Gauls ; and Fa bius Pictor, the first Roman Historian, wrote his work signed fori Q. Ho^ Lat'insi A, Tw( the elder,] ^ sures. . Q. Did ment of tl A. No^ M planted hil \ Q. Had A. Yes' * but how n Q. Wh mitor to c the crowi A. Are to death, a vestal ' Q. W A. A a heathe Q. Di A. N she attr Q. H A. A river T Q. V thrown ROMAN RISTORT. ave reigned ? a» •lain in battle ►et^y principality «PPed under the ed; on this subject; at Aeca^nius or hereditary office " placed on the ^vi'nia. Asca'- he reins of go- ^oung prince, a^nius t was directed er a white sow ? met such a ^ precept, and Q Lavin^ium to the succession ejJ» give a list e«r reigns, but A ney do npt, respecting the thofPro'cus. >ressed some listoryofLa' fArba,from ^y, is involv- writing war od ; most of e were des* Gauls; and rian, wrote his work more than five centuries after the date as- signed for the foundation of the city. *? CHAPTER II. Of the Origin of Rom'utttB, Q. How many sons had Pro'cus the king of the Lat'ins 1 A, Two; Nu'mitor, and Amu'lius. ToNu'mitor, the elder, he left the crown ; to the other, his trea- sures. Q. Did Nu'mitor succeed his father in the govern- ment of the Lat^ins 1 A. No; Amu'lius, by means of his riches, sup- planted his brother, and reigned in his stead. Q. Had Nu'mitor any children 1 A. Yes ; he had several sons and one daughter; but how many sons history does not inform us. Q. What did Amulius towards the family of Nu'- mitor to deprive them ot all hopes of succeeding to the crown 1 A. Amuiius caused his brother's sons to be put to death, and made his only daughter, Rhe'a Sil'via, a vestal virgin. Q. What is a vestal virgin 1 A. A virgin consecrated to the service of Ves^ta, a heathen goddess. Q. Did Rhe'a Sil'via always remain a virgin 1 A. No ; she ga¥e birth to two male twins, which she attributed to Mars, the supposed god of war. Q. How did Amu'lius act when he heard of it 1 A. Amuiius ordered them to be thrown into the river Ti'ber, and herself to be cast into prison. Q. What became of the children after they were thrown into the Ti'ber 1 A2 6 CATicHifM or •hem .Mheir oTchilSn**^ "^"^ brought up^lj „ a: B'y Horn "„r'.„7 ait' "^r ""»-•" were grown up, coMthflT*' ^''?' when they ife for ,ome time "but „*""^«« «<> the shepherd.' th« they were spr'unifnmTnnV^f ^^^^ discovered contmued the shephefdXhit. '*i .°"«'°' '^ey dis- ">er alto attacked «K» . ui *' *"•* '»»'« to hunting whom they stripoed a)V^^," "^ their coun ?f ' among th/eomSfo'n'plit'' '""'"'*'' "»«« rigin, they dis- ook to hunting; their country, and divided it these hunting ^ore Amulius, inder from the ^en over to be vhichRc/mus 5 a discovery ho was slain, ; he reigned ower, which ose first king ROMAN HISTORT. CHAPTER III. Of the Foundation oj Rome by Rom'ulus, Q. WHE^, and by whom, was the city of Rome built ? A. It was built 753 years before the birth of our Saviour, 431 after the burnir 7 of Troy, and in the year of the world 3251, by Rom^ulus and Re'mus, on the very spot where they had been exposed, when Amu'lius intended to have drowned them to prevent their succeeding to the crown. Q. As, from the circumstances of these young men being twins, neither of them could claim any right of precedence. What expedient did *hey take to deter- mine which should govern this new city 1 A. For this purpose they had recourse to augury*, and agreed, that he who saw the most vultures, at a certain time, should name the new city, and be king; Rom'ulus saw twelve, and Re'mus only six : whence it was governed by the former, and from him it re- ceived the name of Rome, Q. Was it settled amicably between Rom'ulus and Re'mus who should govern the new kingdom 1 A. No ; a dispute arose, and in the tumult ReV mus was slain ; and Rom'uius remained king alone. * »Augury among the ancients, was much used. It was a species of divination, or the art of foretelling future events, and distinguished into five kinds, namely, augury Irom the heavens, from birds, (as in the above instance), from chickens, from quadrupeds, and from portentow events. Of this kind £h*e also the modern magic, astrology, palmistry, &c., which, though formerly much practised, are now just- ly exploded, as inconsistent with reason, propriety, and true philosophy. 8. CATECHISM or CHAPTER IV. The manner in which Rome was first peopled. Q. What method did Rom'ulus take to people Romel A. He thought of two expedients. Q. What were they ? A. In the first place he opened'a public sanctuary in a »mall wood, not far from the city^ where all fu- gitive slaves, criminals, and others of a similar des- cription, from the neighbouring Provinces, found protection. Q. Had this expedient the de&ired effect 1 A. Yes. Q. What did he after this 1 A. As there were no women among the Romans, and as iheir neighbours would not intermarry with them, he was obliged to have recourse to a stratagem. Q. What was that ? A. He had it published in all the neighbouring provinces, that at a certain time the Romans design- ed to celebrate some sports in honour of Neptune. Q, What success attended him in this measure 1 A. The Sab'ines came to see these diversions, and brought their wives and daughters with them ; and when they were most intent upon beholding the sports, Rom'ulus gave the signal, and the Roman youths immediately carried off the Sab'ine virgins, and married them, and their parents fled home in the greatest trepidation. Q. What did Rom'ulus, when he had thus peopled his city 1 A. He divided the people into three tribes, and each tribe into ten curi( Q, Ho^ A. Into of curiae, Q. Did public expl A. Yesf ficient to and all pul Q. Ho^ A. Intol nobility, ai Q. Whi and what A. It w sacred thii fairs of sta the grouni crafts. 1 Q. Hof A. Byl Q. Wh A. Mor Q. Wa A. No ofTar'qui king. Q. Whi a republic A. A n the chief republic t many. ROlfAN BISTORT. r$t peopled. ike to people blie sanctuary , where all fu- a similar des- vinces, found iffect 1 ^ the Romans, termarry with a stratagem. neighbouring )mans design- )f Neptune, his measure] [versions, and Ih them; and eholding the i the Roman b'ine virgins, 1 home in the thus peopled e tribes, and he chief of a id of a curise. Q. How did he divide the land 1 A. Into thirty equal parts, to answer the number of curise, which parts were distributed by lot. Q. Did not Romu'lus reserve any portion for the public exponces 1 A. Yes; a certain portion was exempted, suf- ficient to defray sacred rites, the building of temples, and all public exigences. Q. How did he divide the people in point of rank 1 A. Into two orders ; the one called patricians, or I nobility, and the other plebeianSf or common people. I Q. What were the Ainctions of the patricians, and what those of the plebeians 1 I A. It was the office of the patricians to perform sacred things, and to assist the government in the af< \ fairs of state ; and that of the plebeians to cultivate f the ground, and exercise mechanic arts or handle - crafts. ^'i !jI , I CHAPTER V. Of the Government of Rome, Q. How was Rome first governed 1 A. By kings. Q. What is this sort of government called ? A. Monarchy. Q. Was Rome always governed by kings ? A. No ; it became a republic after the expulsion of Tar'quin the Proud, who was the seventh and last king. Q. What is the difference between a monarchy and a republic 1 A. A monarchy is a form of government where the chief power is vested in one person only ; in a republic the administration is lodged in the hands of many. 10 CATECHISM OF Q. Did Rome always continue a republic after the expulsion of Tar^quin the Proud T A. No ; it was afterwards governed by emperors. Q. What difTorence is there between a king and an emperor 1 A. The names are synonymous^ with this distinc- tion only, that an emperor is supposed to have greater power or authority. Q. How many kinds of government have there been in Rome 1 A. Three *■ that of kings, which lasted about 250 years ; that of consuls, 490 ; and that of the em- perors, 360. Q. How many kings reigned over the Romans 1 A. Seven ; their names are in the following table, together with the time and length of their respective reigns. CHAPTER VI. A TABLE OF THE SEVEN KINGS OF ROME. Years of KINGS. the Reign. World. J. Romu'ius 3251 38 Inter-regnum^ - - - 3289 — 2. Nu'ma PompiHus 3290 42 3. TuMus Hostil'ius 3332 32 4. An'cus Mar'tius 3364 24 5. Tarquin'ius Pris'cus 3388 38 6. Servi^us Tul'lius 3426 44 7. Tarquin'ius Super'bus - 3470 25 * Inter-regnunit the time in which a throne is vacant, between the death of one prince and the accession of another; but in hereditary governments, like that of Great Britain, there is no inter-re^nura. a republic after led by emperors, ^eena king and i^ith this distinc- d to have greater lent hare there asted about S50 hat of the em- the Romans t following table, their respective 3F ROME. Yesurs of the World. 3251 3289 3290 3332 3364 3388 3426 U70 Reign. 38 42 32 24 38 44 25 rone is vacant, ion of another; f Great Britain, ■m noaiAN HISTORY. 11 CHAPTER VII. Of the reign of Rom'iUus. I Q. What was the character of Rom'ulus t A. He was a great warrior and politician, ^nd gained several considerable battles against the Cen- Indians, the Atanma^tes, and the Crustumeni'ans (people of Italy), with whom he made war. Q. Did no other people attack the Romans be- sides those above mentioned t ' * ^ ' A. Yes ; the Sab'ines under enraged with the Romans ;!br^ daughters. Q. Was not this a dangerouj A. Yes ; it had nearly beei Roman power, lor the Sabini of the capital by the treachery the keeping of one of the gates for the intercession of the Rom] been carried off by force, who unw^QQis^^res between the two contendmg armies, anWHRmed a peace with their tears, their destruction was at hand. Q. It appears from what you have related, that the Sab'ines were moved with compassion at this sight 1 A. Yes ; so much so, that the combatants on both sides immediately threw down their arms, and en- gaged themselves never again to make war against each other. Q. What followed this conciliation 1 A. Tha two powers entered into an agreement, that Rom'ulus and Ta'tius^ should reign together, and that Rome should be the capital of their empire. * The king of the Sab'ines. Id CATECHISM OF Q. How many years did Rom'ulus and Ta'tius reign jointly and amicably together 1 A. Six years; when Ta'tius was murdered at Lanu'viuro, B. C. 742, for an act of cruelty to the ambassadors of the Lauren^tes*. Some authors sup- pose this was done by order of his royal colleague^ from a secret jealousy between the two sovereigns. Q. In what manner did Rom'ulus come by his death 1 A. It is not known ; but the most probable opinion is, that the senators, whom he treated too imperious- ly, killed him in the midst of the Senate, and after- wards made the people believe that he ascended into heaven. Q. After the death of Rom'ulus, was not the form of government changed 1 A. Yes ; for the senate being composed of Ro- mans and Sabines, it was resolved to choose by lot five persons of each nation, who should reign five days alternately, till such time as they could find out one that was worthy to fill the throne. Q. How long did this inter-regnum last 1 A. A twelvemonth. Q. Was nothing done to the honour of Romu'lus 1 A. Yes ; a temple was built to him upon the QuiriYial , Mountf , where he was adored under the name of Quiri'nus|. Q. How long did Rom'ulus reign, and by whom was he succeeded 1 A. He reigned thirty-eight years, and was suc- ceeded by Nu'ma PompiPius. *The Lat'ins, sometimes called Lauren tini. t A hill in Rome, originally called Ago'nius. j: A surname of the god Mars, among the Romans, which was given toRomulus when he was deified by his supersti- tious subjects. Of the Q. WhI A. Frof he was ch| piety. Q. Wl after he A. The| which R< his persoi Q. Wh ^ A. Becl I make him ^ Q. Wh A. He the stern 5 with his n I (liedafler * two years i reign of 1 I A. Yei 1 whereas. I also insti A tion of s( m omens, < I of the s droi»ped remainei guard tc * Ate shut in p ROMAN HISTORY. 