J.ff^ ^^^^ PETER PARLEY AND HIS FRIENDS AT MADRID. PETER PARLEY'S UMERSAL HISTORY, ON THE BASIS OP GEOGRAPHY A NEW EDITION, BROUGHT DOWN TO THE PRESENT DAY. ILLUSTRATED BY 20 MAPS AND 125 ENGRAYINGS. IVISON, BLAKEMAN, TAYLOR & CO., NEW YORK AND CHICAGO. /"2 ADVERTISEMENT. Thb idea of embracing in the compass of this little volume any thing like a tolerable outline of Universal History, would doubtless excite a smile on the lip of a college professor, should he ever co descend to peep into our humble title-page. But let our object be clearly understood, nnd we hope the attempt we have here made may not be deemed either ridiculous or presuming. A work which gives in detail the history of mankind, must necessarily be voluminous. It is, therefore, beyond the utmost stretch of the youthful intellect to compass it; the young reader shrinks back in despair, even from undertaking the task of its perusal. Abridgements of general history have been usually liable to still greater objections. They are little more than dry lists of dates, presenting no pictures to the imagination, exciting no sympathies in the heart, and imparting few ideas to the understanding. And yet it is very de irable that every person should, at an early period of life, have imprinted on his mind, in bright and un- fading colors, a clear outline of the story of mankind, from its beginning in the i)lain of Shinar, down to the present honr. The advantages of this are obvious. It makes all subsequent read- ing and reflection on the subject of history both useful and interesting; it becomes a stimulus to research ; it is ever after a thread to guide the inquirer through the labyrinths of his- torical lore. The attempt has been made in this work to give the pupil such an outline of Universai. History; to weave into a few pages a clear, vivid, and continuous tale of the great human family, one that may be both intelligible and entertaining to the young reader. The success attained by the previous editions, during the last thirty years, encourages the publishers to hope for a fair measure of success in this. Numerous improvements have been introduced into the work. The engravings are for the most part new, and several additional maps have been inserted. The questions have been re-arranged at the foot of the pages to w'hich they refer. The history of every country has been brought down to the present day, and such topics as have increased in interest have beea treated at greater length. ^ ifldycATSOH &i^< Entered, according to the Act of Congress, In the year 1837, by S G. GOODKICH, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. , , ^nterejJ, accowiiBg to the Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by '; :\/ ^ *..• : i/hiiB heirs of s. g. Goodrich, In the Clerk's Offic^ of the l^istrict Court for the Southern District of New York. i ,* « * — t^ — 1 — ^— , • ,\ e • ' •«•»'. "EnteK^.^ according* to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by THE HEIRS OP S. G. GOODRICH, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. ar CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. <3haptkr Page I. — About travelling in a balloon, and the curious things one would see 11 II. — About history, and geography, and other matters 14 III. — How the world is divided into land and water 19 IV. — About the inhabitants of Asia, Africa, and other countries. . . 21 V. — About the different kinds of people in the world 23 ASIA. YI. — About the climate, productions, ^ mountains, people, and ani- mals of Asia, and other things 26 VII.— About the Creation. The Deluge 30 VIII. — How Noah and his family came out of the ark. How the people settled in the land of Shinar. About Babel 32 IX. — The great Assyrian empire, and reign of queen Semirarais. . 37 X. — Queen Semiramis sets forth to conquer the world, but is de- feated by the king of the Indies 40 XI. — About Nitiias. Reign of Sardanapalus, and fall of the Assyrian empire 43 XII. — About the Hebrews or Jews. Origin of the Jews. The re- moval of Jacob and his children to Egypt 45 XII I. — The bondage in Egypt. Flight of the Hebrews, and destruc- tion of Pharaoh and his host 49 XIV. — About the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness 54 XV. — The Hebrews overthrow the Midianites. Samson, judge of Israel 58 XVI. — Beginning of the reign of Saul 62 XVII. —Combat of David and Goliah 64 XVIir.— The reign of David. Wisdom of Solomon 67 XIX. — Building of the temple. Visit of the queen of Sheba 70 XX. — The decline of the Jewish nation 73 XXI. — The Hebrew prophets 77 XXII. — Crucifixion of the Saviour. Destruction of Jerusalem 81 XXIII. — Cyrus conquers Babylon. His death 85 ^XIV.— Reign of Cambyses 88 XXV. — ^Expedition of Xerxes into Grreece 90 54 ! \ JJ3 6 CONTENTS. tHAPTBK PaGR XX VT. — Affairs of Persia till the Saracen conquest 93 XXVIl. — Modern history of Persia 96 XXVIIL— Early history of China 101 XXIX. — Anecdotes of the Chinese emperors. Confucius. Modern history of China 104 XXX. — Cities of China Manners of the Chinese 108 XXXI.— History of Japan Ill XXXII — Origin of the Arabs. Rise of Mahomet 114 XXXIII. — Sequel of the history of the Arabs or Saracens 117 XXXiy. — About Syria, Phoenicia, and Asia Minor 120 XXXV. — A brief view of several nations 125 XXXVI.— Review of the history of Asia 128 XXXVII.— Chronology of Asia 133 AFRICA. XXXVIII. — About the geography of Africa. The inhabitants 13t XXXIX— Early sovereigns of Egypt 141 XL. — Egyptian architecture and sculpture 145 XLI. — The Ptolemies and queen Cleopatra 149 XLII. — Sequel of the Egyptian history 1 54 XLIII. — Summary of Ethiopian matters '. 156 XLI V. — Origin of the Barbary states, and their piracies on the Christians 1 59 XLV. — Fables and facts about Africa 162 XL'VI. — History of the slave trade 165 XLVII.— Chronology of Africa 167 EUROPE. XTiVTTT. — Introductory remarks on its geography, and other matters. . . 170 XLIX. — About Greece ; where it is situated ; appearance of the coun- try ; climate 176 L. — The extent of Greece. First settlement of the country ... 180 LI. — The Grecian lawgivers 1 83 LII.— War with Persia 186 LIII.— Affairs of Athens 189 LIV. — Beginning of the Theban war 193 LV. — Sequel of the Theban war 1 95 LVI. — Grecian religion or mythology 1 98 LVII. — The Grecian philosophers 203 LVIII. — Something more about philosophers. About the Greek poets 207 LIX. — About the mode of hfe among the ancient Greeks 210 LX. — Philip of Macedon conquers Greece 215 LXI. — Conquests of Alexander the Great 218 LXIL — Sequel of Alexander's career 221 LXIIL— Greece invaded by the Gauls - 224 CONTENTS. 7 Chapter PAttB LXIV. — End of Grecian independence , ^ 227 LXV.— Modern history of G-reece 230 LXVI.— Chronology of Greece 233 LXVIL— About Italy as it now is 235 LXVIII. — Founding of Rome by Romulus. Its early state 239 LXIX.— Battle of the Horatii and the Curiatii 243 LXX. — From the reign of Ancus Martins till the expulsion of the kings 246 LXXI. — The story of Coriolanus 250 LXXII. — Rome invaded by the Gauls. The first Punic war 253 LXXIII. — Second and third Punic wars 257 LXXIV.— Scipio's triumph 260 LXXV — Sylla and Marius 263 LXXYI. — Cneius Pompey and Julius Caesar 265 LXXVII. — Caesar usurps the supreme power 268 LXXVIir. — Assassination of Julius Caisar 270 LXXIX. — Consequences of Csesar's death 273 LXXX. — About the great power and extent of the Roman empire in the time of Augustus 271 LXXX.I. — The means by whicli Rome acquired its power 281 LXXXJI. — Rome under the emperors 284 LXXXIII. — Fall of the western empire of the Romans 287 LXXXIV.— Progress of the decline of Rome 291 LXXXV. — Manners and customs of the ancient Romans 294 LXXXVI. — About religion. Deities. Temples. Marriages 296 LXXXYII. — About funeral rites and ceremonies 299 LXXXVIII. — Roman farms. Mode of ploughing. Farm-houses. Grain. Cattle. Superstitions of the farmers. Vines, Country- houses. Aqueducts 304 LXXXIX. — Military affairs of the Romans. Division of the army. The imperial eagle. Music. Arms. Dress. Military rewards. Crowns. The triumph , 30d XC. — About naval affairs. The war-galley. Commerce. Shows of wild beasts. Exhibitions of gladiators 314 XCI. — Sports. Chariot-racing. The circus. Carriages. Private entertainments. Supper-rooms. Convivial parties. Luxu- ries. Cloclis. Fine arts. Books. Costume 318 XCII. — Rome under the popes 323 XCIII.— The kingdom of Italy , , 329 •XCIV.— Chronology of Rome 333 XCV. — About the Ottoman empire. Turkey in Europe. Turkey in Asia. About the climate, people, and other things 335 XCVI. — About the Saracens. How the Turks overturned the Saracen empire. How the Ottoman Turks founded the Ottoman empire. About Bajazet, Timour, and others 33 XCVIL— Sequel of the Turkish history 342 8 CONTENTS. Chapter Pagh XCVIII. — Early history of Spain. The Moorish conquest 346 {',. XCIX. — Wars between the Moors and the Spaniards 350 C. — The Spanish Inquisition 353 CI. — ^The Invincible Armada. Curious death of a Spanish king. Becent affairs of Spain. 356 CII. — A short story about Portugal 3f9 CIII. — Chronology of Turkey, Spain, and Portugal 312 CIV. — Description of France. Its climate. Cities. Manufactures. Manners and Customs of the people 364 CY. — About the Gauls and other tribes of barbarians. How the ,, southern parts of Europe were first settled, and how the northern parts were settled afterward 367 CVI. — The Gauls. Origin of the French nation. Little king Pepin. 372 CVII. — About Clovis and little king Pepin 375 CVIII. — The reign of Charlemagne.* 378 CIX. — About the crusades or holy wars 381 ex.— About the Feudal System 386 CXI. — About chivalr}*, or knight-errantry 391 CXTL— More about chivalry 395 CXni. — King Philip and pope Boniface. Wars of the French and English 398 CXIV. — The reigns of several French kings 403 CXV. — The reigns of Louis the Grand and his successor 406 ^ CXVL— The French Revolution 410 t CXVJI. — The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte 415 CXVIII. — The fall of Napoleon Bonaparte 417 CXIX. — Later Revolutions in France. Napoleon III 420 CXX.— Chronology of France 424 CXXI. — About the German Empire 425 CXXIL — About the ancient tribes of Germany, Charlemagne, etc 427 CXXIIL— Affairs of Switzerland 432 CXXIV.— Sequel of German history 436 CXXV. — About Austria, Hungary, etc 439 CXXVI. — About Hungary, Bohem'^ia, the Tvrol, etc 442 CXXVII.— About Prussia \ 445 CXXYIII. — More about Prussia. Frederic the Great 447 CXXIX. — Chronology of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Prussia 451 '.' CXXX.— Description of Russia ^.452 CXXXI. — Description of Russia continued 455 CXXXII.— The reign of Peter the Great 459 CXXXin. — The successors of Peter the Great 462 CXXXIV.— About Sweden 466 CXXXV. — Charles the Twelfth and his successors 469 CXXXVI. — About Lapland, Norway, and Denmark 472 CXXXVII. — Brief notices of several kingdoms and states 476 CONTENTS. 9 Chaptrk Pag3 CXXXVIII. — Chronology of Russia, Sweden, Lapland, Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, etc 479 GXXXIX.— Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 481 CXL. — About London and other cities of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland 484 CXLL— Origin of the British nation. The Druids 488 CXLII. — Saxon and Danish kings of England 491 CXLIIL— Norman kings of England 494 CXLIY. — English wars and rebellions 497 CXLV. — The Lancastrian kings of England 501 CXLVI.— Wars of the Roses 504 CXLVIL— Reigns of the Tudor princes 507 CXLVIIL— The reign of Elizabeth 511 CXLIX. — Accession of the House of Stuart 515 CL. — Wars of the king and parliament 518 CLI. — The Protectorate and the Restoration 522 CLIL— The Revolution of 1688, and other matters 525 CLI II. — The Hanoverian kings of Great Britain 528 CLIV.— The story of Wales 532 CLV.— The story of Scotland 538 CLVL— About Ireland 542 CL^'II. — About various matters and things 547 CLVIIL— Chronology of Great Britain 550 CLIX. — Review. The dark ages. Important inventions, etc 551 AMERICA. CLX. — About America 659 CLXI. — The first inhabitants of America 565 CLXII. — Discovery of America by Columbus 568 CLXIII. — A few words about Iceland and Greenland. Settlements of the French in America 573 CLXIV. — The French colonies conquered by the English 576 CLXV.— Description of the United States 580 CLXVL — Settlement and colonial history of New England 582 CLXVII. — Affairs of New England continued 585 CLXVIII — Early history of Virginia 589 CLXIX. — Braddock's defeat, and other matters 592 CLXX — Causes which led to the Revolution 595 CLXXI. — Account of the battle of Lexington 598 CLXXIL— The battle of Bunker Hill 600 CLXXIII. — Progress of the war. Capture of Burgoyne 603 CLXXI V. — The story of the traitor Arnold and Major Andre 606 CLXXV.— War in the South. Surrender of Cornwallis 608 CLXXVL— The Presidents 611 10 CONTENTS. Chapteb Paob CLXXVIL— The Presidents continued 617 CLXX VIII.— About Slavery and Secession 622 CLXXIX. — The War of Secession continued 626 CLXXX.— The War of Secession continued 629 CLXXXI.— The War of Secession concluded. The Abolition of Slavery 633 CLXXXII.— Events since the War 638 CLXXXIII. — General remarks upon the history of the United States. .. 641 CLXXXIV. — General remarks upon the history of the United States continued 648 CLXXXV.— About South America. El Dorado and the Fountain of Youth 649 CLXXXVI. — History of the Mexican territories. Guatemala 652 CLXXXVIL— Spanish Peruvian territories 656 CLXXXVIII. — Account of the Brazilian territories 658 CLXXXIX.— The West Indies 661 CXC— The West Indies continued 664 CXCI.— The West Indies concluded 667 CXCII.— Chronology of America 671 OCEANICA. CXCIII.— About Oceanica.— The Malaysian Islands 672 CXCIV. — The Australasian division of Oceanica 675 CXCV.— Polynesia. The Sandwich Islands 678 CXC VI.— Polynesia continued. The Society Islands. The Bounty. 681 CXCVII.— Story of the Bountv cx)ncluded 685 CXCVIII.— Chronology of Oceanica 688 CXCIX. — Ancient names of countries, etc 688 CC. — The origin and progress of government 690 CCI. — Architecture. Commerce 694 ecu. — Origin and progress of various arts 703 CCIII. — Dates of discoveries and inventions. 709 lAfPORTANT Dates 712 Origln op States, Kingdoms, Empires, etc 713 Celebrated Characters 715 UlflYERSAL HISTORY STUDYING GEOGRAPHY FROM A BALLOON. CHAPTER I.— Intkoduction. About travelling in a halloon^ and the curious things one would see. 1. If you should enter a balloon, rise into tlie air, and sail along over the country, how many interesting things would you see ! At one moment you would be Chapter 1.