13 IS and Tatius s murdered at cruelty to the ae authors sup- oyal colleague^ wo sovereigns. s come by his obable opinion too imperious- te, and after- ascended into i not the form posed of Ro- choose by lot uld reign five :ou]d find out 1st 1 f Romu'lus? ^ upon the ^d under the 'd by whom d was suc- •mans, which his Bupersti- CHAPTER VIII, Of the Reign of Nu'ma PompiViuSy the second King of Home, Q. Whence came Nu'ma Pompil'ius 1 A. Prom Cure's, the metiopolis of the Sabines ; he was chosen by tlie senate on account of his great piety. Q. What was the first public act PompiPius did after he was made sovereign ? A. The first thing he did was to disband the guards which Rom'ulus had instituted for the security of his person. Q. Why did he do this .? A. Because, he said, it was better for a prince to make himself beloved than feared by his subjects. Q. What were the principal events of his reign ? A. He instituted the college of vestals, softened the stern disposition of the people, maintained peace with his neighbours, built the temple of Ja'nus*, and died afler reigning tranquilly and happily for forty- two years. Q. Were there no other rema]fkable events in the reign of Pompil'ius .'* A. Yes ; he divided the year into twelve months, whereas Jlom'ulus made it consist only of ten. He also instituted i\\e pontiffs^ who had the chief direc- tion of secret matters; the awg-wrs, who explained omens, &c. ; and the Salian priests, who took care of the sacred shield, which Nu'ma pretended had dropped down from heaven ; and which, while they remained in Rome, would serve as a perpetual safe- guard to the city. * A temple built in honour of the god Ja'nus, ^vhich was shut in peace, and opened in war. A ♦ 14 CATECHISM or Q. Had he any children ? A. Yes ; he had four sons, none of whom succeed- ed him in the crown, but founded four illustrious families in Rome. Q. Had he no daughter T A. One only, called Pompil'ia, married to a Sab- ine nobleman, whose name was Mar'tius. Q. By whom was Nu'ma Pompirius succeeded T A. By Tuiaus Hostil'ius. d.i' CHAPTER IX. Tlil'lus Hostil'ius, the third King of Rome. Q. What important act did TuMus Hostil^ius in the bej ^inning of his reign ? A. Being of a warlike disposition, he taught the Romans a regular system of military discipline, with which they were before unacquainted. Q. What remarkable event happened in the reign ofTuMusI A. The war with the Albans, which was decided in the famous combat between the HoraHii and Curiatii. Q. Can you relate to me the manner in which the war between the Romans and Albans was conducted? A. The Romans and Albans being willing to put ii speedy conclusion to the war, which had lasted a long time, it was resolved, on both sides, to choose three champions to fight for their country, and to decide in that way the fate of the contending nations. Q. What were the conditions 1 A. If the three Albans were vanquished. Alba was to submit itself to the government of the Romans ; on the other hand, if the Roman champions * were bci Alba. Q. Wl A. Tl thers ; ai brothers Q. wn did they A. ThI Two of wounded! He, there gelf to fli rable dis far off, h and, inli he killed fore, ack to the Ro Q. Di( this illusi A. Ye Q. In A. By Q. W A. Re tears for her in sword 1 Q. W A. » appoint< father, victory. Q. 1 Turius A. l\ ROMAN HISTORY. 15 f whom succeed- four illustrious arried to a Sab- •tius. ius succeeded ? 'g of Rome. us Hostil'ius in , he taught the discipline, with • led in the reign Jh was decided Hora'tii and T in which the i^as conductedl willing to put 1 had lasted a Jes, to choose )untry, and to e contending luished, Alba ment of the an champions were beaten, Rome was to have been subject to Alba. Q. Who were selected for this great exploit ? A. The Romans chose the three Hora'tii, bro- thers ; and the Albans, the three Curia'tii, who were brothers also. Q. What was the result of this combat, and where did they fight 1 A. They fought in the presence of both armies. Two of the Romans fell ; the three Albans were wounded; and the surviving Roman was unhurt. He, therefore, to separate the Curia^ii, betook him- self to flight ; tnd as they pursued him at a conside- rable distance irom each other, and one of them not far off, he suddenly turned about and killed him ; and, in like manner, as they came up with him singly, he killed the other two. Thus the Albans, there- fore, acknowledged their defeat, and became subject to the Romans. Q. Did not Hora^tius toon tarnish the glory of this illustrious action 1 A. Yes. Q. In what manner 1 A. By murdering his own sister. Q. What instigated him to murder his own sister 1 A. Returning victorious, and meeting his sister in tears for one of the Curia^tii, who had been promised her in marriage, he ran her through with his sword 1 Q. Was he not punished for this atrocious deed ? A. He was tried and condemned by two judges, appointed by the king ; but, at the intercession of his father, he was reprieved on account of his late victory. Q. The Romans being thus conquerors, what did TuMus after this ? A. He ordered the city of Alba to be razed to the r 16 CATECktSM OF ground, and commanded the Albans to come and live at Rome, with their ruler Me'tius Suffe'tius. Q. What became of Me'tius 1 A. He was some time after tied to the tails of four horses, and torn to pieces, for forming a con- spiracy to make himself master of Rome. Q. In what manner did Tul'lus die 1 A. He and his whole family were burnt to death by lightning, which at the same time consumed his palace. Q. How long did he reign, and by whom was he succeeded 1 A. He reigned thirty-two years, and was suc- ceeded by An'cus Mar'tius, who resembled Nu'ma Pompil'ius boih injustice and piety. CHAPTER X. Of An' CUB Mar'tius^ the fourth King of Rome. Q. From whom was An'cus descended 1 A. He was the son of PompiFius, and grandson of Nu'ma Pompil'ius, whose piety and virtue he is said to have inherited. Q. What were the principal events of his reign 1 A. He increased the number of Roman citizens^ by conquering his enemies, and afterwards making them free; built the vvall of Os'tia, at the mouth of the Tiber ; enclosed Rome with strong walls ; and, after a reign of twenty-four years, left two sons to the government, under the tutelage of Tarquin'ius Pris'- cus, who, abusing the credit he had with the people, took possession of the throne. #• Q. Wi A. He the 80C o^ ra'tus. Q. Foi Tarquin'il A. Ini" where he Q. Whl A. He jugated ments of He also knights, il people. Q. Wh reign 1 A. He sceptre, ' it was il \ brating a its origin Q. Fr< have bori A. Fr Italian p to religi cultivati Q. W tion besi ♦The Huish bin R0MA5 HItTORT. 17 9 to come and » Suffe'tius. to the tails of forming a con- me. • 'urnt to death consumed his whom was he nd was suc- mbled Nu ma ? of Rome. ledl I grandson of ue he is said ;, his reign 1 an citizenSj irds making nouthofthe ; and, after sons to the n'ius Pris'- the people, ;;.(*;' # i CHAPTER XI. Turquin'ius Pm'ctw, the Fifth King of Rome. Q. What was the origin of Tarquin^ius Pris'cus 1 A. He was originally of Cor^inth, in Greece, and the son of a rich merchant, whose name was Dama- ra^tus. Q. For what reason did ha assume the name of Tarquinius 1* A. In remembrance of the city of the Tar'quins, where he was born. Q. What are the principal events of his reign 1 A. He extended the dominion of the Romans, sub- jugated Tuscany, and adorned the city with monu- ments of public utility, some of which still remain. He also augmented the number of senators and knights, in order to strengthen his interest with the people. Q. What other remarkable events occurred in this reign 1 A. He was the first who wore a crown, and a sceptre, with the other marks of royal dignity, and it was through him, also, that the custom of cele- brating a triumph, by being drawn in a chariot, took its origin. Q. From what people are the Romans said to have borrowed those ensigns of dignity 1 A. From the Etrurians or Tuscans, an ancient Italian people, early distinguished for their attention to religious ceremonies, and for their successful cultivation of the arts of civilized life. Q. Was there no other event worthy of observa- tion besides those above mentioned 1 * The name of Pris^cus was afterwards added, to distin- {uish him fromTar'quin the Proud. 18 CAT£CRI8M OV A. Yes; Tar'quin one day having a mind to try the skill of Ac'tius NaeWius, the president of the augurs, asked him, whether what he was then think- ing of was possible to he done or not. Q. What answer did Nse'vius make 1 A. After he had consulted with the birds, he told him that it was possible. Why then, says the king, I was thinking whether I could be able to cut this whetstone with a razor : Strike hard, and you are able, replied the augur ; and the king is represented to have cut it through. This circumstance gave great reputation to the augurs ; and the Romans^ ever after, would undertake no enterprise without consulting them. Q. What did Tar'quin besides to recommend him- selfl A. He extinguished the name of the La'tins through all Italy, having possessed himself of most of their cities. Q. What misfortune befell him 1 A. He was slain by two peasants, who were bribed to do it by the children of An'cus Mar'tius. Q. Why did they get him assassinated ? A. In revenge for taking possession of the throne, to their prejudice. Q. How old was he when they slew him ; and how long did he reign ? A. He was eighty-four years old, and reigned thirty -eight years. Q. Had he any children 1 A. Yes ; two, whom he placed under the Care of Sier^vius Tul'lius, who had married his daughter. ■,l n Ser> Q. Wi A. Hel small cit] of the Li Q, Wl A. Hel and was citizens, tion and estate, in Q. Aft citizens A. One lustrum. Q. Ha A. Yes agreeabli ambitious Q. Wh sequence A. Th whom, ei daughtei united to Q. W A. As they de wickedn father's a. H whom vi A. H edby 1 ROMAIV BISTORT. 19 ^ a mind to try resident of the was then think- 3 birds, he told says the king, ble to cut this d, and you are : is represented imstance gave d the Romans, irprise without commend him- the La^tins mself of most 10 were bribed tius. ed? of the throne, >w him ; and and reigned r the Care of daughter. .s CHAPTER XII. Ser'vius Tulliua, the sixth King of Rome, Q. What was the origin of TuMius? A. He was son to the prince of Cornic^ula, a small city which Tar'quin had taken in the province of theLat'ins. Q. What are the principal events of his reign? A. He vanquished the Tus'cansand Veien^tes, and was the first who took a census of the Roman citizens. He likewise, for the better accommoda- tion and support of his troops, valued every man's estate, in order to tax him in proportion to his income. Q. Afler this, how often did an enumeration of the citizens take place. A. Once in every five years, which was called a lustrum, Q. Had Ser'vius any children. A. Yes ; two daughters, the eldest of a sweet and agreeable temper; and the youngest violent and ambitious. Q. Whom did they tl ^rry, and what was the con- sequence ? A. They married the two Tar'quins; the eldest of whom, ere long, murdered his wife, and the younger daughter murdered her husband, in order to be united to the elder Tar'quin. Q. What followed these most atrocious deeds. A. As soon as TulMia and Tar'quin became united, they dethroned their father; and Tul'lia had the wickedness to order her car to be driven over her father's dead body. Q. How long did Ser'vius Tul'lius ^eign, and by whom was he succeeded ? A. He reigned fortyfour years, and was succeed- ed by Tar'quin, surnamed the Proud. 90 CATECniSlir OF CHAPTER XIII. Of Tbrf Mtn'tiK BMnptr'hva^ the BeverUh and Uul King of Rome, Q. Of what origin was Tarquin'ius Super'buf ? A. His exact origin is uncertain ; some historians tell us that he was the son of Tarquin^ius Pri8'cu<3, but others are of opinion that he was his grandson. Q. How did Tarquin the Proud conduct himself towards the people ? A. He gave himself up to acts of violence, and governed Rome as a tyrant rather than as a kin^ ? Q. What were the principal events of his reign ? A. He completed the building of the Roman capitol, an immense work, worthy the future great- ness of the Romans ; but his son Sextus having vio- lated the chaste Lucre'tia, the wife of Collati^nus,a noble Roman, it so irritated the public mind against him, that it became the signal for liberty, and the downfall of the family of theTar'quins*. Q. Why was Tarquin^ius surnamed Super^bus ? A. From his pride snd insolent disposition. Q. What befell the family of the Tar'quins, and how long did Tarquin'ius reign ? * Sex^tus having beheld Lucrc'tia, who was no less dis- tinguished for beauty than chastity, immediately formed the design of dishonouring her, and imagining that his high birth would screen him from punishment, he resolved on effecting his purpose by the vilest means. The praters and tears of Lucre 'tia were of no avail, for being bent on the gratification of an impure passion, he put a dagger to her breast and threatened to kill her, and make her name in- famous, if she did not comply with his unlawful desires ; Lucre'tia, unable to bear the loss of her honour, killed her- self. Th( ROMAN HISTORY. ar enth and la$l I Super'buf ? lome hittorians n'ius Pria'cus, 9 his grandson. >nduct himself violence, and n as a kinff ? 3 of his reigrn ? f the Roman ) future great- US having vio- 'Col]ati'nus,a ; mind against erty, and the Super^bus ? K)sition. ar'quins, and i^as no lesB dis- -ely formed the that his high B resolved on le prayers and bent on the lagger to her her name in- wful desires ; u*, killed her- A. The family were driven into exile. Tarquin^- [us reigned twenty-five years, and died in Tuscany, ifter having made several efforts in vain to re-pos- sess himself of Rome. Q. With whom fell the regal power of Rome 1 A. With Tarquin'ius Supcr'bus, after a continu- ance of two hundred and forty-five years, during which time, though it had not extended its domi- iiion above forty miles on any side, yet it had ac- quired a firmness and stability tho qualified it for the mighty projects it afterwards undertook, and which it finally accomplished. Q. What celebrated character was It who so nobly espoused the cause of the much injured and chaste Lucrelia. A. Ju'nius Bru'tus, the son of Mar'cus Ju'nius, one of the Roman nobles, and of Tarquin'ia, daughter of Tarqiiin'ius Pris'cus, who in concert with Collati'- nus, effected a complete revolution in Rome*. * The first act of Bru'tus was the issuing a decree for the King's banishment , in which it was made a capital offence for any one even to express a wish for his return, or any of the family. He then assembled the comitia, and exhibited the dead body of Lucre' tia to the people, haranguing them on the enormities and tyranny of Tar'quin, till the multitude^ fired with revenge, and transported with the hopes of liberty , expressed their satisfaction with the change that Brutus had effected by the loudest acclamations. TZ CATECHISM OF CHAPTER XIV. History of the Commonwealth, or the Roman Republic, JUNIUS BRUTUS AND COLLATINUS. Q. ArT£R the expulsion of Tarquin by Brutus and Collati^nus, by whom was Rome governed 1 A. By consuls. Q. When did their government begin 1 A. Two hundred and forty-five years after the foundation of Rome, and five hundred and ten before the birth of Christ. Q. Who were the consuls 1 A. Certain magistrates, in whose handc the sove- reign authority was lodged for a year only ; who were thus limited, in order that they might not grow inso- lent from having the command of the state for a longer period. Q. Who were the first two consuls ? A. BruHus and CoIIati'nus. Q. Why was the office of consul taken away from Tar'quin Collati^nus 1 A. Because he used the name of Tar^quln, which was odious to the people. Q. Whom did they put in his place t A. Vale'rius Public'ola. Q. What was there remarkable in the conduct of Bru'tus ? A, He had a long time, during the reign of Tar^- quin feigned madness, to avoid the cruelty of that tyrant, who had put to death Ju'nius, his father, and his brother, with several other senators. Q. What else did he worthy of remark 1 A. The love he bore his country was so great, that he sacrificed the rights of nature to the public |weal, for fforconspii I Q. By A. By Rome to Q. In A. He Tar'quin,! party, an(^ Ofihi Q. Wb maintaine A. Th< tl. Tl 2. Tl 3. T 4. T 5. T 0. 1 7. 1 8. 1 t 1. T] brated coi 2. Lat 3. Vol' 4. Vei< cany. 5. Oai 7. San 8. Tar ROMAN HISTORr. US ^r the Roman lTINUS. quin by Brutus e governed 1 ginl ^ears after the I and ten before handc the sove- »nly ; who were ^ not grow inso- the state for a ;? Iten away from ar'quln, which the conduct of reign of Tar^- Tuelty of that lis father, and '8. rk? was 80 great, to the public real, for he caused two of his sons to be beheaded Tor conspiring against the republic. Q. By whom was the conspiracy c&rried on ? A. By the deputies whom Tarquin had sent to |Rome to negociate the affair of his restoration. Q. In what manner did Brutus come by his death ? A. He lost his life in fighting with Aruns*^, son of f Tar^quin, in a battle against those of Tarquin's I party, and the Veien'tes, who espoused his cause. .?«! t i CHAPTER XV. Of the Wars which the Romans maintained. Q. What were the wars which the Romans maintained 1 A. The following, viz. fl. The Etru'rian war. 2. The war of the Lat'ins. 3. The war of the VoVsdans. 4. The war of the Veien'tes. 5. The war of the Gauls. 6. The second war of the Lat'ins. 7. The war of the Sam'nites, 8. The war of the Taren'tines. * A runs fell also at the same time, t 1. The Etru'rians ^'ere inhabitants of Etru^ria, a cele- brated country of Italy, at the west of the Tiber. 2. Lati'num, south of Rome. 3. Vol'scians, a considerable people of Tuscany. 4. Veien'tes, inhabitant of Veil, an ancient city of Tus- cany. 5. Gauls, the ancient inhabitants of France. 7. Sam'nites, of Sam'nium, now Naples. S. Taren'tines, the inhabitants of Taren'tum. 24 CATECHISM OF *9. The 10. The 11. The 12. The 13. The 14. The 15. The 16. The 17. The 18. The 19. The first Pu'nic war. second Pu'nic war. war of^nti'ochus. war of Matedo'nia. third Pu'nic war. war of Cor'inth. war of Por'tugal. war of Numan'ha. war of the Slaves. war oi Jugur'tha, war o[ Mitkrida'tes. 4 ■iM Questions for Examination^ corresponding to the JVotes in the former page* 1. Who were the Etru^rians .^ 2. Who were the Lat'ins % 3. Who were the Vol'scians 1 4. Who were the Veien'tes 1 5. Who were the Gauls 1 ^ 9. Pu'nic War, a war Between the Carthagin'ians, inha- bitants of Carthage, in Africa, and the Homans. It was called the Pu'nic War, because the Carthagin'ians were called Poeni, or, corruptly, Pu'ni, from their ancestors the Phoenicians. 11. Anti'ochus, surnamed the Great, was king of Syria , a province of Turnkey. 12. Macedonia, a kingdom of ancient Greece, now part of European Tur key. 14. Cor'inth, a city of ancient Greece, now part of Euro- pean Turkey. 15. Portugal, the present Portugal. 16. Numan'tia, a city of old Castile, in Spain. 17. Slaves to the Romans in Si'cily. 18. Jugur'tha, king of Num'idia, a large district in Africa, comprising Algiff^and Biledul'gerid. 19. Mithrida'tes, king of Pontus. an ancient country ia the north of Turkey, t OF Q. W were en: A. Tl Q. H endl A. P support Rome ' and bri ROMAN UlSTORV. 25 ^ponding to thi 7. Who were the Sam'nites ? 8. Who were the Taren'tin^s ? 9. What were the Pu'nic Wars % ] 1. Who was Anti'ochus 1 12. Where was Macedo'nia'? 14. What was Corinth 1 16. Where was Numan'tia 1 18. Whowas Jugur'thal 19. Who was Mithrida'tes 1 Q. Had the Romans any other wars than those 1 A. Yes ; they had two civil wars : one between Ma'rius and SyHa, and the other between Caesar and Pompey ; also several seditions, which shall be related in their proper place* Q,* For what reason did the Romans undertake all these wars 1 A. To defend their liberty, to preserve their limits, protect their allies, and enlarge their empire. CHAPTER XVI. The War ofEtru'iia, OF THE WORLD, 3547 ; — OP ROME, 247, Q. Which was the first war that the Romans were engaged in after the expulsion of their kings 1 A. That of Etru'ria. Q. How did it begin, and in what manner did it endl A. Porsen'na, king of Etru'ria, being resolved to support the cause of Tar'quin, came and besieged Rome with a powerful army ; but the great valour and bravery of Hora'tius Co'cles, and Mu'tius* * Mu^tius is said to have entered the Tuscan camp in disguise, with the intention of assassinating Poraen'na ; by mistake he slew the royal secretary, and was immediately seized. When brought before the king, he boldly avowed C 1^ CATECHISM OF Scaevoia, so effectually daunted him, that he sent deputies to the Romans to offer them peace. As soon as Porsen^na found that he could not conquer the Romans, he abandoned the cause of Tar'quin. CHAPTER XVII. The War ivith the Lat'ins. OP THfi WORLD, 3555 ; — op ROME, 254. Q. Which was the second war that the Romans were obliged to maintain 1 A. That of the Lat'ins, who took up arms at the instigation of Manlius, son-in-law to Tar'quin. Q. What was the result of this war 1 A. A bloody battle ensued, in which the Romans were victorious. Q. Who were the generals of the two armies 1 A. Man'lius was at the head of the Ijat'ins, and Au'lus Posthu'mius commanded the Romans. Q. How many men fell in this battle 1 A. Thirty-four thousand of the Lat^ins, among whom was Man'lius ; and six thousand of the Ro- mans. After the death of Man'lius, the Tarquins lost all hopes of ever being restored. his design, and declared that three hundred Roman youths had combined for the same purpose. To show his con- tempt of torture, he thrust his hand into the fire which burned on an altar, and held it there until it was consumed. Adtniring his bravery, Porsen'na dismissed him safe, and, il eading a succession of similar efforts, granted favourable terms of peace. Such is the account given by historians, but there is good reason to believe that Porsen'^na captured the city, and for some time retained it in subjection. ■■)■: vi'-r-^ ,* Q. W # A. w * Q. W M Vol'scill 4 A. Bel 1:: and ann< Q. W didittei A. It ^ years, a I Q. B) i$ A. B] i theploui i^i sessed a inpayin his son C his you ingappl Q. >A of the \" A. B the groi Q. V and the A. Y one ca whose banishi Vol'sci neral. q. ) 4 im, that he sent hem peace. As )uld not conquer eofTar'quin. ROMAN HISTORY. 