^-1. What would a persoa see, if he were to sail along over the country in a balloon? -IS'' •■ • UmVERSAL HISTORY. passing over a city, at another you would look down upon a valley, or a river, or a hill, or a mountain ! 2. What a pleasant method this would be of study- ing what is called geography! For geography, you know, is a description of cities, rivers, valleys, hills,' mountains, and other things that a traveller meets wdth. 3. How much more delightful this would be, than to look over maps, which only give you a sort of pic- ture, showing where towns are placed, how rivers run, and where mountains lie. But as very few of us can travel about in balloons, we must be content T\dth maps, and learn geography from them as well as we can. 4. Suppose that in travelling in some distant country, we should meet with a building different from any we had ever seen; suppose that it was built of stone, covered with moss, and marked with great age, as if it had been erected at least five hundred years ago. 5. Suppose that on entering this building we should find strange, dark rooms of vast size ; suppose that we should find in this building the graves of persons who died two or three hundred yeai^ ago, with their names carved upon the stones beneath which their bones repose ! 2. What is geography ? 3. What are maps ? 4-6. Suppose v^e should meet with some old building, what should we desire to know? INTRODUCTION. ' 13 6. Now wliat do you imagine we should think of all this ? Should we not be curious to know why this building was erected — when and by whom it was built 1 Should we not be anxious to know something of the people who constructed such a wonderftd edi- fice ? Should we not desire to go back ^ve hundred years, and learn the story of that distant time ? 7. And if we could meet with some old man who had lived so long, should we not wish to sit down by his side and hear him tell how this structure had been built ? Should we not ask him a thousand questions about the people who erected it, and those who had been buried in it ? 8. Now if you were to travel in foreign countries, you would meet with a great many such buildings as I have described. You would indeed find many that are more than ^ve hundred years old. 9. If you were to extend your travels to Italy, or Greece, or Egypt, or some parts of Asia, you would often meet with the ruins of temples, palaces, and cities, which existed even two or three thousand years ago. Some of these would excite your wonder on account of their beauty, and some on account of their grandeur. 7. Suppose we should find a man equally old. what should we do ? 8. What would a traveller" meet with in foreign lands? 9. What would he meet with in Italy, Greece, Egypt, or Asia? How would these ancient ruins excite his wonder? 14 * UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 10. Such things you would meet with in foreign lands, but no man could be found old enough to tell you their story from his own observation. What then would you do ? Perhaps you would be content, after returning from your travels, to sit down with old Peter Parley, and hear the history of these ancient times. 11. Well, I suppose that most of my readers have either travelled about, or read of distant countries. Perhaps, then, they are curious to hear an old man speak of the olden time. If the reader is not already tired of my stories, I beg him to sit down and hear what I have to say. CHAPTER U. — Introduction Continued. About History^ and Geography^ and other Matters. 1. I SUPPOSE you have often met with the words Histoiy and Geography. History is the story of man- kind since the world was created, and may be com- pared to an old man who has lived for thousands of years, and who has seen cities built and fall into decay; who has seen nations rise, flourish, and disappear ; and who, with a memory full of wonderful things, sits 10. Could you find such a man? What would you do then ? Chapter II. — 1. What is history? To what may it be compared? INTRODUCTION. 15 down to tell you of all that has happened during so tnany ages. 2. Geography, as I have before said, is a description of towns, rivers, mountains and countries — the things which a traveller sees in going from one place to another. Geography, then, may be compared to some roving fellow who has been all over the world in ships, cars, and steamboats, and has come back to give us an account of what he has seen. 3. You will see, then, that History is a record of events that have happened, and that Geography tells you of the places where they happened. In order to understand the former, you must know something of the latter. In this little book I shall therefore some- times assume to be the old graybeard of history, who has lived for thousands of years, and tell you of what has come to pass ; and sometimes I shall take you in a balloon or vessel, and carry you with me to the places where the events I relate have occurred. 4. I shall, in the progress of my story, tell you how the first man and w^oman were made, how they had a large family, how these increased and spread them selves throughout different countries. I shall tell you of the great nations that have existed, of the great 2. What is geography ? To what may it be compared ? 3, 4. What will the author do in telling his story ? 16 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. battles that have been fought, and of the deeds of eel ebrated persons. 5. But, before I proceed, I must remind you that the world is round, and that men and animals live upon the surface ; that the face of the earth is divided into land and water ; that on the land trees, grass, herbs, and flowers grow ; that on the land men and animals dwell ; that on the land towns, cities, and villages are built. 6. A high piece of land, you know, is called a mountain or hill ; a low piece of land is called a val- ley. Water running in a stream through a valley, is called a river; a still piece of water surrounded by hills, is called a lake. 7. About one-third of the face of the earth is land, and two-thu'ds are water. The land is divided into two great continents; the western continent consists of North and South America; the eastern continent consists of Europe, Africa, and Asia. 8. If you will look at page 17, you will see a map of the eastern continent; and at page 18, you ^vill see a map of the western continent. 5. What IS the shape of the earth? How is the face of the land divided? Where do men and animals hve ? What grow upon the land? What live upon the land ? What are built upon the land ? 6. What is a mountain or a hill ? A valley? A river? A lake ? 7, What part of the face of the earth is land ? What portion is water? How is the land divided? What of the western continent ? The eastern ? INTRODUCTION. Vi MAP OF THE EASTERN HEMISPHERE, INCLUDING EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AND AUSTRALIA. Questions on the Map. — What ocean lies west of Europe ? What lies to the west of Africa ? What to the south of Africa and Asia ? What to the east of Asia ? How is Europe bounded ? Which way is it from Africa ? How is Africa bounded? How is Africa separated from Asia? What sea lies between Africa and Europe ? Are Europe aud Asia separated by water, or do they lie together iu one piece of land ? How is Asia bounded ? Where is Australia ? 18 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. iendly '-"V ;^or^ i:^^ ■•■■L ... t — - Tropic of Capricorn Vh V-':rcv«'^''*^ ^'/ "/?<^ °^4. ?v^*^^ Jouth MAP OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE, LVCLUDING NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA. Questions on the Map. — What ocean lies east of America ? What lies to the west ? What country lies to the south of the United States ? What large islands lie in the Pacific ocean ? Wliat islands he between North and South America in the Atlantic ocean? What large rivers are there in South America? What straits separate North Amenca from Asia? Where is Greenland? Terra del Fuego ? Newfoundland ? Hudson's Bay ? INTRODUCTION. 19 CHAPTER III. — Introduction Continued. Hoxo the World is divided into Land and Water. 1. I HAVE said that about two-tliirds of the face of fche earth are covered with water. This water is one vast salt sea, but to different parts of it we give dif- ferent names. 2. That part which lies between America and Eu- rope is called the Atlantic Ocean, and is about three thousand miles wide; that part which lies between America and Asia is called the Pacific Ocean, and is about ten thousand miles wide. There are many other names given to other parts of the great salt sea. 3. Ships, as you well know, sail from one country to another upon the water, and in this way a great deal of trade or commerce is carried on. But as man- kind live on the land, my stories will chiefly relate to what has happened on the land. - 4. I suppose you have heard people speak of the four quarters of the world. By this they mean America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Besides these, Chapter III. — 1. What of the great mass of water that covers two-thirds of the earth? 2. Wha't of the Atlantic Ocean? The Pacific? 3. What of ships? Wha of the land? 4. What are the four quarters of the world? 20 UNI^V^RSAL HISTORY. there are a great many pieces of land surrounded by water, called islands. 5. In tlie Pacific Ocean there are many of these, the inhabitants of which are very numerous. These islands are considered a fifth division of the world, and are called Oceania. 6. iS'ow what I am going to tell you has happened in these different parts of the world. In order to un- derstand my stories, it is necessary you should look over the maps which are given with them. These will show you where the different countries are, about which I am going to speak. What IS an island ? 5. What of Oceania ? INTRODUCTION. 21 INHABITANTS OP ASIA- CHAPTER ly. — Introduction Contintjed. Ahoat the Inhabitants of Asia, Africa, and other Countries. 1. Before I proceed further, I must tell you that Asia is a vast country with a multitude of cities, occu- pied by a great many different nations. 2. The principal of these nations are the Tartars, who wander from place to place, and dwell chiefly in tents ; the Arabs, who have large flocks of camels and fine horses, with which they roam over the desert; Chapter IV. — 1. Wliat of Asia? 2. What are the principal nations of Asia? 22 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. the Hindoos, or inhabitants of India, who travel about on elephants, and worship idols ; the Persians, who are very fond of poetry and have .splendid palaces; the Chinese, from whom we get tea; the Japanese, who have remained, until late years, shut up and secluded from the rest of the world ; and the Turks, who sit on cushions instead of chairs. 3. The whole population of Asia is about seven hun- dred millions, which is more than half the inhabitants of the whole globe. It has nine times as many people as the whole of North and South America put together. 4. Africa, you know, is the native land of the ne- groes. It has a few large cities, but the whole number of people is but eighty millions. 5. Europe is divided into several nations, such as the English, French, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Russians, and others. It has many fine cities, and about three hundred millions of inhabitants. 6. America is the country where we live. It has some large cities, and many pleasant towns and vil- lages, but nearly half of the country is uninhabited. The whole population is about seventy millions. 7. Oceania, as I have before said, consists of many islands in the Pacific Ocean. Some of these, as Java, 8. What is the poxjulation of Asia ? 4. What of Africa ? Its population ? 5. What of Europe ? Its population ? 6. What of America? Its population ? 7. What of Oceania ? INTRODUCTION. 23 Sumatra, Borneo, and New Holland, or Australia, are very large, the latter being the largest island on the globe. From these countries we get pepper, cloves, coffee, and other nice things. The whole populatioii of Oceania is about thirty millions. CHAPTER V. — Introduction Continued. About the different hinds of People in the World, 1. Thus you see that the whole number of the in- habitants upon the globe is nearly twelve hundred mill- ions. All these are descended from Adam and Eve, who lived, the Bible tells us, in the garden of Eden ! 2. What an immense family to have proceeded from one pair ! You may well believe that it has taken many years for the human family to increase to this extent. 3. If you were to travel in different countries, you would observe that the inhabitants differ very much in their color, dress, and mode of living. 4. Some have dark skins, like the color of a dead What do we get from Oceania ? Its population ? Chapter V. — 1. What is the whole population of the globe? Where did Adam and Eve live? 3. What would you observe m travelling through different coun- tries? 4. Give the color of different races. 24 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. leaf, as the American Indians ; some liave a yellowish or olive color, like the Chinese; some are a deep, sooty brown, like the Hindoos ; some are black, like the negroes, and some are white, like the English and the people of the United States. ' 5. In some countries the people live in huts built of mud and sticks, and subsist by hunting with the bow and arrow. These are said to be in the savage state. Our American Indians, some of the negroes of Africa, some of the inhabitants of Asia, and most of the Oceanians, are savages. 6. In some countries the people live in houses partly built of stone and mud. They have few books, no churches or meeting-houses, and worship idols. Such are most of the negroes of Africa, and many tribes in Asia. These are said to be in the barbarous state, and are often called barbarians. Many of their customs are very cruel. 7. In some countries the inhabitants live in tolerable houses, and the rich have fine palaces. The people have many ingenious arts, but the schools are poor, and but a small portion are taught to read and Avrita The Chinese, the Hindoos, the Turks, and some other nations of Asia, with some of the inhabitants of Africa 5. What of people in the savage state ? 6. What of people in the barbarous state? 1. What of people in the civilized state? INTRODUCTION. 