27 \ 'S ns. OME, 254. hat the Romans up arms at the ► Tar^quin. irl ch the Romans wo armies 1 he Lat^ins, and Romans. lei Lat'ins, among nd of the Ro- the Tarquins 1 Roman youths ) show his con- > the fire which t was consumed. i him safe, and, mted favourable I by historians, sen^na captured bjection. CHAPTER XVIII. The War loith the Vol'scians, Q. With whom was the third war of the Romansl A. With the Vol'scians. Q,. Why did the Romans declare war against the Vol'sci 1 A. Because the VoPscians continually disturbed and annoyed them. Q. Wlien did this war begin, and in whose favour did it terminate 1 A . It began in the year of Rome 259, lasted seVeral years, and terminated in favour of the Romans. Q. By whom was the Roman army commanded 1 A. By Quin'tus Cincinna^tus, who was taken from the plough to be made dictator. He originally pos- sessed a very great fortune^ but disposed of the whole in paying a heavy fine which had been imposed on his son Cse'so. He had performed many exploits in his youthful days, which was the reason of his be- ing applied to on this urgent occasion. Q. What became of Cincinna'tus after this defeat oftheVol'scil A. He returned to his old employment of tilling the ground, and looking after his farm. Q. Was there any other war between the Romans and the VoFsci after this ? A. Yes, several ; but the most celebrated was the one caused by Cori'olanus, a Roman gentleman, whose name was Mar'tius. He was condemned to banisliment in the year of Rome 262, and fled to th" Vol'sci for protection, who chose him for their ge- neral. Q. What were the exploits of Cori'olanus 1 ■28 CATECHISM OF A. He signalized himself in several encounters, in which he always defeated the Romans. Q. Did he always make use of his advantage over the Romans 1 A. No; being encamped near the gates of the city with a design to besiege it, he was diverted from his purpose by the prayers and tears of his mother Vetru'ria, and his wife Volum'nia, whom the senate deputed to go and intercede with him. He therefore abandoned his enterprise, and drew the army off, in the year 266, and led the VoPsci back to their own country, where he was assassinated ; thus expiating the crime of his revolt by his death. Q. Had the VoVsci any other wars besides those already mentioned'? A. Yes ; but after the death of Cori^ol anus, every other proved abortive, and they were totally defeated in a famous battle, by Spu^rius Cas^sius, the com- mander of the Romans. Q. What was the end of Cas'sius 1 A. Three years after, he was thrown headlong from the Tarpe'ian rock, being accused of a design to get himself declared king, 268 of Rome. Q. When began the War of the Veien'tes 1 A. In the year of Rome 271. Q. Which of the .powers proved successful 1 A. The Romans ; who, under the command of Camii^lus, the dictator, look the city of the Veien^tes, after a siege of ten years' continuance, in the year of Rome 358. Q. Did CamiMus signalize his valour upon any other occasion 1 A. Yes ; he brought the Fiden'ates into subjection, and also the city of Falis^ci. :'■)■: Q. the Roi A. ll Q. A. with aij with ai first lai their u Q. ^ they he A. 1 army t( Q. \ twopo A. J^. AlUa, ' defeat. Q.V A. r plundc wards Q. Gauls A. city, the a with was t A. had I € ral encounters, in IS. 3 advantage over le gates of the as diverted from i's of his mother i^hom the senate •He therefore the army off, in ck to their own thus expiating I besides those •i'olanus, every otally defeated sius, the corn- own headlong ed of a design ome. en'tes 1 cessful ? command of the Veien^tes, in the year of *ur upon any o subjection, •I •'?F ROMAN HIB'rORY. ' Si® . CHAPTER XIX. Of the War tvith the Gauls, Q. When did the war between the Gauls and the Romans beginl A. In the year of Rome 363. Q. Who were the aggressors 1 A. The Gauls, vvho entered Italy, on the north, with an army of about one hundred thousand men, with an expectation of finding a great booty ; they first laid seige to Clu'sium, after which they directed their march towards Rome, Q. What was the conduct of the Romans when they heard of the approach of the Gauls ? A. They sent Fa'bius the consul with a powerful ^rmy to oppose them. Q. What was the result of the meeting of these two powerful armies *! A. A most bloody battle was fought near theriv^r Allia, where the Roman army met with a total defeat. Q. What did the Gauls after this important victoryl A. They immediately entered the Roman capital, plundered it, massacred all the senators, and after- wards burnt the whole city to the ground. Q. What other measures were pursued by the Gauls 1 A. After having thus ravaged and desolated the city, Bren'nus who commanded the Gauls, besieged the capital, whither the Roman Youth had retired with Man'lius. Q,. How long did the siege continue, a:nd what was the result 1 A. It continued six months, whenCamil'lus, who had been banished some time before, was recalled C2 M 41 30 CATECHISM OF ivith all speed to come to its relief : he arrived there at the head of two thousand men, whom he had col- lected in his march, beat the Gauls out of Rome, pursued them several leagues, and completely over- threw them. Q. In what way did Camil'lus then proceed ? A. He returned to Rome in' triumph, caused the people to remove the ruins, and a new city to be built. Q. In what manner was this war concluded 1 A. Soon after the Gauls were driven out of Italy by Man'lius and Dolabel^a. Q. When did the Romans declare war against the Lat'ins 1 A. In the year of Rome 414. Q. What were their reasons for so doing 1 A. Because the Lat'ins pretended to have aright to the privileges of the Roman citizens, a share in the Government, and also of filling all offices. Q. How did this war terminate ? A. In the total discomfiture of the Lat^ins. CHAPTER XX. Of the War against the Sam'nites, Q. When did the War against the Sam'nites begin 1 A. In the year of Rome 411. Q. Why did the Romans declare war against the Sam^nites 1 A. It was at the request of the Campa'nians a people of Italy, who had put themselves under the protection of the Romans. Q. Ho^ manner dl A. It c| met with Q. Befd Romans sj A. Yes eral Pon'| defile call render at I Q. Wl father res A. Wl recommei out ranso Romans gratitude, commend order to ^ Q. Wl A. Nei graded bj were thui while th< a. w en' tines A. Bi the amt injury. KOMAN HISTORY. 31 le arrived there lom he had col- out of Rome, >mpletely over- proceed ? ph, caused the lew city to be ncluded 1 en out of Italy ^ar against the loing 1 > have a right IS, a share in offices. it'ins. ites, e Sam^nites against the ipa^nians a ! under the *'$ > K' Q. How long did this war continue, and in what Imanner did it terminate 1 A. It continued fifty years, when the Sam'nites met with a total defeat. Q. Before this favourable termination, did not the Romans suffer a severe defeat 1 A. Yes ; by the able conduct of the Sam^nlte gen- eral Pon'tius, the Roman army was entangled in a defile called the Caddine Forks, and forced to sur- render at discretion. Q. What advice did Pon'tius receive from his father respecting the disposal of his prisoners 1 A. When first asked his opinion, the old Sam'nite ^recommended that they should all be dismissed with- out ransom, a measure which would have united the Romans to the Sam^nites by the strongest ties of gratitude. When this counsel was rejected, he re- commended that they should be all put to death, in order to weaken the power of Rome. Q. Which course was adopted 7 A. Neither ; the Romans were disarmed and de- graded by being forced to pass under the yoke : they were thus made bitter and irreconcilable enemies^ while their real strength was unimpared. CHAPTER XXL The War against the Tar en' tines. OP THE WORD 3772; — of ROME 472. Q,. Why did the Romans make war upon the Tar- en' tines 1 A. Because they pillaged their fleet, and ill-treated the ambassadors who were sent to complain of the injury. 32 CATECHISM OF Q. By whom wore the Taren'tines assisted 1 A. By Pyr'rhus, king of Epi'rus, who thought by his successes in the western world to rival the fame which Alexander the Great had obtained in the East. Q. Did Pyr'rhus obtain any victories? A. He twice defeated the Romans, but on each occasion his own army suffered so severely, that he exclaimed * One such victory more, and I am un- done.' He was in his turn completely conquered by Cu'rius Denta^tus, after which he returned home, leaving the Tareu' tines to their fate. Q. What was the issue of this war 1 . A. The Tarentines were conquered, and being obliged to submit to the Romans, soon after lormed an alliance with them. Q. What is the next event worthy of remark 1 A. The Romans then subdued the Salen'tines ; after which followed the Pu'nic War ; which proved to be the longest and most dangerous they had yet experience '^1. CHAPTER XXH. Of the First Punic War. Q. When did the first Pa'nic wnr begin, and what was the cause of it ? ' A. It began in the year of Rome 490 ; and was caused by the jealousy of the Romans at the rising power of CaWthage. Q. Who were the authors of this war 1 A. The people of Messi'na, in Sicily, on one side, and Hi'ero, king of Syr'acuse, an aliy of Car'thage, on the other. Q. What was the success of this war ? A. It was along time uncertain which had the ad- I iantage;! ^oman g| iue for terms. Q. Wl the fifth . A. Du| of one fleet of CI "complete] ! taken. Q.. Ho manner ^ A. Itl ta'tius hJ gin'ian fl< an end tc Q. Wl A. Hal U. Wl peace ? A. Th cily, Sal tween ^ for twen tribute o Q. W occasioi A. It of the fi Han' nil and lev< ROMAN HISTORY. 33 es assisted ? ', who thought by to rival the fame linedin the East. >ries ? ans, but on each 'everely, that he e, and I am un- )iy conquered by returned home, rt . Jred, and being >on after formed or remark'? he Salen'tines ; ; which proved us they had yet •egin, and what 490 ; and was I at the rising irl y, on one side, of Carthage, r? 'h had the «d- rantage ; but, in the sequel, Ap'pius Clau'diiis, the •man general, defeated Hie^ro, who was obliged to 3 for peace, which was granted him upon easy terms. Q. What very memorable event happened about the fifth year of the war 1 \ A. DuiMius, the Roman consul, equipped a fleet j^of one hundred and sixty sail, in quest of the fleet of Car^thage, which he came up with, gained a l^omplete victory, and the whole were either sunk or taken. Q. How long did this war continue, and in what manner was it ended 1 A. It lasted twenty three years, when Ca'iusLu- ta^tius had a second engagement with the Cartha- ^gin^ian fleet, gained a complete victory, and thus put 1 an ond to the war. Q. Who commanded the Carthagin'ian fleet 1 A. Han^no was their admiral. Q. What were the conditions of the treaty of [peace ? A. Th^jit the Carthaginians should surrender Si'- [cily, Sardinia, and all the isles the/ possessed be- tween Africa and Italy, to the Romans ; and that, for twenty years, they should pay them "an annual tribute of twelve hundred talents. CHAPTER XXIII, Of the Second Pu'nic War. Q. When did the second war begin, and what occasioned it 1 A. It began twenty-four years after the conclusion of the first, and was occasioned by the ambition of Han'nibal, who took the city of Sagun'tum, in Spain and levelled it with the ground. M CATECHI9M OF I '• Q. How did the Romans act when they heard of the injuries done to their aliies the Hagun^tines ? A. They immediately sent ambassadors to Car^- thage, to demand an explanation ol this insult, and of the infraction of the treaty; when they received an answer breathing only defiance. Q. What did Han^nibal alter his reduction of Sa- guntum 1 A. He collected a numerous army, crossed the Pyr^enees, passed the Rhone, climbed the Alps, and rushing on the Romans with impetuosity, gained four pitched battles, which excited a general belie! that the subjugation of Rome would speedily follow. Q. Did lian'nibal ultimately succeed 1 A. No ; but the Romans confessed, that * if Han'- nibal had known how to make use of a victory as well as he knew how to gain one, Rome had been utterly ruined.