25 and Europe, are in this condition, whicli may be called a semi-civilized state 8. In many parts of Europe, and in the United States, the people live in good houses, have good fur- niture, many books, good schools, churches, meeting- houses, steamboats, railroads and telegraphs. These are in the highest state of civilization. 9. Thus you observe that mankind may be divided into four classes ; — ^those who are in the savage state, those who are in the barbarous state, those who are partly civilized, and those who are in the highest state of civilization. 8. What of people in the highest state of civilization ? 9. Into what four classes may mankind be divided? UNIVERSAL HISTORY. STUDYING THE MAP OP A SLA. CHAPTEE YL— Asia. Ahcmt the Climaie^ Productions^ Mountains^ People^ mid Animals of Asia, and other things. 1.- I HAVE already said that Asia is a vast country, containing a great many cities, and a multitude of inhabitants. It lies on the opposite side of the earth from us, and you may go to it by crossing the Pacific Ocean on the west, or by crossing the Atlantic Ocean and Europe on the east. Chapter VI. — 1. What of Asia? Where is Asia? How can you goto it? Point your finger toward Asia. ASIA. 27 2. In the soiithem portion of Asia the climate is warm, as in our Southern states. These parts are chiefly inhabited by the Chinese, Hindoos, Persians, Arabians and Turks. In many places the country is fertile, and in the valleys, beautiful flowers, spicy shrubs, and wild birds of the most brilliant colors, are found. 3. In the centre of Asia there are mountains whose tops are covered with everlasting snow. These are the loftiest peaks in the world, and are nearly six miles in height. To the north of these there is a cold region, where there are vast plains with scattered tribes of Tar- tars roaming over them, for the scanty pastures they af- ford for their camels and horses. They build no houses, but dwell in tents, and live upon the milk and flesh of their flocks. 4. The native animals of Asia are many of them very remarkable. The elephant is found in the thick- ets, the rhinoceros along the banks of rivers, the lion in the plains, the royal tiger in the forests, monkeys and apes of many kinds abound in the hot parts, and serpents thirty feet in length are sometimes met with. 5. In the southern portions of Asia, hurricanes some- 2. Climate of Southern Asia? "What nations hve in Southern Asia? Its pro- ductions? 3. Its mountains ? What of Northern Asia ? Inhabitants? 4. Ani- mals of Asia? 28 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. times overturn the houses, rend the forests in pieces, and scatter ruin and desolation over the land. The country is often parched with drought. Sometimes millions of locusts come upon the wind, and devour every green thing, so that nothing is left for man or beast. Pestilence often visits the people, and sweeps away thousands upon thousands. 6. Such is Asia, a land of wonders both in its geog- raphy and history. It is the largest of the four quar- ters of the globe ; it contains the loftiest mountains, it affords the greatest variety of animal and vegetable productions, and the seasons here display at once their most beautiful and their most fearful works. 7. Asia, too, is the most populous quarter of the globe ; it contained the first human inhabitants, and from this quarter all the rest of the globe has been peopled. Here, too, the most remarkable events took place that belong to the- history of man. Here the most wonderful personages were born that have ever trod this earth ; and here, too, the mighty miracles of Jehovah were wrought. 5. Southera parts of Asia? Hurricanes? Drought? Locusts? Pestilence? 6. For what is Asia very remarkable aa to its geography ? 7. For what is Asia very remarkable as to its history ? Questions on the Map of Asia. — How is Asia bounded on the north ? East ? Sk>uth? West ? Which way is Asia from Europe ? In what part of Asia is Persia ? la which direction from Persia is Arabia? Hindostan? China? Tartary? Siberia? Red Sea? Egypt? Mediterranean Sea? In what part of Asia is the river Euphrates? The Indies? The Ganges? TheHoangHo? 30 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. CHAPTER YIL— Asia CoNrmuED. About the Creation. — The Deluge. 1. The first portion of the world inhabited by man- kind was Asia ; the next was Africa ; the next was Europe, and the last was America. How long it is since this latter country was first peopled by the In- dians, we do not know; but the first white people came here about three hundred and seventy years since. 2. Let us now go back to the creation of the world. This wonderful event took place about six thousand years ago. The story of it is beautifully told in the first chapter of Genesis. 3. Adam and Eve were created in Asia, and were placed in the garden of Eden, not far from the river Euphrates. This river is in the western part of Asia, and is about six thousand miles in an easterly direction from New York and Boston. Chapter VII. — 1. Which quarter of the globe was first inhabited f Which next? Which quarter was inhabited last ? When was America first peopled by the Indians ? When by white people ? 2. How long is it since the world was crea- ted ? Tell the story of creation, as related in the first chapter of Genesis. 3. Where did Adam and Eve live? Where is the river Euphrates ? How far is it from New York ? Which way from Boswon ? ASIA. 81 4. Adam and Eve were for a time the only liuman beings on this vast globe. Yet they did not feel alone, ADAM AND EVE. for God was with them. At length they had children, and in the course of years their descendants were very numerous. 5. These dwelt in the neighborhood of the Euphra- tes, and here they built towns, cities, and villages. But they became very wicked. They forgot to wor- ship God, and were unjust and cruel. 6. The Creator therefore determined to cut off the whole human family, with the exception of Noah and 4. "What of Adam and Eve? 5. Where did tbe descendants of Adam and Eve dwell? What did they d<^? 6, What did God determine to do? 32 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. his children, both as a punishment to the disobedient, and as a warning to all future nations that evil must follow sin. 7. Noah was told of the coming destruction, and therefore built an ark, into which he gathered his family, and a single pair of the various kinds of land animals. It then began to rain, until all the countries of the earth were covered with a deluge of water. 8. Thus all the nations were cut off, and the world once more had but a single human family upon it. This event occurred sixteen hundred and fifty-six years after the creation. CHAPTER YIIL— Asia Continued. JJow Noah and his Faviily came out of the Ark. — How the People settled in the Land of Shinar. — About Babel. 1. The people who lived before the flood are called antediluvians. We know nothing about them except what is told in the Bible. It is probable that they extended over but a small part of Asia, and that no Why did God determine to destroy mankind? 7. What of Noah? Describe the deluge. 8. What was the effect of the deluge? When did the deluge take place ? Chapter VIII. — 1. What of those who lived before the flood ? ASIA, 33 human beings dwelt either in Africa, Europe, or Amer- ica, before the flood. 2. The deluge is supposed to have commenced in November, and the rain is thought to have ceased in March. After a while the waters subsided, and Noah's ark rested upon the top of a tall mountain in Arme- tiia, called Ararat, which is still to be seen. 3. The people and animals now came out of the ark. The animals spread themselves abroad, and after many centuries they were extended into all countries. 4. Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. These, with their families, proceeded to the land of Shinar, Avhich lies to the south of Mount Ararat. Here they settled themselves on the borders of the river Euphrates, probably the same country that had been inhabited by the antediluvians. It is in this region that the first nations were formed. 5. All who remembered the deluge, or had heard of it, were afraid that the wickedness of mankind would again be punished in a similar way. They therefore resolved to build a tower, that they might mount upou it, and save themselves from destruction. 2. When did the deluge begin and end? What of Mount Ararat ? 3. What of the people that came out of the ark ? The animals ? 4. What three sons had Noah ? Where did they settle ? Where was the land of Shinar ? 5, Why did the people resolve to build the tower of Babel? 2 34 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 6. Accordingly they laid the foundation of the edi- fice on the eastern bank of the river Euphrates. Per- haps they expected to rear the tower so high that its top would touch the blue sky, and enable them to climb into heaven. 7. Their building materials were bricks that had been baked in the sun. Instead of mortar, they cc mented the bricks together with a sort of slime oi pitch. 8. The workmen labored very diligently, and piled one layer of bricks upon another, till the earth w^as a considerable distance beneath them. But the blue sky, and the sun, and the stars, seemed as far off as when they first began. 9. One day, while these foolish people were at their labor, a very wonderful thing took place. They were talking together as usual, but, all of a sudden, they found it impossible to understand what each othet said. 10. If any of the workmen called for bricks, their companions at the bottom of the tower mistook their meaning, and brought them pitch. If they asked for one sort of tool, another sort was given them. Their words appeared to be mere sounds without any sense, 6-8. Describe the building of the tower. 9, 10. Describe the confusion of Ian' guages. 35 like the babble of a little child, before it has been taught to speak. 11. This event caused such confusion that they could not go on building the tower. They therefore gave up the idea of climbing to heaven, and resolved to wander to different parts of the earth. It is likely that they formed themselves into several parties, consisting of all who could talk intelligibly together. They set forth on their journey in various directions. 12. The descendants of Shem are supposed to have distributed themselves over the country near to the Euphrates. The descendants of Ham took a westerly direction, and proceeded to Africa. They settled in Egypt, and laid the foundation of a great nation there. The descendants of Japheth proceeded to Greece, and thus laid the foundation of several European nations. 13. Some travellers in modern times have discovered a large hillock on the shore of the Euphrates. It is composed of sun-burnt bricks cemented together with pitch. They believe this hillock to be the ruins of the tower of Babel, which was built more than four thou- sand years ago. 11. "What was the consequence of this confusion of languages? 12, What of the descendants of Shem ? Of Ham ? Of Japheth? 13. What have some trav- ellers discovered ? What is the hillock supposed to be ? ASIA. 37 CHAPTEK IX.— Asia Continued. Al)Out the great Assyrian Empire^ and lleign of Queer' tSemiramis. 1. "When tlie rest of mankind were scattered into ifferent parts of tlie earth, there were a number of people who remained near the tower of Babel. They contimied to inhabit the land of Shinar, which was a warm country and very fertile. In course of time they extended over a much larger tract of country, and built towns and cities. 2. This region received the name of Assyria, It was the first of the nations of the earth. Its bounda- ries varied at different times, but its place on the map may be seen in the vicinity of the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates, northward of the Persian Gulf 3. Ashur, the grandson of Noah, was the first ruler Questions on the Map. — ^Where does the river Euphrates rise ? "Where does \t empty ? Which way was Shinar from Mount Ararat ? Which way was Jeru- salem from Babylon? Nineveh from Babylon? Egypt? Persia? Which way was Assyria from the Mediterranean sea? Direction of the following places from Babylon — Egypt? Asia Minor? Greece? Macedonia? Italy? Canaan? Persia? Chapter IX. — 1. Did all the people leave the land of Shinar after the con- fusion of languages? Did the people of the land of Shmar mcrease? What did they do ? 2. What name did the country around Shinar receive ? What was the first empire or great nation of the earth? Where was it situated? k 38 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. of Assyria. In the year 2229 B. C, or 1775 years after the creation, lie built the city of Nineveh, and surrounded it with walls a hundred feet high. The city was so large that a person would have travelled a hundred miles merely in walking around it. 4. But the city of Babylon, which was built a short time afterward, was superior to Nineveh both in size and beauty. It was situated on the river Euphrates. The walls were so very thick, that six chariots drawn by horses could be driven abreast upon the top, with- out danger of falling off on either side. In our coun- try we do not surround our cities with walls ; but in ancient times walls were necessary to protect the people from their enemies. 5. In this city there were magnificent gardens, be- longing to the royal palace. They were constructed in a manner to appear to be hanging in the air without resting on the earth. They contained large trees, and all kinds of fruits and flowers. 6. There was also a splendid temple dedicated to Belus or Baal, who was the chief idol of the Assyri- ans. This temple was six hundred and sixty feet high, 3. Who was the first ruler of Assyria ? What city did he build ? Describe thfc city of Nineveh. 4. Where was the city of Babylon? Describe this wonderful city. Why did the ancients surround their cities with walls? 5. What of the longing gardens ? 6. The temple of Belus ? ASIA. Bl> and it contained a golden image of Belus forty feet in height. 7. Babylon was built by Nimrod, that mighty hunter of whom the Bible tells us. But the person l^brho made all the beautiful gardens and palaces, and Vho set up the image of Belus, was a woman named ■^Semiramis. I^r ^' ^^^ ^^^ been the wife of Ninus, king of Assyria, but when king Ninus died, queen Semiramis became sole ruler of the empire. She was an ambitious T\ioman, and was not content to live quietly in Baby- lon, although she had taken so much pains to make it IBpi beautiful city. 9. She was tormented with a wicked desire to con- quer all the nations of the earth. So she collected an immense army, and marched against the rich and powerful king of the Indies, who lived in what we now call Hindostan, a country lying to the south-east of Assyria. 7. Who built Babylon? Who made the hanging gardens? 8. What of Semir- amis ? Was she contented with Babylon ? 9. What desire had she ? What did , Bhe do ? Where did the king of the Indies live ? 40 UNIVERSAL HISTORY, CHAPTER X.— Asia Continued. Queen Semiramis sets forth to conquer the World^ hut it defeated hy the King of the Indies. 1. When the king of the Indies, who was very rich and powerful, heard that queen Semiramis was coming to invade his dominions, he mustered a vast number of men to defend them. Besides his soldiers, he had a great many elephants. 2. Each of these enormous beasts was Avorth ^ whole regiment of soldiers. They were taught to rush into battle and toss the enemy about with their trunks, and trample them down with their huge feet. 3. Now queen Semiramis had no elephants, and therefoi:e she was afraid that the king of the Indies would overcome her. She endeavored to prevent this misfortune by a very curious contrivance. In the first place she ordered three thousand brown oxen to be killed. 4. The hides of the dead oxen were stripped off, and sewed together in the shape of elephants. These were placed upon camels, and when the camels were drawn Chapter X. — 1. What did the king of the Indies do when he heard of Semira- mis' purpose? What sort of an army had he? 2. What of the elephants? 3, 4. To what contrivance did Semiramis resort ? ASIA. 41 up in battle aiTay, they looked pretty mucli like a troop of great brown elephants. Doubtless the king of the Indies wondered where queen Semiramis had caught them. 5. When the battle was to be fought, the king of tae Indies with his real elephants marched forward on one side, and queen Semiramis with her camels and ox-hides, came boldly against him on the other. 6. But when the Indian army had marched close to DEFEAT AND FLIGHT OF SEMIRAJnS. the host of the Assyrians, they perceived that there was no such thing as an elephant among them. They 5-7. Describe the battle. What was the result of the battle? 42 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. therefore laid aside all fear, and rushed fm-iously upon queen Semiramis and her soldiers. 7. The real elephants put the camels to flight ; and then, in a great rage, they ran about, tossing the As:-. Syrians into the air, and trampling them down by hun dreds. Thus the Assyrian army was routed, and the* king of the Indies gained a complete victory. 8. Queen Semiramis was sorely wounded ; but she got into a chariot, and drove away at full speed from the battle-field. She finally escaped to her own king- dom, but in a very sad condition. 9. She then took up her residence in the palace at Babylon. But she did not long enjoy herself in the beautiful gardens which she had suspended in the air. It is said that her own son, whose name was Ninias, put his mother to death, that he might get possession of the throne, and reign over the people. 10. Such was the melancholy end of the mighty queen Semiramis. How foolish and wicked it was for her to spend her life in trying to conquer other nations, instead of making her own people happy ! But she had not learned that golden rule, " Do to another as you would have another do to you." 8. "What of Semiramis? 9. What became of her? 10. Was the conduct of Senuramis good or wise ? Do you think she was happy ? ASIA. 43 CHAPTER XL— Asia Continued. About Ninids. — Iieig7i of Sardanapalus, and Fall of tlie Assyrian Emjpire. 1. After Ninias had wickedly murdered his mother, be became king of Assyria. His reign began about the year 2000 B. C, or about three hundred and forty years after the deluge. 2. Ninias was not only a very wicked man, but' a very slothful one. He did not set out to conquer kingdoms like his mother, but shut himself up in his palace, 'ind thought of nothing but how to enjoy him- self B, He knew that his people hated him, and there- fore he kept guards in his palace ; but he was afraid to trust even his guards. Whether he was murdered at last, cr whether he died quietly in his bed, is more than I can tell, for history does not inform us. 4. After the reign of Ninias, there was an interval of eight hundred years, during which it is impossible to say what happened in the kingdom of Assyria. It is Chapter XT. — 1. What of Ninias? When did his reign begin ? 2. What was his character? What did he do? 3. What else of Ninias? 4. What of Assyria for eight hundred years after Ninias? 44 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. probable that most of the kings were like Ninias, that they wasted their time in idle pleasures, and never did any thing worthy of remembrance. 5. Some years afterward, there was a king upon the throne of Assyria, whose name was Sardanapalus. He is said to have been a beautiful young man ; but he was slothful, and took no care of his kingdom, and made no attempt to promote the welfare of his people. 6. He never went outside of his palace, but lived all the time among the women. And in order to make himself more fit for their company, he painted his face, and sometimes put on a woman's dress. In this ridic- ulous guise, the great king Sardanapalus used to sit down with the women, and help them to spin. ^, But while Sardanapalus was feasting, and dancings and painting his face, and dressing himself like a wom- an, and helping the women to spin, a terrible destruc- tion was impending over his head. 8. Arbaces, governor of the Medes, made war against this unworthy monarch, and besieged him in the city of Babylon. Sardanapalus saw that he coull not escape, and that if he lived any longer, he shoidd probably become a slave. 9. So, rather than be a slave, he resolved to die. 5. What of Sardanapalus? 6, T. How did he live? 8. What of Arbaces? ASIA. 45 He therefore collected his treasures, and heaped them in one great pile in a splendid hall of his palace, and then set fire to the pile. The palace was speedily in a blaze, and Sardanapalus, with his favorite officers, and a multitude of beautiful women, w^ere burnt to death in the flames. Thus ended the great Assyrian monar- chy, the country being conquered by Arbaces. 10. Sardanapalus died about the year 876 B. C. After a time a new kingdom arose, and Nineveh was the capital. This is called the second Assyrian Em- pire. The kings of this empire made war on the Jews, and are often spoken of in the Bible. Their power was terminated, and Mneveh finally destroyed by the king of the Medes, 606 B. C. CHAPTER XII.— Asia Continued. About the Hebrews or Jews. — Origin of the Hebrews. — The Removal of Jacob and his Children to Egijjpt. 1. The founder of the Hebrew nation was Abrahan^ who was born about two hundred years after the de'- lige. The country of his birth was Chaldea, which formed the southern part of the Assyrian empire. 9. What of the death of Sardanapalus? What was the end of the Assyrian em- pire? 10, How and when was it terminated? Chapter XH.— 1. What of Abraham ? When and where was he born? 46 UNIYERSAL HISTORY. 2. The rest of the inhabitants of Chaldea were idol aters, and worshipped the snn, moon, and stars ; but Abraham worshipped the true God whom we worship. In the early part of his life, he was a shepherd on the Chaldean plains. When his father, Terah, was dead, God commanded him to leave his native country, and travel westward to the land of Canaan. TIIE DEPARTURE OF ABRAHAM. 3. This region was afterward called Palestine. It lies north of Arabia, is on the eastern border of the Mediterranean Sea, and is nearly six thousand miles 2. What of the worship of the Chaldeans? Of Abraham ? What of the early life of Abraham? "What did God command Abraha.n to do? 3. Where is the I»nd of Canaan? What is it now called? ASIA. 47 soTitli-easterly from New York. It was a ricli and fer- tile country, and God promised Abraham that his descendants should dwell there. 4. Many years of Abraham's life were spent in wandering to and fro. His wife Sarah went with him, and they were followed by a large number of male and female servants, and by numerous flocks and herds. They dwelt in tents, and had no settled home. 5. Abraham and Sarah had one son, named Isaac. His father loved him fondly ; but when God command- ed him to sacrifice his child, he prepared to obey. But an angel came down from heaven, and told him not to slay his son. 6. The life of Abraham was full of interesting events, but I have not room to relate them all here. He lived to be a hundred and seventy-five years old, and then died at Hebron, in Canaan. From this ancient patri- arch the Jews and Arabians are descended. They have always called him Father Abraham. 7. Isaac, the son of Abraham, left two children, Esau and Jacob. The younger, Jacob, persuaded hi^ d. "What of the life of Abraham? "Who went with him from Chaldea to Canaan? 6. "What of Isaac? 6. "What else of Abraham? "What of the Jews ? 7. "What of Isaac's sons ? What did Jacob do ? W^hat is meant by birthright ? Ans. The eldest son in ancient times enjoyed many privileges over his younger brothers. These Esau sold to Jacob for a single meal of victuals. Thus Jacob became the head of the Jewish people. 48 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. brother to sell his birthriglit for a mess of pottage. He likewise obtained a blessing, wbicli bis father intended to bestow on Esau. 8. Jacob, to whom God gave the name of Israel, bad twelve sons, whose names were Reuben, Simeon, Levi^ Dan, Judah, JSTaphthali, Gad, Ashur, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph, and Benjamin. The posterity of each of these twelve afterward became a separate tribe among the Hebrews or Israelites. 9. My young reader must look into the Bible for the beautiful story of Joseph and his brethren. I can merely tell him that Joseph was sold into captivity and carried into the land of Egypt, and that there he was the means of preserving his aged father and all his brothers from death by famine. 10. Jacob and his twelve children removed to Egypt, and took up their residence there. It was in that country that the Hebrews first began to be a nation ; so that their histor}' may be said to commence from this period. Jacob died 1689 B. C. i 8. Who were the twelve sons of Jacob ? What of the descendants of these twelve sons ? 9. Can you tell the story of Joseph as related in G-enesis chapter 37, eta? 10. Where did Jacob go with his family? What of the origin of the Jews? I ASIA. I^Bk 49 CHAPTEE XIII.— Asia Continued. The Bondage in Egypt. — Flight of the Hebrews^ and Destruc tion of Pharaoh and his Host. 1. Egypt, you know, is in Africa. It lias many cities, and a famous river called tlie Nile runs tlirougb the country. But this land is less populous now than in the time of Joseph. It was then full of people, and they were the most learned and civilized of all the nations of the earth. There are many ruins to be seen in Egypt, which show that the palaces and cities of ancient times were very splendid. 2. But I must tell you of the Hebrews. Pharaoh, the good king of Egypt died, and Joseph likewise. Another king then ascended the throne, who hated the Hebrews, and did all in his power to oppress them. 3. The Egyptians treated them like slaves. All the hardest labor was performed by the Hebrews. It is thought by some writers that the immense piles of stone called the Pyramids, were built by them. These vast edifices are still standing on the banks of the Kile. Chapter XIII. — 1. What of Egypt? What of Egypt in the time of Joseph? 2. How were the Hebrews treated after the death of Joseph? 3. What of the pyramids? How high is the tallest of the Egyptian pyramids? Ans. Abont. flve hLudred feet. 50 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 4. This cruel king was named Pharaoh, like his pre- decessor. One of the most wicked injuries that he inflicted on the Hebrews was the following : 5. He commanded that every male child should be thrown into the river Nile the instant he was born. The reason for this horrible cruelty was, that the He- brews might not become more numerous than the Egyptians, and conquer the whole country. 6. One of the Hebrew women, however, could not MOSES IX TIIE BULRUSHES. make up her mind to throw her son into the Nile. It she had positively disobeyed the king's order, she 4, 5. "What cruelty did Pharaoh inflict upon the Hebrews ? 6. What did one of the Hebrew women do ? ASIA. 51 would have been put to death. She therefore very privately made a little ark or boat of bulrushes, placed the child in it, and laid it among the flags that grew by the river's side. 7. In a little while the king's daughter came down to the river to bathe. Perceiving the ark of bulrushes, she went with her maids to fetch it. When they looked into it, they found a little Hebrew boy there ! 8. The heart of the princess was moved with com- passion, and she resolved to save his life. She hired his own mother to nurse him. She gave him the name of Moses, and when he grew old enough to be put to school, she caused him to be instructed in all the learn- ing of the Egyptians. At that period they were the most learned people on earth. 9. But though he himself was so well treated, Moses did not forget the sufferings of the other Hebrews. He remembered that they were his brethren, and he resolved to rescue them from their oppressors. 10. He and his brother Aaron received power from God to perform many wonderful things, in order to induce Pharaoh to let the Hebrews depart out of Egypt. Ten great plagues were inflicted on the Egyp- 7. What of Pharaoh's daughter? 8. What of Moses? 9. What did he resolve to do ? 1 0. What of Moses and Aaron ? 52 UNIYERSAL HISTORY. tians, and these were so ten-ible tliat at last Pharaoli gave the Hebrews leave to go. AABOJi MOSES. 11. But scarcely were they gone, when the king was sorry he had not kept them in Egypt, that he might oppress them, and compel them to labor for him as before. He therefore mustered his warriors, and rode swiftly after the fugitives. 12. When he came in sight of them, they were crossing the Eed Sea, which lies between Egypt and Arabia. The Lord had caused the waters to roll back, and fonn a wall on each side. Thus there was a path of glistening sand for the Hebrews through the very depths of the sea. To what did Pliaraoh consent? 