* Q. To whom and to what did the Romans owe their safety 1 A. To the valour of three great men, Fa'bius Max'imus, MarceMus, and the younger Scip'io, and to the faults which Hannibal committed ^n suffering his army to indulge in every kind of pie isure, instead of pushing his conquests, which gave the Romans time to regain their strength. f Q. How long was Han'nibalin Italy, and in what manner was this war brought to a conclusion 1 A. Hannibal was in Italy sixteen yea^s, but at length was obliged to leave it for the defence of his own country ; for Scip'io, with ""^ view of removing Han^nibal out of Italy, had taken a large army into Africa, and driven everything before him. (J. What happened upon Han'nibal's arrival in Africa ? A. A desperate battle ensued between him and kip'Jo, lofeated ..le fled ii 'Carthagii peace as Q. Wl pcdilion. A. Th; Oft] Q. Wl and Mac! A. All year of 11 Q. Wl A. It^ king of ]^ he was n Q. Wl A. Th for peac( that he the citie Q. W A. In Q. A\ A. H then a i Q, W A. A and wa terms. Q. ^ A. I ROMAN HISTORY. 35 len they heard of ^agun'tines ? ssadors to Gar- i this insult, and en they received reduction of Sa- ' • ny, crossed the ed the Alps, and etuosity, gained a general belief speedily follow, eed 1 d, that* if Han', a victory as well lad been utterly e Romans owe men, Fa'bius ;er Scip'io, and te ^ in suffering eisure, instead e the Romans y, and in what elusion 1 yea^s, but at defence of his V of removing rge army into im. I's arrival in ^een him and kip .'O, near Zania, when Han'nibal was totally ^jofeated; and, despairing of retrieving his fortune, 'he fled into Asia, which concluded the war, and the jCarthagin^ians were obliged to submit to such a peace as the Romans chose to dictate. Q. What name did ^cip'io olHain by this ex- pedition. A. That of Africa'nus. CHAPTER XXIV. Of the Wars of Macedo'nia and Antio'chus. Q. When was the first war between the Romans and Macedo'nians 1 A. A little after the peace of Car^thage, in the year of Rome 550. Q. What was the occasion of this warl A. It was occasioned^ by the conduct of Philip,, king of Macedo'nia, who assisted Han'nibal when he was master of Italy. Q. Which of the powers proved successfnll A. The Romans ; and Philip was obliged to sue for peace, which was granted to him, on condition that he should no longer lay pretensions to any of the cities of Greece. Q. When did the war of Antio'chus commence 7 A. In the year of Rome 562. Q. Why did he declare war against the Romans 1 A. He was instigated to it by Han'nibal who was then a refugee at his court. Q, What was the result of this war 1 A. Anti'ochus was vanquished by Lu'cius Scip'io, and was obliged to make peace on disadvantageous terms. Q. Was this peace of long duration 1 A. About twenty years, when Philip, king of 36 CATECHISM OF Ma'cedon, again prepared for war ; and in the year 586, Per'seus the son of Philip, was entirely defeated by iEmiMus, with the loss of thirty -thousand men, which was the cause of the final destruction of the kingdom of Macedo^uia. CHAPTER XXV. Of the third Pu'nic War, Q. When did the third Pu'nic War begin 1 A. In the year of Rome 605. Q, What gave occasion to this war ? A. The Carthagin'ians violated the articles of peace, and declared war against Mas&inis'sa, king of Numidia, who was an ally of the Romans. Q. How long did this war continue, and in what manner did it end. A. It continued four years, when Car'thage was taken by Pub'lius Corne'lius Scip'io, who levelled it with the ground ; thus an end was put to the Punic wars, by the total destruction of the Carthagin'ians''^. * Car'thage was thus destroyed after having been a for- midable rivtd to Rome above 100 years, and 708 years after it was first buil|. This great event happened in the 608th year from the building of Rome ; in the year of the world 3869 ; 363 years since the beginning of the Consular State, and 144 years before the birch of Christ. The city of Car'. thage, which was amazingly populous, was 24 miles in cir- cumference, enjoying the advantages of commerce with many nations, and adorned with many beautiful edifices. It was 17 days in flames ; and Scip'io, the Roman general, is reported to have wept over its ruins : but his countrymen ax home felt no such sentiments , for the Senate of Rome celebrated its downfall by extraordinary rejoicings, com- manding that it never should be rebuilt, and denouncing a W A. Sixt Q. By A. By of Car'thj a. Ho A. Nin the heavie of this ceU on its ruin* Mekha. ROMAN HISTORY. 37 CHAPTER XXVI. The wars of Cor'inth and Por'tugal. Q. Why did the Romans declare war against the Corin'thians 1 A. For having given some offence to the Roman ambassador, who was residing in their city. Q. How did it terminate 1 A. in favour of the Romans, to the destruction of the Corinthians, and also of their capital, which was burnt to the ground. Q. What was the cause of the war in Por'tugal 1 A. A prince, whose name was Viria'tus, had usurped the sovereignty of that country, but it was retaken in the year of Rome (JOS ; the Romans liaving meanly bribed three of the friends of Viria'- tus to murder him in his sleep. )icing.s, com- CHAPTFR XXVIL The destruction of JVuman'tia in Spain. Q, . W^HEN was Numan'tia destroyed! A. Sixteen years after the destruction of Car'thage. Q. By whom were the Romans commanded! A. By Scip'io, the ^ame who destroyed the city of Car'thage. Q. How long did this war continue 1 A. Nine years ; but after the Numan lians had the heaviest curses on any that should attempt it. Tbo site of this celebrated city is near the present city of Tunisj, and on its ruins there now stands only a pmall village called Mtkha. • 11 38 CATECHISM OF been shut up for some time within their own walls, they killed themselves out of despair. Q. What then became of Numan'tia? A. It was razed to the ground ; and thus all Spain became a province of the Romans. Q. Did there not arise, soon after this, some do< mestic commotions 1 A. Yes ; the war with the slaves. Q. Who was the chief of the slaves who excited this commotion 1 A. En'nus, a Syr'ian by birth, who counterfeited a divine revelation, and encouraged his fellow slaves to revolt. Q,. How many of these slaves did he assemble together 1 A. About seventy thousand, with whom he de- feated four Roman Praetors ; but in the year G22, he was vanquished by the consul Rupil^ius. CHAPTER XXVIII. 77je fVars against Jugur'tha and Miihrida'tes. Q,. WuATwasthe cause of the war against Ju- gur tha 1 A. Because he had unjustly deprived the lawfu; heirs of the kingdom of Numid'ia, and made himself king. Q. Who were the lawful heirs ? A. Hi'empsal and Ather'bal, the grandsons of Massinis'sa, an ancient and faithful ally of the Ro mans; they were both cruelly murdered by Jugur'thi), Q. Was his crime immediately punishedl ROMAN HISTORY. 89 leir own walls. • this, some do- 3S who excited id he assemble A. No ; the corrupt senators were bribed to screen his guilt, and he would have escaped with impunity, but for the exertions of a few patriots. Q. How was the war conducted? A. The Romans were at first unsuccessful, owing to the treachery and incapacity of their generals, but when Metel'lus was appointed to the command, he defeated the usurper in every engagement. Q. By whom was the war brought to a successful termination 1 A. By Ma'rius, whom the favour of the people enabled to supplant MeteMus. Jugur^tha was de- livered in chains to Syl'la, the lieutenant of Ma'rius, and being sent to Home, was starved to death in prison. Q. Did any remarkable quarrel arise at the con- clusion of this war 1 A. Yes ; the vanity of Syl'la, who claimed the merit of having subdued Jugur'tha, gave great offence to Ma'rius, and laid the foundation of that jealousy and hatred which finally caused a long and calamitous civil war. Q. When began the war against Mithrida'tes 1 A. In the year of Rome 660. Q. Who was Mithrida'tes 1 A. King of Pon'tus, in Asia, one of the best offi- cers of his day ; who, though often beaten, was never discouraged, and was always rising again; but he was the most faithless and cruel of men. Q. Why did the Romans declare war against Mithrida'tes 1 A. Because he had dethroned Ariobarza'nes, king of Cappado'cia, and Nico'medes, king of Bithyn'ia, and possessed himself of their dominions. Q. How long did this war continue, and in what manner did it terminate 1 40 CATECUiSU OF A. It continued two years, with various succcs^cs^ but concluded in the total ruin of Milhrida^tes. Q. What was the cause of the civil war between Ma'rius and SyMal A. Ambition on both sides; it lasted several years, during which the leaders of the hostile parties were guilty of the most shocking outrages and hor- rible massacres. Eventually Ma'rius was defeated^ and his supporters cruelly put to death by Syl'la. Q. What did Pom'pey andCras'sus in the year of Rome 691 1 A. They marched into Jude'a, took Jerusalem l)y force, and levelled the walls of it to the ground. Jude^a was then made a tributary province to the Roman empire. Q. During the absence of Pom'pey in Asia, what important event occurred in Rome 1 A. Cati'Iine, and several others, conspired against the state ; but the plot was discovered by Ci'cero, who put to death several of the leaders, and Cati'- line himself fell in battle. Q. What were the designs of Cati'line 1 A. To murder Ci'cero and the principal senators, to set fire to the city, and in the confusion, contrive to have himself proclaimed dictator. It was sus- pected that Julius Cae'sar had joined in the plot, but no proof was ever brought against him. CHAPTER XXIX. Of the War between Cce'sar and Pom'pey, Q. When began the war between Caj'sar and Pom'pey 1 A. In the year of Rome G93. Q. What was the principal cause of this war 1 i A. Ai seeing tl public, matters, wholly r( the triuni virii mei Q. B^ A. Byl daughter Q. Hi A. Cj that of S Q. W A. Ca governm himself I Q. W A. H( ried awa Q. W mitting A. H against 1 Sure'na. men anc Q. A and Poi A. P< superioi length 1 having Rome, and hi£ Greece Q. \ ROMAN HISTORY. 4t A. Ambition. Pom'pey, Cae'sar, and Cras'sus, seeing themselves the most powerful men in the re- public, made a league together, and so concerted matters, that the administration of all afTairs should wholly rest in them. This government was called the triumvirate^ from the Latin word treSi three, and viri, men. Q. By what act was this treaty confirmed t A. By the marriage of Pom'pey with Cae'sar's daughter. Q. How did they share the empire between them 1 A. Cae'sar took the government of Gaul, Pom'pey that of Spain, and Cras'sus that of Syr'ia. Q,. What did they after they had thus divided it 1 A. Cae'sar and Cras'sus went each of them to their government, and Pom'pey staid at Rome, contenting himself by sending his lieutenants into Spain. Q. What was Cras'sus's first action in Syr'ia 1 A. He pillaged the temple of Jerusalem, and car- ried away all its riches. Q. What did Cras/sus do soon after his com- mitting this sacrilege ? A. He collected a powerful army, and marched against the Par'lhians, but was entirely defeated by Sure'na, their general, and the greatest part of his men and himself were slain, Q. After the death of Cras^sus, what did Cae'sar and Pom'pey 1 A. Pom'pey not enduring an equal, nor Cae'sar a superior, they naturally envied one another, till at length hostilities commenced between them. Cae'sar having assembled all his forces in Gaul, marched to Rome, plundered the public treasury, when Pom'pey and his party abandoned Italy, and passed over into Greece. Q. What didPom'pey and Cse'sar after this ? D2 n i^ CATECHISM OP A. They collected their armies, and met on the plains of Pharsa'li*, where they fought a terrible battle, when Pom'pey was totally defeated^ and his army dispersed. Q. What then became of Pom'pey 1 A. Pom'pey's courage forsaking him, he fled (o Africa, where he was assassinated. (1. What have you more to relate of Cae'sar 1 A. Cae'sar* returned to Rome, and was elected perpetual dictator, with the title of Imperatory or Emperor ; not in the sense in which it was formerly used, which was that of conqueror, but signifying the man that possessed the whole authority of the rc^ public, which may be considered as the beginning of the imperial government of Rome, though it was not established till some years after. Consequently, at this era, ended the republic, or commonwealth, and not a vestige of it remained, for the senate was dis- possessed of all its power, and Rome from this time was never without its masters. Q In what manner did Cae'sar afterwards conduct himself 1 A. Cae'sar, now possessed of absolute authority, distinguished himself by acts of clemency and mu- iiificence ; ind in a short time gave law to the whole world. But his great success accelerated his ruin ; for his enemies, excited by Bru'tus and Cas'sius, attacked and murdered him in the senate-house, at the foot of Pompcy's statue, which put an end to all his glory, b.c.44. * This is the Ju'lius Cae'sar who crossed over from Gaul into Britain. ROMAN HISTORY. 