11. Did lie change his mnid ? 12. What mir- acle did God perform ? How did the Hebrews cross the Red Sea? I ASIA 53 13. Pliaraoli and Ms army rode onward, and by the time tliat the fugitives had reached the opposite shore^ the Egyptians were in the midst of this wonderful passage. As the Hebrews fled, they looked behind them. There was the proud array of the Egyptian king, with his chariots and horsemen, and Pharaoh himself riding haughtily in the midst. 14. The aifrighted Hebrews looked behind them again, and lo ! the two walls of water had rolled to- gether. They were dashing against the chariots, and sweeping the soldiers off their feet. The waves were crested with foam, and came roaring against the wicked king. In a little time, the sea rolled calmly over Pha- raoh and his host, and thus they all perished, leaving the Jews to proceed on their journey. 1 5. This was a terrible event, but Pharaoh had been very cruel ; he therefore deserved his fate. This story may teach us, that not only wdcked rulers, but those who follow them, have reason to fear the judgments of Heaven. 13, i4. Describe tlie passage of the Egyptians. 15. What may this story teacli us? 54 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. CHAPTER XIY.— Asia Continued. About the Wanderings of the Israelites in the Wilderness. 1. It was now two hundred and fifteen years since Jacob liad come to settle in Egypt. His descendants had multiplied so rapidly that at the time of their departure, the Hebrew nation are supposed to have amounted to two millions of people. Moses, their leader, was eighty years old, but his step was steady; and though of meek and humble manners, he was a man of great wisdom and firmness of character. 2. The Hebre\^T> intended to go directly from Egypt to the land of Canaan. This latter country is now called Palestine. Before reaching it, the children of Israel were to pass through a part of Arabia. 3. In order that they might not go astray, a vast pillar of mist, or cloud, moved before them all day long ; and at night the pillar of cloud was changed to a pillar of fire, which threw a radiance over the regions through which they journeyed. 4. The country was desolate and barren, and ofteo Chapter XIV. — 1. Hew long was it from the time Jacob settled in Egypt to the departure of the Israelites? What was their number? How old was Moses 'r What was ins character? 2. In wliat country did tlio Hebrews wander? 3. How were the Hebiews guided? inrui ASIA. 55 destitute of water, but tlie Lord fed tLe people mth manna and with quails ; and when they were thirsty, Moses smote upon a rock, and the water gushed out abundantly. Besides all this, the Hebrews received divine assistance against the Amalekites, and were enabled to conquer them in battle. 5. But in spite of these various mercies, the Israel- ites were an ungrateful and rebellious people. They often turned from the worship of the true God, and became idolaters. 6. At the very time when the Lord was revealing himself to Moses from the summit of Mount Sinai, and giving him the Ten Commandments, the people com- pelled Aaron to make a golden calf They worshipped this poor image instead of Jehovah, who had brought them out of Egypt. I 7. On account of their numerous sins, the Lord often inflicted grievous punishments uj^on them. Many were slain by pestilence, and some were swallowed up in the earth. The remainder were compelled to wander forty years in the deserts of Arabia, though the 4. What sort of country did they travel through ? How were they fed and suppUed with water ? What other divine assistance was rendered to the Hebrews? 5. Were the Hebrews grateful for all the mercies bestowed upon them ? 6. What did they do when Moses was on Mount Sinai ? 7 . What evil resulted from the disobedience of the Hebrews? How long did the Hebrews wander? What is Uie distance from Egypt to Canaan? 56 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. whole distance in a direct line from Egypt to Canaan was but two hundred and fifty miles. Y. Before they came to the land of Canaan, most oi those who had fled out of Egypt were dead. Their children inherited the promised land, but they them- selves were buried in the sands of the desert.. Even Moses was permitted merely to gaze at the land of Canaan from the top of Mount Pisgah. Here he died, at the age of one hundred and twenty years. 9. After the death of Moses, Joshua, the son of Nun, became leader of the Israelites. Under his guidance they entered the promised land, and subdued the peo-_- pie who inhabited it. The territory of Canaan was then divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. 8. Did the Hebrews who left Egypt reach Canaan ? What of Moses ? Where is Mount Pisgah ? (See the map on the opposite page.) 9. Who became leader after the death of Moses ? How was the land of Canaan divided ? Questions on the Map. — In what direction from Jerusalem are the following places — Gaza? Damascus? Samaria? Cana? Jericho? Where is siount Ta- bor? Ascalon? Nazareth? Bethlehem? Between what seas does the river Jordan flow ? Where is Tyre ? Joppa ? Mount Oarrael ? ^'y 58 UNfVERSAL HISTORY. CHAPTER XY.— Asia Continued. The Hebrews overthrow the Midianites. — Samson^ Judge of Israel. 1. After their settlement in Canaan, tlie Israelites lived under the authority of judges. These were their rulers in times of peace, and their generals in war. Some of them were very remarkable personages, and did many things worthy of remembrance. 2. The name of one of the judges was Gideon. While he ruled Israel, an army of Midianites invaded the country, and oppressed the people for seven years. But the Lord instructed Gideon how to rescue the Is- realites from their power. 3. Gideon chose three hundred men, and caused each of them to take an earthen pitcher, and put a lamp within it. With this small band he entered the camp of the Midianites by night. There was an immense army of them sleeping in their tents, without appre- hending any danger from the conquered Israelites. 4. But their destruction was at hand. Gideon gave Chapter XV. — 1. How were the Hebrews governed after their settlement in Canaan? What of the judges? 2. Wliat of Gideon? 3-5. Tell how Gideon contrived to overcome the Midianites. I ASIA. 59 a signal, and all his three hundred men broke their pitchers, at the same time blowing a loud blast upon trumpets which they had brought. This terrible clamor startled the Midianites from their sleep. 5. Amid the clangor of the trumpets they heard the Israelites shouting, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon !" A great panic seized upon the Midianites. Each man mistook his neighbor for an enemy ; so that more of the Midianites were slain by their own swords, than by the swords of the men of Israel. Thus God wrought a great deliverance for his people. 6. The most famous of all the judges of Israel was named Samson. He was the strons^est man in the world ; and it was a wonderful circumstance that his great strength depended upon the hair of his head. While he continued to wear his hair long, and curling down his neck, he had more strength than a hundred men put together. But if his hair were to be cut off, he would be no stronger than any single man. T. In the days of Samson the Philistines had con- quered the Israelites. Samson disliked them on ac- count of the injuries which they inflicted upon his coun- trymen, and naturally made use of his great strength to do them all the harm in his powe^. 6. What of Samsou ? 7. What of the Philistines ? Why did Samson disHke them ? h 60 UNIVPmSAL HISTORY. 8. On one occasion lie slew a thousand of them, al- thougli he had no better weapon than the jawbone of an ass. At another time, when they had shut him up in the city of Gaza, he took the gates of the city upon ids shoulders, and carried them to the top of a distant iill. 9. But though Samson hated the Philistines, and w^as always doing them mischief, there was a woman amonor them whom he loved. Her name was Delilah. She pretended to love Samson in return ; but her only object was to ruin him. 10. This woman used many persuasions to induce Samson to tell what it was that made him so much stronger than other men. At first Samson deceived her. At length, however, Delilah prevailed upon him to tell her the real cause of his great strength. 11. When she had found out the secret, she cut off the hair of his head while he was sleeping, and then delivered him to her countrymen, the Philistines. The latter put out his eyes, and bound him wdth fetters of brass, and he was forced to labor like a brute beast in the prison. 8. 'With what weapon did Samson kill a thousand Philistines? What of thft gates of Gaza? 9. What of Delilah? 10. What did she ask Samson ? 11. How did Delilah deprive Samson of his strength ? What did the Philistines do to Sam- Bon? ASIA. 61 12. Samson was able to work very hard, for pretty- soon his hair began to grow, and so his wonderful vigor returned. Thus he became the strongest man in the world again. 13. One day the Philistines were offering a great jBacrifice to their idol, whose name was Dagon. They feasted, and their hearts were merry. When their mirth was at its height, they sent for poor blind Sam- son, that he might amuse them by showing specimens of his wonderful strength. 14. Samson was accordingly brought from prison, and led into Dagon's temple. His brazen fetters clanked at every step. He was a woful object with his blincjed eyes. But his hair had grown again, and was curling upon his brawny shoulders. 15. When Sapason had done many wonderful feats of strength, he asked leave to rest himself against the two main pillars of the temple. The floor and galle- ries were all crowded with Philistines. They gazed upon this man of mighty strength, and they triumphed and rejoiced, because they imagined he could do them no more harm. 16. But while they gaz'ed, the strong man threw his arms round the two pillars of the temple. The edifice 12. What happened when Samson's liair grew again? 13-17. Tell how Sam- son destroyed the Philistine temple, 62 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. trembled as with an earthquake. Then Samson bowed himself with all his might, and down came the temple with a crash like thunder, overwhelming the whole multitude of the Philistines in its ruins. 17. Samson was likewise crushed, but in his death ife appears that he triumphed over his enemies, and lay buried beneath the dead bodies of lords and mighty men. CHAPTER XVI.— Asia Continued. Beginning of the Heign of Saul. 1. Many other judges ruled over Israel, in the space of about four hundred years from the time that Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt. But at length they became dissatisfied with this mode of government, and demanded that a king should be placed over them. 2. Samuel was then the judge of Israel. He was an old man, and a wise one ; and besides the wisdom that he had collected in the, course of a long life^ he possessed wisdom from on high. Chapter XVI, — 1. For how long a time were the Hebrews governed Dy judges? 2. What of Samuel ? I ASIA. 63 3. When the people demanded a king, Samuel en- deavored to convince them that they were much better off without one. He described the tyrannical acts which kings have always been in the habit of commit ting, whenever they have had the power to do so. But the Israelites would not hearken to him. 4. Samuel, therefore, consulted the Lord, and was directed to find out a king for the Israelites. The per- son who was fixed upon was a young man named Saul. He possessed great beauty, and was a head taller than any other man among the Israelites. Samuel an. ointed his head with oil, and gave him to the Israelites as their king. 5. For a considerable time king Saul behaved like a wise and righteous monarch. But at length he began to disobey the Lord, and seldom took the advice of Samuel, although that good old priest would have been willing to direct him in every action of his life. 6. In the course of Saul's reign, the Israelites were often at war with the neighboring nations. At one time, when the Philistines had invaded the country, there was a great giant in their host, whose name was Goliath, of Gath. 7. He was at least ten or twelve feet high, and was 3 What did he do, when the people demanded a king? 4. What of Saul? 5. How did Saul behave? 6-8. What of Goliath ? 64 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. clothed from head to foot in brazen armor. He carried an enormous spear, the iron head of which weighed thirty pounds. 8. Every day did this frightful giant stride forth from the camp of the Philistines, and defy the Israr elites to produce a champion who would stand against him in single combat. But, instead of doing this, the whole host of Israel stood aloof from him, as a flock of sheep from a lion. CHAPTEE XYII.— Asia CoNTmuED. CoTuhat of David and Goliath. 1. At last, a young shepherd, by the name of David, happened to come to the camp of the Israelites, and heard the terrible voice of Goliath as he thundered forth his challenge. 2. Young as he was, David had already slain a lion and a bear ; and with the help of the Lord he thought himself able to slay this gigantic Philistine. He there* fore obtained leave of king Saul to accept the chal- lenge. Chapter XVIL— 1. Who was David? What did he do ? 2. What had David done ? What did he think ? ASIA. 65 3. But, instead of wearing tlie king's armor, which Saul would willingly have lent him, David went to the battle in his shepherd's garb. He did not even buckle on a sword. 4. When the two combatants came into the field, there was the youthful David on the side of the Israel- ites, with a staff in one hand, and a sling in the other, carrying five smooth stones in a shepherd's scrip or pouch. 5. On the side of the Philistines, forth strode the mighty Goliath. He glistened in his brazen armor, and brandished his greac iron-headed spear, till it quivered like a reed. When the giant spoke, his voice growled almost like thunder rolling overhead. 6. He looked scornfully at David, and hardly thought it worth his while to lift up his spear against him. "Come hither," quoth the giant, "and I will feed the fowls with your flesh !" 7. But little David was not at all abashed. He made a bold answer, and told Goliath that he would cut off his head, and give his enormous carcass to the :>easts of the field. This threat so enraged the giant^ ihat he put himself in motion to slay David. 8. The young man ran forward to meet Goliath, 3-9. Tell the story of David and Goliath. 66 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. and as he ran he took a smooth stone from his scrip, and placed it in his sling. When at a proper distance, he whirled the sling, and discharged the stone. It went whizzing through the air, and hit Goliath right "n the centre of the forehead. DAYID AND GOLIATH. 9. The stone penetrated to the brain ; and down the giant fell at fall length upon the field, with his brazen armor clanging around him. David then cut off' Goli- ath's head with his own sword. The Philistines were affrighted at their champion's overthrow, and fled. 10. The men of Israel pursued them, and made a What effect bad the death of Gohatb upon the Phihstines I A.SIA. 67 prodigious slaughter. David returned from the battle carrying the grim and grisly head of Goliath by the hair. The Hebrew women came forth to meet him, fUnced around him, and sang triumphant anthems in ils praise. rail u CHAPTER XVIIL— Asia Continued. Tke Beign of David. — Wisdom of Solomon. 1. David had won so much renown by his victory over Goliath that Saul became envious of him, and often endeavored to kill him. But Jonathan, the son of Saul, loved David better than a brother. 2. During the lifetime of Saul, David was forced to live in exile. But after a , reign of about twenty-four years, king Saul was slain on the mountains of Gilboa, in a disastrous battle with the Philistines. Jonathan was likewise killed. 3. When David heard of these sad events, he ex- pressed his sorrow by weeping, and rending his gar 10. "What honors were paid to David? Chapter XVII. — I Why was Saul envious of David? What did Saul do? What of Jonathan? 2. How was David ob iged to live? What of the death of Saul and Jonathan? 3. What effect had these events upon David? 4: 68 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. ments. Yet he gained a kingdom by the death of Saul and Jonathan, for the men of Judah first elected him to reign over them, and afterward the whole peo- ple of Israel chose him for their king. 4. A great part of David's life was spent in war. He gained many victories, and enjoyed high renown as a gallant leader. He conquered many of the sur- rounding nations, and raised his kingdom to a higher pitch of power than it ever enjoyed before or afterward. But he also won a peaceful kind of fame, which will last w^hile the world endures, and be remembered through eternity. 5. He won it by his heavenly poesy ; for king David was the sweet Psalmist of Israel ; and in all the ages since he lived his psalms have been sung to the praise of the Lord. It is now about three thousand years since David died, yet to this hour every pious heart loves to commune mth God in the beautiful words of this inspired man. 6. When David had reigned forty years, and was grown a very old man, he died in his palace at Jerusa- lem. The kingdom was inherited by his son Solomon. Who became king of Israel after the death of Saul? 4. How was a great part of David's life spent ? To what condition did he bring the Hebrew nation ? 5. What better fame did he acquire than that of a conqueror? What can you say of the Psalms ? How long since David lived? 6. How long did David reign? Who succeeded him ? ASIA. 61/ This prince was very young wlien lie ascended the throne, but he was wiser in his youth than in his riper years. I 7. Not long after he became king, two women came into his presence bringing a little child. . Each of the women claimed the child as her own, and they quar- relled violently, as if they would have torn the pcor babe asunder. It seemed impossible to find out whose the child really was. 8. " Bring hither a sword," said king Solomon ; and immediately one of the attendants brought a sharp sword. " Now," continued Solomon, " that I may not wrong either of these women, the thing in dispute shall be equally divided between them. Cut the child in twain, and let each take half" 9. But when the real mother saw the keen sword glittering over her poor babe, she gave a scream of agony. " Do not slay the child ! " she cried. " Give it to this wicked woman. Only let it live, and she may be its mother !" 10. But the other woman showed no pity for the child. "I ask no more than my just rights," she said. " Cut the child in two ! I will be content with half" Now Solomon had watched the conduct of the What of Solomon ? 1-10. Tell the story of the child. 70 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. two women, and lie knew the true mother by her ten- derness for the poor babe. " Give the child alive to her who would not have it slain," he said. " She is its mother." CHAPTER XIX.— Asia Continued. Building of trie Temjylc, — Yisit of the Queen of Sheha. 1. King David, as I before told you, had increased the power and wealth of the Hebrew nation, so that it had become a great kingdom. Silver and gold were very abundant in the country, and king David had made preparation for the building of a splendid temple in Jerusalem, his capital, to be dedicated to the wor- ship of the true God. 2. The chief event of Solomon's life was the build- ing of this temple. This was done by the special command of the Lord. It was now four hundred and eighty years since the Israelites had come out of Egypt; and in all that time there had been no edifice erected to the worship of God. Chapter XTX. — 1. What had David done? What of silver and gold among the Hebrews ? 2. "What was the chief event of Solomon's reign ? By whose com- mand was the temple built ? ASIA. Tl 3. Solomon made an agreement with Hiram, king ol Tyre, tliat lie would give him a yearly supply of wheat and oil, in exchange for cedar and fir. Tyre was a great commercial city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, to the northward of Jerusalem. It belonged to Phoenicia, a country which has the credit of having first engaged in commerce. 4. With the timber which he procured from Tyre, and with a large quantity of hewn stone, Solomon began to build the temple. The front of this building was one hundred and twenty feet long, thirty-five feet broad, and forty-five feet high. It extended around a large square, and with the various buildings attached to it, covered twenty acres of ground. 5. But no pen can describe the richness and splendor of this sacred edifice. The interior was constructed of the most costly kinds of wood ; and the walls were carved with figures of cherubim and other beautiful devices. The walls and floors were partly overlaid with gold. 6. Seven years were employed in building this tem pie. It was finished about three thousand years after 3. What agreement did Solomon make with Hiram, king of Tyre ? Where was Tyre? What of Phoenicia ? 4. With what did Solomon begin to build the tem- ple ? Where was the temple of Solomon built? Ans. On a hill in Jerusalem called Mount Moriah. 5. Describe the ritorior of the temple. 6. How long were they in building the temple ? How long after the creation was the temple finished ? 72 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. the creation y and one thousand years before the birth of Christ. When it was completed, Solomon assem- bled all the chiefs, and elders, and great men of Israel, in order to dedicate it. The priests brought the ark^ containing the two tables of stone which God had given to Moses more than four centuries before. 7. The ark was now placed in the holiest part of the temple. It rested between the broad wings of two cherubim that were overlaid with gold. No sooner was the ark set in its place than a cloud issued forth and filled the temple. This was a token that the Lord was there. 8. After the building of the temple, Solon^n be- came so renowned for his wisdom and mao:nificence, that the queen of Sheba came from her own dominions to visit him. Her country is supposed to have been in Africa, to the south of Egypt. 9. When she came to Jerusalem, she beheld Solomon seated on a great throne of ivory, overlaid with pure gold. His feet rested on a golden footstool. There were lions of gold about the throne. . The king had a majestic look, and the queen of Sheba was astonished at his grandeur ; but when they had talked together, How long before Christ? How long ago ? 7. Describe the dedication of the temple. 8. What of the queen of Sheba? Where is it supposed she came from ? 9, Describe her visit to Solomon. I ASIA. 73 she admired his wisdom even more than his magnifi- cence. She acknowledged that the half of his great ness had not been told her. 10. If the queen of Sheba could have seen Solomon a few years afterward, she would have beheld a lament able change. He turned from the true God, and became an idolater. This wise and righteous king, who^had built the sacred temple, now grew so wicked that he built high places for the worship of heathen deities. 11. For this reason God determined to take away the chief part of the kingdom from his descendants. Accordingly, when Solomon was dead, ten of the tribes of Israel revolted against his son Rehoboam. CHAPTER XX.— Asia Continued. The Decline of the Jewish Nation. 1. lis consequence of the revolt of the ten tribei^ Kehoboam reigned only over the two tribes of Judah 10. What change took place ia Solomou? 11. What evil followed the idolatry of Solomon ? Chaptkr XX.— 1. Whatof Rehoboam? 74 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. and Benjamin, these being called the kingdom of Ju- dah. Besides the loss of so large a part of his king- dom, he suffered other misfortunes. Shishak, king of Egypt, made war against him, and took Jerusalem. He carried away the treasures of the temple and of the palace. 2. The other ten tribes of Israel, which had revolted from Rehoboam, were thenceforward governed by kings of their own, the country being called the kingdom of Israel. Most of these kings were wicked men and idolaters. Their palace and seat of government was in the city of Samaria. 3. When the kingdom of Israel had been separated from that of Judah about two hundred and fifty years, it was conquered by Salmaneser, king of Assyria. He made slaves of the Israelites, and carried them to his own country, and few of them ever returned to the land of Canaan. 4. The people of the two tribes of Judah and Ben- jamin corftinued to reside in Canaan. They were now called Jews. The royal palace and seat of government were at Jerusalem. Some of the Jewish kings were Over whom did he reign? What of Shishak? 2. How was the kingdom of Israel governed ? What of the kings of Israel ? Where did these kings dwell? 3, What of Salmaneser? 4. What were the people of -Tudah now called? Where was the seat of government ? What of the kings of J udah ? I ASIA. 7/) pious men, but most of them offended God by their sinfulness and idolatry. 5. The whole nation of the Jews were perverse, and underwent many severe inflictions from the wrath of ijrod. In the year 606 B. C, Nebuchadnezzar, king of IJabylon, took Jerusalem. He destroyed the temple, and carried the principal people captive to Babylon. 6. Afterward, when Zedekiah was king, Jerusalem was again besieged and taken by Nebuzaradan, a gen- eral under Nebuchadnezzar. He broke down the walls of the city, and left nothing standing that could be destroyed. The Jews remained captive in Babylon seventy years. T. When Babylon was taken by Cyrus, king of Per- sia, the Jews were permitted to return to their owai country. They rebuilt the temple, and resumed their ancient manner of worship. Till the time of Alexan- der the Great, about 330 B. C, the nation was depend- ent on the kings of Persia. 8. It is said that Alexander the Great intended to take Jerusalem. But as he advanced with his army, the high priest came forth to meet him, in his robes of 5. What of the Jewish nation? What of Nebuchadnezzar? 6. What of Ne- buzaradan ? How long did the Jews remain captive in Babylon? 7. What of Cyrus? What did the Jews do on their return from captivity? How long was the nation dependent upon Persia? What of Alexander the Q-reat? 76 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. office, at the head of a long train of Levites and people, Alexander was so struck with their appearance, that he agreed to spare the city. 9. In the course of the next two centuries, the Egyp/ tians invaded the Jewish kingdom, and afterward thd Syrians reduced the inhabitants to bondage. They suffered great calamities from the tyranny of these conquerors. 10. But in the year 166 before the Christian era, Judas Maccabaeus, a valiant Jewish leader, drove the Syrians out of the country. When the king of Syria heard of it, he took an oath that he would destroy the whole Jewish nation. But as he was hastening to Je- rusalem, he was killed by a fall from his chariot. 11. The descendants of Judas Maccabseus afterward assumed royal authority, and became kings of the Jews. In less than a century, however, the country was subdued by Pompey, a celebrated Roman general. He conferred the government on Antipater, a native of Edom. 12. In the year 3Y before the Christian era, ttj Roman senate decreed that Herod, the son of Antipa- 9. What happened after the time of Alexander? 10. "What of Judas Maccabae- us? What of the king of Syria? 11. What of the descendants of Judas Maeca- baeus ? What of Pompey? Whom did he appoint to govern Judah? 12. Whei did the Roman genate appoint Herod king of the Jews ? ASIA. ter, should be king of the Jews. It was this Herod who commanded that all the young children of Bethlehem should be slain, in order that the infant Jesus might not survive. The period of that blessed infant's birth was now at hand. ft CHAPTER XXI.— Asia Continued. The Heh'ew Prophets. 1. I MUST now glance backward, and say a few words respecting a class of men who had appeared at various times among the Hebrews. These men were called prophets. They held intercourse with God, and he gave them the knowledge of things that were to happen in future years. 2. One of the most remarkable of these prophets as named Elijah. Many wonderful things are told of liim. While he was dwelling in a solitary place, the ravens brought him food. He restored the son of a poor widow from death to life, 3. He called down God's vengeance upon the wicked What did Herod order ? "What was his motive ? Chapter XXL— 1. What of the prophets ? 