48 n, he fied lo ards conduct er from Gaul CHAPTER XXX, The political state of Rome during the Republic. Q. What effect had the expulsion of the kings on the political condition of the Romans? A It placed the entire power of the state in the hands of the nobles, and this class usurped the pos< session of all the offices of government, to the exdu-^ sion of the great body of the people. Q. Into what classes were the citizens of Rome divided 1 A Into the Patricians or Aristocracy, and the Plebeians or Democracy. As the patrician dignity was hereditary, the contest between these classes had something of a national character, and was never completely terminated until both fell together be- neath the tyranny of the emperors. Q. What were the consequences of this exclusive power 1 A. The Patricians virtually possessing all the power of making laws, and absolutely holding in their hands the administration of justice, cruelly oppress- ed the lower classes. Q. Against what laws did the Plebeians complain most loudly 1 A. Against the laws that regulated the relations between debtors and creditors, and those which re- garded the distribution of the conquered lands. Q. How were the laws respecting debt oppressivel A. A debtor, when unable to pay, became the slave of his creditor, and was subject to be beaten and tortured at his pleasure ; the Patricians were the usual money lenders, they demanded an exorbitant rate of interest, and as the praetors or judges be- longed to their own class, they were always able to 44 CATECHISM OF obtain a decree against any unfortunate wretch whom they wished to plunder or oppress. Q. How did the di$)tribution of the conquered lands furnish a just ground of complaint 1 A. It was originally established as a rule by the kings, that all conquered lands should be divided among the poorer classes of the citizens. The Pa- tricians, however, soon began to prevent this distri- bution, they had these lands kept as a kind of public property, which they leased out to each other for pasturage. Q. What were the laws for distributing the public lands among the citizens called ? A. They were named Agrarian Laws. Some wri- ters have strangely enough represented them as in- terfering with private property; but they were in all cases laws for a better appropriation and more equal distribution of the lands belonging to the state. Q. Ono of these, called the Licinian law, is fre- quently mentioned ; what was its peculiarity 1 A. It subjected to a heavy fine and forfeiture, any person who held more than five hundred acres of the public land. It derived its name from Lici'nius the proposer, who was the first person fined under the act after it came into operation. Q. By what means did the Plebeians at different times force the Patricians to make concessi )ns 1 A. They seceded ; that is, they retired in a body to some neighbouring hill, and refused to return to the city until their requests were granted. The senate, after some show of opposition, was usually forced to yield. Q. What great advantage did the Plebeians gain by the first secession ? A. The right of having magistrates chosen from their own body, whose nersons should be sacred and inviola rights and Q. By w and what v A. The] number va to ten, bu act of Stat Senate, b the house any law vs Q. Did administrj A. Yes want of a wasletttc naturally Q. Ho A. Aft Decem'v and they the state laws wh the Twe Q. W A. Tl shamefu having a ter of dignatic Decern' Q. II power c A. C Roman augurit nOMAN HISTORY. 45 ami inviolable, and whose duty it was to defend the rights and liberties of the people. Q. By what nnme were these magistrates known, and what was their power 1 A. They were caMed Tribunes of the people, their number was at firs' five, but was afterwards increased to ten, but the consent of all was necessary to any act of state. They first sat outside the door of the Senate, but afterwards obtained seats in the body of the liouso. Their sanction was necessary to give any law validity. Q,. Did any evil result from the monopoly of the administration of justice by the Patricians 1 A. Yes ; and the evil was much aggravated by the want of a written code of laws '■ when every thing was left to the uncontrolled discretion of the judge, he naturally warped his decrees to please his own party. Q. How was this defect remedied 1 A» After a long struggle, ten men, thence called Decern' viri, were engaged to compile a body of laws, and they were invested with the supreme power of the sta^e, while the code was in preparation. The laws which they prepared were called the laws of the Twelve Tables, and are deservedly celebrated. Q. What became of the Decem'viri 1 A. They are said to have abused their power most shamefully. At length Ap'pius, one of their number^ having attempted a scandalous outrage on the daugh- ter of Virgi'nius, a brave soldier, the popular in- dignation could no longer be restrained, and the Decem'viri were deposed. Q. How did (he Patricians contrive to retain their power over the Plebeians 1 A. Chiefly by ihe agency of superstition ; the Romans held no public assembly without taking auguries ; that is, having a priest called an augur |{' ! i 40 CATECHISM or to observe the sky, and see whether there was any appearance of an unfavourable omen ; also if any magistrate, during the meeting, declared that there was any omen threatening evil seen or heard by him, the meeting was instantly dissolved. Now the col- lege of augurs was composed entirely of Patricians, and the cunning priests contrived to find the omens favourable or otherwise, as best suited their own in- terests. Q. Did they make use of any other contrivance ? A. Yes ; if too closely pressed, they proclaimed a war, and ordered an army to be levied ; the Ple- beians ; having once taken the military oath, were bound to obey the general until the end of the cam- paign, and were thus effectually prevented from paying any atteniir i to the affairs of the state. Q. Had they not sometimes recourse to a more violent expedient 1 A. Yes; they sometimes created a dictator, a magistrate whose power was absolute and without appeal during his continuance in office. More rarely they lodged absolute power in the hands of the con- suls, which was done by voting * that the consuls should use their utmost endeavours to prevent the state from receiving detriment.' Q. Did the Patricians always retain their monopo- ly of official situations 1 A. No ; the Plebeians perseveringly sought eman- cipation, and wrested privilege after privilege from the Aristocracy. Their first great triumph was opening the consulship to Plebeian candidates. This was gained by Licinius, author of the Licinian law already mentioned ; he is said to have been urged to make this exertion by his wife, who envied the honours enjoyed by one of her sisters that had mar- ried a Patrician* ROMAN HISTORV. 47 re WAS any also if any 1 that there ard by him, ovv the col- Patricians, the omens lejr own in- 3ntrivance ? oclaimed a 1; the Pie- oath, were of the cam- inted from tate. to a more dictator, a nd without ilore rarely of the con- he consuls [)revent the irmonopo- Jght eman- ilege from Limph was ites. This cinian law >een urged envied the t had mar- Q. What great advantage did the Plebeians gain respecting criminal trials, and when did they obtain it! A. The Plebeians procured an enactment, that persons accused of treason against the people should be tried before the assembly of the tribes {comitiatri- buta); whero they had a decided majority, and at which there was no necessity for taking omens. It was by this assembly that Corio'lanus was tried (Chapter XVIII.); and he appears to have been the fi (irst Patrician that was tried before a Plebeian tri- bunal. Q. When did the greatest struggle take place be- tween the Patricians and Plebia.ns ? A. In the time of the Grac'chi, Tibe'rius and Cai'us Gracchus, though connected with the most illustrious Patrician A^milies, were strenuous advo- cates of the rjf^hts of the people ; but being bitterly V§ persecuted by the Patricians, and badly supported )| by the people themselves, they became the victims ^1 of their own rashness. Q. In what manner did the Patricians use their victory 1 A. They treated with the greatest cruelty every person that was sus[)ected of favouring the popular rights ; and, contrary to the laws of Rome, esta- blished inquisitions by torture, to discover fresh vic- tims. These sanguinary measures preserved the power of the nobility unimpaired until the period of the Juo-ur'thine war (Chapter XXVIII.; Q. What was the effect of Sylla's usurpation otr. liie Roman constitution 1 A. H« made the state completely an oligarchy, in which a few nobles were masters of their own order as well as the entire community. Pompey, more through hatred of the oligarchy than love of the people, restored the power of the tribunes, and thus 4B CATECIIIIM OP brought back, at least, the semblance of the old con- stitution. Q. Did Pompey long continue attached to the popular party 1 A. No ; he soon returned to the Patricians, with whom he was most intimately connected by birth and education ; after him Julius Caesar became the leader of the popular party, and was zealously supported l>y the Plebeians even after he had established a military despotism. Q,. What forms of government wore used in the Roman colonies and dependencies ? A. They varied at different times ; but the most important kinds were the jnuniripal toums, whose in- habitants shared the privileges of Roman citizens ; the free colonies, which, in addition to this, had the right of electing their own allies ; the Latin right (jus Latium), and the Italian rlglit (jus Italicum) a lower kind of citizenship granted to the inhabitants of Italy; the allit'd towns, which paid tribute, but preserved their national constitutions ; and the subject states, which were governed by magistrates appoint- ed by the Roman Senate. Q What were the sources of the Roman revenue ? A. A tribute was occasionally but rarely levied on the citizens in proportion to their property ; a more regular property-tax was exacted from the allied states ; and the subject states usually paid both a property and poll-tax. The national lands were a regular source of revenue, they were leased out at a stipulated rent for pasturage, but when used for til- lage the state claimed the tenth of the produce : the mines, especially those in Spain, contributed large iums to the support of the Roman government ; there were also duties on slaves, and charges for harbour- dues. ROMAN HISTORY. 