2-4. What is told of Elijah? 78 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. king Ahab, and foretold that tlie dogs should eat the painted Jezebel, his queen. And all this was so. He caused fire to come down from heaven, and consume three captains, with their soldiers. He divided the river Jordan, by smiting it with his mantle, and passed over on dry ground. 4. At last, when his mission on earth was ended, there came a chariot and horses of fire, and Elijah was borne by a whirlwind up to heaven. 5. Elijah's mantle fell from the fiery chariot. It was caught up by a person named Elisha, and he likewise became a very celebrated prophet. He cursed some little children because they laughed at his bald head ; and soon afterward two she-bears tore forty and two of them in pieces. 6. When Elisha was dead, and had lain many months in his sepulchre, another dead man happened to be let down into the same darksome place. But when the corpse touched the hallowed bones of the prophet Elisha, it immediately revived, and became a living man asrain. 7. Jonah was another prophet. A whale swallowed him, and kept him three days in the depths of the ocean, and then vomited him safely on dry land. Isa- 5.6 What of Elisha ? 7. What of Jonah? Isaiah? ASIA. 79 ialbi was also a prophet. He foretold many tenible calamities that were to befall Israel and Judah, and the surrounding nations. Jeremiah bewailed in plaintive axjcents the future sins and misfortunes of God's people. 8. The prophet Daniel foretold the downfall of Bel- ihazzar, king of Babylon. He was afterward east into a den of lions in Babylon, at the command of king Darius. The next morning the king looked down into the den, and there was Daniel, aKve and well. 9. King Darius then ordered Daniel to be drawn out of the den, and his false accusers to be thrown into it. The moment that these wicked persons touched the bottom, the lions sprang forward and tore them limb from limb. 10. Numerous other prophets appeared at various times, and most of them performed such wonderful works that there could be no doubt of their possessing power from on high. Now it was remarked that all these prophets, or nearly all, spoke of a King, or Buler, or other illustrious Personage, who was to appeal? among the Jews. ' 11. Although they foretold the most dreadful calam^ ities to the people, still there was this one thing to Jeremiah? 8,9. What of Daniel ? 10. What can you say of the prophets? Of what did the prophets all speak ? 11. What cheering prospect did the prophets hold out to the Jew^ ? 80 UNIVERSAL HISTORY, comfort them. A descendant of king David was to renew tlie glory of the Jewi'sh race, and establish his sway over the whole world. 12. This great event was expected to happen in abont fifteen hundred years after Moses led the IsraeL ites out of Egypt. And it did then happen. When the appointed period had elapsed, there appeared a star in a certain quarter of the heavens. 13. Three wise men from the east beheld the star, and were guided by it to a stable in the little village of Bethlehem. It was about five miles from Jerusaleni. There, in a manger, lay the infant Jesus ! 12. About how-long after Moses did Christ appear? What of a star in tho east? 13. "What of Bethlehem? "Whom did the wise men find in a manger? ASIA. 81 THE CRUCIFIZION. CHAPTER XXII.— Asia Continued. Crucifixion of the Saviour. — Destruction of Jerusalein^ 1. The greatest event, not only in tlie liistoiy of the Jews, but in tlie history of the world, had now taken place. This was the coming of the Saviour. But my Tceaders must not expect me to relate the whole story cF this Divine Personage in the little book which I am now writing. Chapter XXII. — 1. What is the greatest event that ha3 occurred on the globe? How long since Christ was born? How long after the creation did Christ appear ? Ans. Four thousand and four veara. 82 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 2. The Jews rejected him. They had been looking for an earthly potentate ; and when they beheld the meek and lowly Jesus, they despised and hated him. From the time that he proclaimed himself the Messiah, they sought to take his life. 3. They brought him before the judgment-seat of Pontius Pilate, who was then the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate sentenced him to death, and the Saviour of the world was crucified between two thieves. He however rose from the dead, after being buried three days, and ascended into heaven ! 4. Such is the brief story of Jesus Christ. After his death, his apostles proceeded to preach his gospel throughout the land of Canaan and other countries. Of all the apostles, Paul was the most active and suc- cessful. 5. He visited various parts of Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, and Greece. At length he was sent as a pris- oner to Rome, to be tried by the emperor. He went with other prisoners in a small vessel nearly the whole length of the Mediterranean Sea. 6. In the course of the voyage, the vessel was wrecked upon the island of Malta during a terrible 2. How did the Jews receive Christ? 3. What of Pilate? The crucifixion? 4. What did Christ's apostles do after his death? What of Paul? 5, "What coun- tries did Paul visit? Where was he at length sent 1 ASIA. 83 gale. Soon after this Paul proceeded on liis voyage, and reached Rome sixty-one years after Christ. Here he remained in prison a long time; but many persons came to visit him, and he preached to them all the doctrines of Christianity. Paul was at length re- leased, but it is believed that he was beheaded by order of the emperor Nero. 1. The apostle had now sown the seeds of the gospel in many countries, and the fruits began to appear. Nearly all the civilized world were worshippers of the Roman gods; but this heathen faith gradually gave way before the gospel, and in process of time, Chris- tianity was diffused over nearly the whole of Europe. 8. Long before the crucifixion of Christ, the Jews had become completely subject to the Roman power. But about forty years after his death, they rebelled against their masters. 9. Titus, the Roman general, immediately marched to besiege Jerusalem. A most dreadful war ensued. The inhabitants were shut up in the city, and soon were greatly in want of food. Hunger compelled one of the Jewish women to devour her own child. When 6. Where was Paul's vessel wrecked ? When did he arrive at Rome ? To whom did he preach Christianity ? What is supposed to have been his fate? 1. What had the apostles done ? What of the worship of heathen deities ? What of Christianity? 8. To whom had the Jews been long subject? What occurred forty years afier the death of Clirist ? 9. What of Titus ? 84 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. Titus heard of it, lie was so shocked that he vowed the destruction of the whole Jewish race, and more than a hundred thousand persons perished during this frightful siege ! 10. At length the city was taken in the night-time and set on fire. The flames caught the temple. The hills on which Jerusalem is situated were all blazing like so many volcanoes. The blood of the slaughtered inhabitants hissed upon the burning brands. 11. Ninety-seven thousand Jews were taken prison- ers. Some were sold as slaves. The conquerors ex- posed others to be torn in pieces by wild beasts. A few people remained in Jerusalem, and partly rebuilt the city. But it was again destroyed by a Roman em- peror named Adrian. He levelled the walls and houses with the earth, and sowed the ground with salt. 12. The Jews were scattered all over the world. This catastrophe had long been prophesied. There are now between three and four millions of them in differ- ent parts of the earth. They still keep their religion, and many of their old customs. Jerusalem has been partially restored, but it is now very different from what it was in the time of our Saviour. 10, 11, Describe the siege of Jerusalem. What of Adrian? 12. "What became of he Jews? What event had been foretold hy the prophets? What of Jerusalem t the present day ? ASIA. 85 CHAPTEK XXIII.— Asia Continued. Gyrus conquers Bahylon. — His Death. L I:n" a former part of this book I have told the story ol Assyria, the first great empire of ancient times. It wtts situated, as you remember, on the borders of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. In this region the cli- mate is warm, and the soil exceedingly fruitful. Here the human race seemed to multiply in the most won- derful manner. 2. Thus many nations soon sprang up and increased, till the whole surrounding country was filled with mul- titudes of people. Assyria at one time extended its dominion over most of these nations ; but at length Persia became a powerful monarchy, and not only Assyria, but a great many other nations became sub- ject to it. 3. The first inhabitants of Persia were descended from Elam, the eldest son of Shem. They were there- fore called Elamites. Very little is known of their Chapter XXIII.—1. What was the first great empire of the world? Where was Assyria situated? Chmate of this region ? Soil? The human race ? 2. In- crease of mankind? What of Assyria ? Persia? 3. What of the first inhabit- ants of Persia ? 86 UNIYERSAL HISTORY. history till about eighteen centuries after the deluge. Cyrus, a great conqueror, then ascended the throne of Persia. Some historians have spoken of Cyrus as a wise and excellent monarch, but it appears probable f lat he was no better than most other conquerors. 4. Cyrus continued to extend his empire in all direc- tions. Media, Parthia, Mesopotamia, Armenia, Syria, Canaan, and parts of Arabia, were subdued, and made portions of his kingdom. One of his chief exploits was the taking of the city of Babylon, the capital of Babylonia. The walls of this great city were so thick and high, that it would have been impossible for an enemy either to break them down, or to climb over them. It was therefore a very difficult matter to take this strong place. 5. Now the channel of the river Euphrates ran di- rectly through the centre of Babylon. Cyrus caused deep ditches to be dug around the city, so that he could draw off all the water of the river, and leave the channel dry. When the ditches were completed, he waited for a proper time to draw off the river. 6. On a certain night, Belshazzar, king of Babylon, gave a great festival. His guards, and all the inhabi- At what time did Cyrus ascend the throne of Persia ? What of Persia before the time o» Cyrus? Character of Cyrus? 4. What were some of the countries conquered by Cyrus ? 5-7. Describe the taking of Babylon. ASIA. 87 tants, were eating and drinking, thoughtless of the ^ enemy on the outside of their walls. The Persians seized this opportunity to throw open the dams of the ditches. Y. The whole water of the Euphrates immediately flowed into them. Cyrus put himself at the head of the Persian army ; and where the mighty river had so lately rushed along, there were now the trampling foot- steps of an innumerable host. Thus the Persian troops entered the city. 8. The guards of the royal palace were surprised and slain. Belshazzar heard the clash of arms, and the shrieks of dying men, as he sat with his nobles in the banquet-hall. But it was too late to escape. They were all slaughtered, and their blood was mingled with the wine of the festival. Thus Babylon was taken, and Babylonia became a part of Persia. 9. Cyrus afterward marched against the Scythians, a brave nation who dwelt to the north-east of the Cas- pian Sea. But Tomyris, their queen, collected an army, and fought a bloody battle with the Persians. Cyrus was defeated and taken prisoner. The son of the Scythian queen had been killed in the battle, and she 8. What event terminated the Assyrian empire ? 9. Where did the Scythians live? Their character ? What of Tomyris? 5 88 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. resolved to avenge his death. She ordered her atten dants to kill Cyi'us, which was done in a horrible manner. CHAPTER XXIV.— Asia Continued. Reign of CamJyyses. 1. Cambyses, the son of Cyrus, seems to have been a worse man than his father. He was addicted to drinking wine ; and Prexaspes, a favorite courtier, hinted to him that he injured his health and faculties by this practice. When Prexaspes had done speaking, Cambyses called for wine, and drank off several large goblets. ^' Now we shall see," said he, " whether the wine has dimmed my sight, or rendered my hand un- steady !" 2. He then called for a bow and aiTow, and ordered the son of Prexaspes to stand at the farther end of the hall. The boy did so ; and while his father looked on, the cruel Cambyses took deliberate aim at the poor child, and shot an arrow directly through his heart. 3. I am very sorry, my dear young reader, to tell you such horrible stories as these. I would not tell The death of Cyrus ? Chapter XXIV.— 1, 2. What of Cambyses? What story cau you tell of him? ASIA. «9 them but tliat they are true, and they may teach us good and useful lessons. They may show us how wicked and miserable even kings may be. 4. But I must go on with my story. Cambyses made war against the Egyptians. At the siege of one of their cities, he contrived a very cunning method to take the place. The Egyptians believed that cats and dogs were sacred, and they worshipped them as gods. This foolish superstition induced Cambyses to collect all the cats and dogs in the country, and place them in front of his army. 5. The Egyptians were afraid to discharge their arrows, lest they should kill some of these divine animals. The Persians therefore marched onward, with the dogs barking and the cats mewing before them, and the city was taken without the slightes,t resistance. 6. The chief deity of the Egyptians was a great bull, to w^hom they had given the name of Apis. Camby- ses killed this holy bull, and bestowed the flesh on some of his soldiers for dinner. Soon afterward, to the great joy of the Egyptians, he killed himself accident- ally with his own sword. 3. What lessons may we learn from these painful tales of ancient kings ? 4, 5. How did Cambyses capture an Egyptian city ? 6. What of the Egyptian god Apis? How was Cambyses slain ? dO UNIVERSAL HISTORY. CHAPTEE XXy.