49^ hed to the xsed in the Q. What were the supreme magistrates in the re- public called 1 A. The consuls and dictator have been already mentioned ; on some occasions military tribunes were elected with consular power, and the adminis- tration was twice intrusted to Trium'viri, and once to Decem'viri. Q. Who were the censors 7 A. They were ma}>;istrates chosen to preside over the emoluments of the people in their respective classes, and to take care of public morals. They could remove a person guilty of any flagrant crime from a higher to a lower class, and deprive him of the right oCsuffrajre. The monopoly of the censorship was longer retained by the Patricians than that of the consulsliip, but eventually it was also opened to the Plebeians. Q. Were the republican forms preserved under the enrjpire 1 A. Yes ; the Senate was regularly, consulted by even the most despotic of the emperors, but assem- blies of the people were rarely held, and the empe- rors assumed the tribunician power, as it made their persons inviolable. Q. How many kinds of assemblies had the Roman people 1 A. Three ; 1. The assembly of the ctenffi, or par- ishes, into which the city^as divided; this was the most ancient form, but it soon fell into disuse, and was only summoned during the republican period for religious purposes : 2. The assembly of the centu- rieSy in which the citizens were classed according to the taxes paid to the state, where consequently the rich usually had a majority : and 3. The assembly of the tribes^ which was exclusively under the con- trol of the Plebeians. E M CATCCHlSSf f^t Q. What were the privileges of a BomancitieenT A. By the Sempronian and other laws, it was en- acted that no citizen could be punished with stripes, and could not be put to 3.5 38 238 244 >4S »54 59 268 |f70 ^73 275 275 27« 282 2^:2 282 5S CATECHISM OB* A.D. EMPERORS. yrs. 284 DiocIe'Bian - 2 286 Maxim ian . - 18 804 Gale'rius and Con- stant ius 806 Con'Mtantinethe Great - 80 837 Constan'tineCon'stfins, and Gonutan'tiuF/ 24 A.D, EMPERORS, yrs. 360 Julian the Apostate 1 363 Jovian, 7 mo. '22 days 364 Valeniin'ian and Va'lens 3 367 Gratian - 7 375 Valentin'ian II. 4 379 Theodo'sius the Great 16 395 Hono'rius 2 CHAPTER XXXI, Of the Origin of Julius Cxsar, the first Roman Emperor f and of Augustus, Q. What was the origin of Ju'iiiis Cae'sar ? A. He was descended frotn one of the most ancient families cf Rome by his mother's side, and from the kings of that country by his father's. Q. Was there no other memorable event in the reign of Caesar besides those mentioned in the last chapter 1 A. Yes; his life is full of wonderful events; but theprinciprtl which ourlimits will permit us tospeak of, are those of rhe reformation of the calendar, and of the destruction of tne Alexandrian library of 400,000 volumes. Q. What do you mean by the reformation of the calendar 1 A. Before the time of Caesar the year tvas made to consist of 355 days, by Nu'nia ; but, by Cae'sar's al- teration, it was made to consist of 865 days, six hours ; six hours he reserved to the end of every ttOMAN HISTORY* ^ fourth year, to make a complete day, vrhich day he £ laced before the 6th of March, and called that year ^issex'tile : this manner of computation was hence called the Julian, from Juiius Caesar, the inventor.* Q. Was not then Cae'sar a man of learning? A. Yes ; he was the most elegant writtsr of his time. He has left behind him some orations and a commentary of hi^ actions. It is said ihat he could write, read, and pay attention to what was said to him at thes?me time. His history, though unadorn* ed with rhetorical figures, is written in a most pure and elegant style, and has been valued and admired by all nations. Q. What was the state of Rome after the death of Caesar 1 A. For a time it neither found peace nor plenty ; Mark An'tony excited a sedition, and made a con- «iderable party. Q. Did Antony meet with no opposition 1 A. Yes; he was opposed by Octa'vius, the younger, grand-nephew to Caesar, on behalf of the senate ; but these two chiefs afterwards uniting, associated with them Lep idus, a man of no character, and formed the second triumvirate. Q. What followed the formation of the second triumvirate 1 A. Dissensions arose in every corner, and Rome was deluged with blood. Ci'cero fell one of its ear- liest victims. Brutus and Cas'sius, to whom the senate had given the command of the army, were de- feated in Thes'saly, and liberty perished with them. Q. What followed the defeat of Bru'tus and Cas'sius ? 3 ''* The Catechii m of Chronology contains ample infjr- mation on this head. £2 54 CATECHISM OF A. A war between An'tony and Oc'tavius ; who, after having reduced Lep'idus to a private station, opposed each other. An'tony, overcome nt Ac^ium, fled into Egypt, whither he was attracted by the charms of Cleopa'tra. Every thing gave way to the good fortune of Octavius ; Alexandria opened its gates to him. Cleopa^tra and A n'tony killed them- selves; and Egypt became a Roman province. Q. How was Octa^vius received by the Romans on his return 1 A. He was saluted by the senate with the title of Emperor Augustus. The temple of Ja'nus was shut up; the whole world lived in peace under his power ; Rome returned into a monarchical state ; and Jesus Christ came into the loortd. Q. How long did Augus'tus reis^n 1 A. He possessed the empire fifty-six years, and held the monarchy forty-three years, esteemed and honored by all nations. By the protection he afford- ed to literature, knowledge arrived at the highest state of perfection. In his time appeared Vir'gil, Hor'ace, Phae'drus, Ovid, Catullus, Tibullus, Pro- perHius,and Titus Liv'ius. CHAPTER XXXn. Of the Reigns of Tihe'dus and Calig-ula. Q By whom was Augus'tus succeeded 1 A. By Tibe'rius, his adopted son, the son of Liv'ius and Tiberius Ne'ro. Q. What was his character 1 -A. He was noted for his dissolute way of life, and was universally hated for his cruelty, his covetous- ness, his debaucheries, and his pride. Q. How long did he reign, and by whom was he succeeded 1 ROMAN HISTORY. 55 lavius; who, Ivate station, leotAcaium, ■acted l)y the |e way to the I opened its I killed them- ►vince. |e Romans on the title of Ja'nus was *e under his ■ hical state; X years, and steemed and on he afford- thc highest aied Vir'gil, ibulius, Pro- Ug'ula. ;d1 the son of y" of life, and is covetous- horn was he A. He reigned twenty -two years aad six months, and was succeeded hy 'Jalig'ula. Q. From whom was Calig'ula descended"? A. He was the son of German'icus and Agrippi^na^ and nephew to Tibe'rius. Q. What was his character, and how long did he reign 1 A. The commencement of his reign promised hap- piness to his subjects ; but he soon became cruel, de- bauched, and ro')lish, which produced a conspiracy against him, and cost him his life. He reigned three years, ten months, and eight days, and was succeed- ed by Clau'dius. CHAPTER XXXni. Of the Heigns of Clau dius, Nt'ro, GaVbuy O'tho, Vitel'lius^ Vespa'sian, Titus , and Domi'tian. Q. Who was Claudius? A. He was the son of Dru'sus, brother to Ger- mani^cus, uncle to Calig'ula, and a nephew to Tibe^- rius. Q. What was his character! A. He was a man of weak intellect ; when he was proclaimed emperor, he hid bimseltina corner of his palace, through fear of being murdered. His mis- fortunes in general were owing to his wives ; the first, Messali^ia, dishonoured him, for which he put her to death ; and the second, Agrippina, the daughter of Gcrman'icus, poisoned him, after a reign of thirteen years, in order to make way for her son Ne'ro to the throne. Q. How did Ne'ro conduct himself? A. For several years he governed well, being under the direction of Bur'rhus and 2Sen'eca, who had been 56 CATECHISM OF hit preceptors ; but afterwards corrupted by Pop- pae'a, a profligate woman, and Tigelli'nus, he be- came a monster of cruelty, extravagance and de- bauchery. He murdered hi? mother, his wifeOcta'- via, the daughter ol Clau^dius, Sen'eca, the poet Lu^can, Pelro'nius Ar'biter, who had been the min- ister of his pleasures, the virtuous Thra'sea, and others without number. Q. Did notNe'ro cause his guards to set Rome on fire, in order to make it represent the burning of Troy? A. Yes ; and above two- thirds of the city were destroyed. Q. Whom did he charge with doing it 1 A. As he had a mortal hatred to the Christians, he accused them, and soon after he raised a horrible persecution against Ihem. Many were devoured by wild beasts, or burnt alive. In this persecution St. Paul was beheaded, and St. Peter crucified. Q. What was the end of Nero 1 A. Being deserted by the army and the senate, he put hn end to his own existence, in order to avoid a more ignominious death, after a reign of fon.rteen years. He was the last emperor descended from the Caesars. Q. What became of the empire at the death of Nero 1 A. Ne'ro was succeeded by Gal'ba, then Ot'ho, Vitel'lius, and Vespa'sian, four generals ; the three firstof whom, after reigning for a short period, met with untimely deaths. Vespa'sian reigned ten years With great wisdom ; but his virtues were tarnished by a sordid parsimony. In his time the Jewish nation was exterminated, and Jerusalem burnt and levelled with the ground, by his son Titus ; and according to our Saviour's prediction, not one stone was left upon another* ROMAIV HI8T0RT. 57 Q. Who succeeded Vespa'sian 1 A. His son TiMus, high y celebrated for his un« common vi I tues and talents, and for his mild and excellent administration. He reigned two years and two months. Q. What remarkable event happened in his reign 1 A. An eruption of Mount Vesu'vius took place, in which Plin'y the elder perished ; and the cities of Hercula'neutn and Pompe'ii were buried by the lava which issued from it. Q. Who succeeded Ti'tus 1 A. His brother Domi^tian, a monster of vice and cruelty. Under the oppression of ihis tyrant, Rome groaned fifteen years. He was murdered by his do* mestics, A.D. 96 ; and was the last of those who were called the twelve Cae'sars. the death of CHAPTER XXIV. Of the Reiscns of .Yefvay Trajan, ^'drian, Antoni*' tins Pi'us. Mdr'cusAure'liu8^ Lu'cius Ve*rus, and Con*/mofu8, Q. Who was Ner'va t A. A person ofquality, a native of Nar'nia, a city ofUm'bri'i, in Italy. He was an excellent prince. He reigned one year and four months, and was suc- ceeded by Tra'jan, a native of Seville, in Spain. Q. What was the character of Tra'janl A. He WHS one of the greatest generals that ever sat upon a throne. He was good-tempered, merci- ful and prudent. Q. What were his principal conquests 1 A. He defeated the Da'ci^ns; subdued Arme'nia, Ibe^ria, and CoPchis; overthrew the Samat'itans, m CATKCBI8M 09 Astre'nians, and Ara'bians ; he also attacked Uie Par'thians, gave them a king, and toak from them Arme'nia^ Persia, Seleu'cia, and Bub'ylon. Q. By whom was he succeeded t A. By A^lrian, his cousin, who devoted himself wholly to peace, and abandoned all Tra^jan's con- quests. Q., What were th*? j;»'invipal events of hh reigfi? A. He gave a UiPt^ to the Germans, remitted the tribute- (uoucy o\' the Arme'nians, and gave them leave to elect a king of their own. It was he who built the famous vvall tVoi:^ Carlisle to Newcastle, in order to secure the Briions from the insults of the Picls. Q. Who succeeded A'drianl A. Antoni'nus, a G.'ul, who was born at Nismes, a city of Langucuoc. He was an amiable and good man, and was surnained Pihis on account of his virtues. He reigned twenty -two years, and was sue ceeded by Mar'cus Aure'llns (his son-in-law), and Lu'cius Ve'rus ; but after them came the wicked Com'modus, the son of Mar'cus, a wretch in whose mind every sentiment of virtue was extinct. Q. W^hat became ofCoin'modus.^ A. His base conduct brought upon himself the hatred of the senate and the people, so that he was induced to commit suicide. RCMAN Hitrajir. 99 ted himself CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Reigns of Ptr'tinax, JuHa^nua, Seve'rua^ Ca- racaVla and Gt^ia^ Macri'nus^ Heliogab'alus, Alexander Seve'ruSy Mav'tmus, Pupie'nus nnd Bnlbi'niis, Gordia'nus^ Phil'ip, De'cias^^ GaVlus^ and f^att'rian, Q. Bv whom was Com'tnodus succeeded 1 A. Py Per'tinax, aa ancient senator. He was descended from mean parents, a Geno'ese hy birth, and was an exceeding valiant, modest, discreet, and goodnjan. He was sacrificed l>y ihe very soldiers who, a short time before, had raised him to supreme power. He reigned two months and six days. Q, What tlien became of the empire 1 A It then became a prey to the m »st ambitious, and was put up for sale to the highest bidder. It was purchased by Did'ius Julia'nus, who was killed in the fifth month, by order of his successor Seve'rus. Q. Ji/Vhat are the principal events of his reign 1 A. As a soldier, he triumphed in all parts of the world i he defeated his competitors Ni'gel and Albi'- dus ; degraded the senate ; directed an expedition into Britian, in the year 208; built the wall from the Forth to the Clyde; and died at York a. d. 211, after reigning seventeen years and eight months, Q. By whom was he succeeded? A. By his son, Caracal'laand Ge'ta, then Macri'- nus and Heliogab'alus, the scourge of mankind. Q. Who was r.lacri'nus 1 A. He was a Moor by birth, and originally of V€ry mean condition. Ho reigned one year and two months. Hcliogab'alus was the son of CaracaPia; he reigned three ye.^rs and nine months; and was suc- ceeded by his cousia-gerinan, Alexander Seve'rus ; tfO CATECHISM or who was one of the greatest princes that ever lived. He was murdered at Mentz, in a mutiny of the sol- diers, after a reign of thirteen years. Q. By whom was he succeeded 1 A. By Max^mus and liisson the former of whom was a general in (he army, and originally a shepheid of Thrace. He proved to be a merciless tyrant. He was murdered by th« icuards, after reigning two years. Q. In what situation was Rome at the death of Maxi mus ? A. It was now entirely subjected to military go- vernment. The soldiers made and unmade emperors at their pleasure; and more than fit'cy are reckoned up in the course ol* the following fifty years. Q. By whfMH was Maxi'mus succeeded] A. By Balbinus and Pupie'nus, who were murder- ed by the army ; and were succeeded by Gordia'nus, who, in his turn, was murdered by Philip. Q. Who succeedfr»d Philip? A. DeVius, whose reign is remarkable for the cruel persecution of the Christians during the two years that he filled the throne. The reigns of GaVlus, Volusia'nus, and iEmilia'nus were of short duration, and were succeeded by Valeria^ius, who was made prisoner by Sa'por, king ol Persia. CHAPTER XXXVI. OJ the Rnigns of Gtllie'nus, Clau'dius^ QuintiVius, •^ure'liuSj Taci'tus, 8fc. Q. Who succeeded Vale'rian 1 A. His son Gallie'nus, who was an effeminate prince, and was killed by his soldiers. Under his administration a number of pretenders sprang up at once, known by tha name of the thirty tyrants. ROMAN HISTOET. tl Q. What became of the empire amidst aU these troubles 1 A. During these convulsions, the empire was daily declining, and was attacked by enemies on f^U sides. Q. Who succeeded Gallie'nus 1 A. ClauMius II., who was one of the greatest as well as the most accomplished princes of his time. He defeated the Goths near the Dan^ube, with a ter- rible slaughter, a. d. 2(19. Quintil'lus, his son, reign- ed only fifteen days. After him came Aure^lian, who defeated Zeno'bia, queenofPalmy'ra, and took her prisoner. Q. What became of Aure'lian 1 A. He was slain by ^eucap'orus, after a reign of five years. He was succeeded by the aged Ta'citusi who reigned six months, and was succeeded by his brother Floria^nus, and from whom the empire was soon wrested by Trcbus, the governor of Syr'ia, who was slain in a mutiny of the soldiers, after a reign of six years. Q. Who succeeded Pro'bus 1 A. Ca'rus ; but he had only reigned one year when he was struck dead by lightning. He left the empire to his two sons, Numeria'nus and Cari^nus, but they enjoyed it for a very short time. Q. Who succeeded Cari'nus ? A. Diocle'sian, a native of Dalma^tia, who was of very obscure parents, but proved to be a man of superior merit. He chose Maxim'ian as his col- league, to whom he gave the west, and took the east for himself; he also created under them Constan^tius and Galle'rius, whom he called Caesars* so that the empire was now under four masters. Q. How long did they reign 1 A. Diocle'sian reigned two years, and Maxim'ian eighteen ; atid were succeeded by Constanlius and F 02 CATECHISU OF Galle^rius. They were succeeded by Constantino the Great, who was born at York, in Britain. Q. What were the principal events of his reign 1 A. Constantino was the first Christian emperor ; he transferred the seat of government from Rome to Byzan'tium, which afterwards took the name of Con- stantinople, A.D.d30. Q. To whom did Constan^tine leave his empire 1 A. To his three sons, Con'stantine, Constan'tius, and Con'stans, each of whom being desirous of enlarg- ing his territory, a dreadful civil war ensued, and they soon fell a sacrifice to one another's ambition ; while the empire, thuF; divided, soon became a prey to the different barbarous nations by whom it was sur- rounded. CHAPTER XXXVII. Of the Reign of Julian the Apostate. Q. Who succeeded the sons of Con'stantine 1 A. Juiian the Apostate, the son of Con'stans, brother to Con'stantine the Great. He was called an apostate on account of his relinquishing Chris- tianity, and restoring Paganism. He was a valiant prince, but extremely superstitious. Q. What were the principal events of his reign 1 A. He forced the Germans, who had invaded Gaul, to repass the Rhine ; but was slain in an expedition against the Persians, a.d. 363. He was succeeded by Jo'vian, who was obliged to conclude a dishonourable peace with the Persian? He re- stored the Christian religion, and died after reigning seven months and twenty-two days. Q. Who succeeded Jo' vian 1 A. Valentin'ian the Great, an ingenuous and vir- ROMAN HISTORY. 63 lous and vir- tuous prince ; who, reserving the west to himself, made his brother Va'lens emperor of the east. Q. What became of Va'lens 1 A. He imprudently permitted the Goths to settle in Thrace, to the amount of 200,000 men ; who, being joined by the Huns and Alans, took up arms against the Romans, and defeated them in a great battle, near Adriano'ple, in which Valens perished with most of hi^ army. Q. Who succeeded Va'lens 1 A. Gra'tian and Valentin^ian, neither of whom did any thing of importance ; but their succeessor, Theodo'sius the Great, vanquished all the enemies of the Romans, and gave peace to his empire. At his death he bequeathed the empire to his sons Arca'- dius and Hono'rius. Q. What countries were now under the govern- ment of Arca'dius and Hono^rius 1 A. Arca'dius reigned over Thrace, A'sia Mi'nor, Syr^ia, and Egypt ; and Hono^rius assumed the go- vernment of Italy, the Barbary States, Gaul, and Britain ; but, ere long, new tribes of barbarians suc- ceeded one another, rushed in on ^11 sides, and swept every thing before them, which soon caused the downfal of the Roman power. ^' Q. Who were the people that caused the greatest desolation in the Roman empire 1 A. The Goths, the Huns, the Lom'bards, and the Van'dals, who rav5.ged the several provinces of it, erected new kingdoms, and established their laws and customs wherever they came. Q. By whom was Rome first taken 1 A. B7 AVaric, king of the Goths, who gave it up to be pluiicieied by his soldiers for five days, a.d. 410. This eminent city, which for nine hundred years had defied the attacks of all its enemies, even of the 64 CkTtttii4:tit 0P great Han'nibal, was ravaged and plundered at the discretion of the barbarous conquerors. Q. Who was the last emperor of the west t A. Augus'tulus ; after a short and disgraceful reign he was forced to abdicate by Odoacer, general of a German tribe called the Her'uli ; the conqueror took the title of king of Italy, and thus announced that the dominion of Rome was no more. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Account of the Barbarous Tribes that destroyed thi Roman Empire. Q. When did the barbaroui^ nations first begin to assail the Roman empire ? A. The Vandals and Alans, the first whose pro- gress menaced danger, began their incursions in the beginning of the fifth century > Q. Prom wjiat countiies did they come 1 A. The Vandals were natives of the south-eastern part of Ai::^cna : the Alans came from the neigh- bourhood of the Caucasus. Q. What countries did they lay waste 1 A. Bi'tng joined by ^ome German tribes, they first devastated Gaul, after which they passed into Spain, and occupied the province, called from them Vandalusia, since corrupted into Andalusia. After some time, ihey crossed over into Africa, and founded a kingdom there, whith was overthrown by the celebrated Belisarius. Q. Werr not these barbarians soon succeeded by more formidable hordes 1 A . Yes I the Goths, who are said to have been originally natives of northern Europe, but who had ROMAN HIS TORY. 6.5 long been settled on the northern coasts of the Black Sea, and being driven from their habitations by the Huns, were forced to seek refuge in the territories of. Ro.*ne» Being badly treated by the imperial go- vernors, they took up arms, and spread desolation over the entire empire. Rome itself did nol escape the, n ; the city was twice plundered by these ruth- less barbarians. Q. Where did ths Goths finally establish their dominion *? A. In the southern provinces of France and Spain. Q. You have mentioned the Huns ; who were they 1 A. The Huns — a race even more ferocious than the Goths — were natives of the step[>es, or half- desert plains of Siberia and Tartary ; countries from whence savage hordes have issued more than once to spread ruin over the fairest portions of Asia and Europe. Q, Did the Huns fc and any kingdom 1 A. No ; while their great commander, Attila, lived, they were virtually the masters of southern and western Europe ; but after his death they were divided into a number of petty states, which gra- dually decayed. Q. What tribe became the masters of Gaul 1 A. The Franks, an association of German tribes, that took the name of Frankmen, or Freemen, from their determined resolution to preserve their liberty. Q. Was there any other formidable confederation of the German tribes 1 A. Yes 1 that of the Allemanns, so named from all and man, words still preserved in our language, because they were composed of men from all the tribss promiscuously. The chief seat of their power was the country between the Danube and the Rhine F2 66 CATXCBI8U OT whence they made frequent incursions into the Roman territories. Q. Did any of the German tribes invade Engand ? A. The Saxons and Angles, being invited over to help the Britons against the Picts. and Scots, made them^lves raasi,ers of South Britain, which they named Angle-landj since corrupted into England. The Normans, who subsequently seized the country, were a Scandinavian tribe that had settled in that part of France called, from them, Normandy. Q. Did any other Germanic tribe render itself formidable % A. The Burgundians were among the most formi- dable of the Germanic tribes ; they occupied south- ern Germany, Switzerland, and the province of France, which still retains their name. Q. Did not a Scandinavian tribe sei^e northern Ituly? A. Yes ; the tribe of the Lombards, or, more pro- perly. Long-bards, so called from the length of their oar