— Asia CoN-nNUED. Expedition of X^erjces into G^^eece. 1. Another king of the Persians was named Darius. He was likewise a cruel tyrant. When he was going on an expedition against the Scythians, he compelled an old man's three sons to join his army. These were all the children the old man had. He came into the king's presence, and earnestly entreated that one of his sons might be left at home. 2. " I am very poor and infirm," said the old man. '\ I am unable to work. If you take away all my three children, I shall starve to death." " Indeed," answered king Darius in a very compassionate tone, " then they shall all three remain with you !" Imi5aediately he or- dered the three young men to be slain, and gave their dead bodies to their poor old father. 3. While Darius was preparing to make war on Greece, he fell sick and died. His successor was his son Xerxes. This monarch invaded Greece with nearly two millions of men on land, and more than half a million on board his fleet. Chapter XXV. — 1, 2. What of Darius? Tell a story of his cruelty. ASIA. 91 4. You may well believe tliat a king wlio could collect so large an army had great wealth and power. At this time the Persian empire was of vast extent, but still Xerxes wished to conquer other nations. His capital was Persepolis, one of the most splendid cities that ever existed. 5. "When Xerxes arrived in Greece, it so happened that a great mountain, called Mount Athos, stood di- rectly in the way he wished his ships to sail. He therefore wrote a letter to the mountain, commanding it to get out of his way ; but Mount Athos would not stir one step. 6. In order to bring his land forces from Asia into Greece, Xerxes built a bridge of boats across a part of the sea called the Hellespont. But the waves broke the bridge in pieces, and Xerxes commanded the sea to be whipped for its disrespectful conduct. ^. The greater part of the cities of Greece submitted to Xerxes ; but Sparta and Athens made a stubborn resistance. Though they could muster but few soldiery these were far more valiant than the Persians. - ^ . ) 3. Who was the successor of Darius? How large was the army of Xerxes when he invaded Greece? Where is Greece ? Ans. In Europe. How far from Persia? Ans. About fifteen hundred miles. In which direction from Persia ? Ans. North- west. 4. What of the Persian empire in the time of Xerxes? What of Persepo- lis? 5. What of Mount Athos? 6. What of the Hellespont? 7. What- of Greece? 92 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 8. At Thermopylae, Xerxes wished to lead his army through a narrow passage between a mount* ^n and the sea. Leonidas, king of Sparta, opposed him with six thousand men. Seventy thousand Persians were slain in the attempt to break through the pass. 9. At last Leonidas found that the Persians would iiot be kept back any longer. He therefore sent away all but three hundred men, and with these he remained at the pass of Thermopylae. The immense host of the Persians came onward like a flood ; and only one sol- dier of the three hundred escaped to Sparta to tell that the rest were slain. 10. But Xerxes did not long continue to triumph in Greece. His fleet was defeated at Salamis, and his army at Plataea. In escaping, he was forced to cross the Hellespont in a little fishing-vessel ; for the sea, m spite of being whipped, had again broken his bridge of boats. 11. Not long after his return to Persia, the proud Xerxes was murdered in his bed. This event happened fibout the year 465 before Christ. His son, Artaxerxes, made peace vdth the Greeks. \ 12. The story of Xerxes may teach us the folly of 8. "What of ThermopylEe ? 9. What of Leonidas? 10. What of Salamis? Pla- taea? How did Xerxes return ? 11. Death of Xerxes? When did this event, happen ? Who succeeded Xerxes ? ASIA. 93 ambition. Had he been content with staying at home and governing his people so as to make them happy, he might have been happy himself. But having too much, he still strove to acquire more, and thus brought misery upon himself and millions of his fellow men. CHAPTER XXYI.— Asia Continued. Affairs of Persia till the Saracen Conquest, 1. Between one and two centuries after the death of Xerxes, that is, about 330 years before Christ, Persia was invaded by Alexander the Great, king of Macedon. Darius the Third was then king of Persia. Being de- feated by Alexander, two of his own subjects bound him with golden chains and put him in a covered cart. 2. They intended to murder Darius, aud get posses- sion of the kingdom. But Alexander came suddenly on the conspirators, and forced them to take flight. As they rode away, they discharged their darts at Darius, and slew him. 12. What may the story of Xerxes teach us ? How might he have been happy? CHAPTE31 XXVI. — 1. Wheu was Persia invaded by Alexander the Great? Who was then king of Persia? What happened to Darius? 2. How was he killed ? 94 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 3. After this time Persia became subject to the Par- tliians, whose country had formerly been a province of the Persian empire. It continued under the govern- ment of the Parthian kings nearly five hundred year* About the year 230 after the Christian era, a Per* sian, named Artaxares, excited a rebellion and made himself king. 4. His descendants occupied the throne for many generations. One of the most distinguished was Chos- roes the Great, who lived about six hundred years after Christ. He made war against the Romans, and ravaged their provinces in Asia. 5. One of his successors was likewise named Chos- roes. This hateful monster caused his own father to be beaten to death. But Heaven punished him by the wickedness of his eldest son, whose name was Siroes. He dethroned his father, and murdered all his brothers in his presence. 6. Siroes then ordered his father to be thrown into a dungeon. Here, instead of killing the old king at once, he tormented him for a long time by pricking 3. To whom did Persia become subject after the death of Darius? How lor? did it continue under the government of Parthia? When did Artaxares make himself king? 4. What of his descendants ? Chosroes the Great? When did he Uve? What did he do? 5. What of the successors of Chosroes the Great? 6. "\ hat wickedness did Siroes commit ' ASIA. 95 him witli tlie points of arrows ! Chosroes died at last, in great agony. 7. These things may seem too shocking to tell, but it is perhaps necessary that my young readers should know how very cruel men may become when given up to the influence of passion. Let us be thankful that the religion of Christ has taught us to look upon such crimes as were often practised by Persian kings, with horror and disgust. 8. Isdigertes, who ascended the throne in the year 630 of the Christian era, was the last of this dynasty of Persian kings. During his reign, the Saracens, a warlike people of Arabia, invaded Persia, and con- quered it. Isdigertes was killed in battle. 9. Persia then became a part of the Saracen empire. It was ruled by the caliphs who resided at Bagdad, a splendid city which they built on the river Tigris. 10. This celebrated place was founded in 672, and once contained two millions of inhabitants. It was then filled with costly buildings, but it is now in ruins. The modern city is poorly built, and comparatively insignificant. 1. How may men become very cruel ? For what should we be thankful ? 8. When did Isdigertes ascend the throne ? What of him ? What did the Saracens do during his reign? 9. Of what empire did Persia become a part? How was it ruled? Where did the caliphs live ? 10. What of Bagdad? The modem city? 6(y UNIVERSAli HISTORY. CHAPTER XXYIl.— Asia Continued. Modern History of Persia. 1. In the year 1258 of the Christian era, the empire of the Saracens was subverted by the Tartars. Persia was governed by them for a considerable time. It was afterward ruled by monarchs called Sophis, or Shahs. The first of these was nam^d Ismael, a man of Saracen descent. He took possession of the throne by violence, and reigned twenty-three years. 2. The greatest of these monarchs was named Shah Abbas. He ascended the throne in 1589. Abbas fought against the Turks, and gained many splendid victories. He also deprived the Portuguese of their possessions in the East. 3. But the best of all the kings of this family was Shah Husseyn; and he was also the last, and the most unfortunate. He began to reign in the year 1694. Husseyn and his subjects met with many disasters, and he was at length compelled to surrender his throne to a rival. Chapter XXVII. — 1. Wliat of the empire of the Saracens in the year 1258? How was Persia governed ? What of Ismael ? 2. Who was Shah Abbas 7 When did he ascend the throne ? What did he do? 3. What of Shah Husseyn ? ASIA. 97 4. But before lie took off the crown from his head, Hussejn went on foot through the principal streets of Ispahan, which was then the capital. The people thronged around him with tears and lamentations. The excellent and kind-hearted monarch endeavored to comfort them. 5. He told them that the new king, whose name was Mahmoud, would not love them better than he himself had, but that he would know better how to govern them, and how to conquer their enemies. So the good Husseyn took off his crown, which had been only a trouble to him, and bade his people farewell. 6. In 1730, Kouli Khan took possession of the throne of Persia. He called himself Nadir Shah. He was a famous conqueror and tyrant, and was assas- sinated in his tent after a reign of about seventeen years. 7. Since his death there has been much bloodshed in Persia. Ambitious men have often aspired to the throne, and involved the country in civil war. The present ruler is said to be a better man than many of his predecessors. 4, 5. Describe the manner in which he surrendered his crown. 6. When did Kouli Khan^come to the throne? What other name had he? What of him? 1 What of Persia since the death of Kouli Khan ? What is said of the present niler ? 4 98 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 8. The king generally resides in tlie city of Teheran. But lie has a beautiful palace at Ispahan, called the Palace of Forty Pillars. Each of the forty pillars is supported by four lions of white marble. The whole edifice looks as if it were built of pearl, and silver and gold, and precious stones, 9. I have now done Avith the story of Persia. Like that of most other eastern countries, it abounds in tales of cruelty, battle, and bloodshed. In ancient times the people worshipped the sun, and bowed down to idols. But for more than a thousand years, they have been believers in a false prophet, called Mahomet. 10. The climate of Persia is mild, and the country abounds in beautiful and fragrant trees, shrubs, and flowers. The people are less warlike than in former times. The rich live in splendid palaces, and the poor in mud huts. The kingdom is small, compared with the vast empire of Xerxes. Persepolis, the ancient capital, is now a heap of ruins. Teheran and Ispahan, the two principal cities, are of comparatively modern date. 11. From what I have told you, you will not like 8. Where does he reside? Describe the palace of the king. 9. What of the story of Persia ? What was the worship of the ancient Persiaq^ ? What la now the religion of the people? 10. What of the climate of Persia? The soil? People ? What of Persepolis ? Teheran ? Ispahan ? ASIA. 99 tlie Persian character; yet it is not altogether bad. The people are very fond of reading, and telling in- structive stories; many of these were written ages since, and are exceedingly beautiful. The people also have a taste for poetry, and they appear to be fond of the beauties of nature, and to have a native love of virtue. 11. What of the Persian character? The people? UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 100 105 no m leo 1 -wir-«^ v.^^^T^^^i^gan-V— -^--fc^^'^'^'^t/r ^'antehajig I } O ■Joutcheou ^i;Si \A ,- ^"^^/\/T«^ Haj^iuii City y^-«}-^p=« J- J\ ^ -g ^ 105 Longitude 110 I^t from 115 Greenwich MAP OP CHINA. Questions on the Map of China. — How is China bounded on the North 1 South ? East ? "West ? Where is Pekin ? Tell the directions of the following places from Pekin: Nankin? Canton? Shanghai? Macao? Seraao? "Where are the following islands? Hainan? Formosa? Araoy? Chusan ? "Where is the Yellow Sea ? The Gulf of Tonkin ? "Where are the Penng Mountains? The Meling? "Which way does the Yaugtse Kiang River run? Thy Hoang Ho? ASIA. 101 CHAPTER XXVIIL— Asia CoNTmtJED. Early History of China. 1. The territory of tlie Chinese empire is nearly the same at the present day as it has been from the earliest records. It is bounded on the north by Asiatic Rus- sia, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the south by the Chinese Sea and Farther India. On the west, there are mountains and sandy deserts, which divide it from Thibet and Tartary. 2. This empire is very ancient, and has continued longer than any other that has ever existed. Its history goes back four thousand years from the present time. The name of its founder was Fohi, whom some writers suppose to have been the same as Noah. 3. There have been twenty-two dynasties, or separate families of emperors, who have successively ruled over China. If their history were to be minutely related, it would fill at least twenty-two great books. Yet few of the emperors did any thing that was worthy of re- membrance. Chapter XXVITI. — 1. What of the Chinese empire ? Its boundaries? What divides it from Thibet and Tartary ? 2. What of the antiquity and duration of the Chinese empire? Who was its founder? What do some writers suppose? 3. What of the dynasties or families that have ruled over China? 102 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 4. We find nothing very remarkable about tliem till the reign of Cliaus, who lived about a thousand years before the Christian era. He was extremely fond of hunting, and used to gallop into the midst of the rice-fields in 23ursuit of game. In this manner he did so much mischief, that his subjects resolved to destroy him. 5. There was a large river, which the emperor was often in the habit of crossing. On the shore of this river, the people placed a boat, as if for the accommo- dation of Chaus. The next time that the emperor re- turned from hunting, he and his attendants got on board the boat, and set sail for the opposite shore. 6. But the boat had been contrived on purpose for his destruction. In the middle of the river it fell to pieces, and all on board were drowned. Thus, to the great joy of his subjects, the emperor Chaus went down among the fishes, and never again came hunting in their rice-fields. (T. The emperor Ching, who reigned about two thou- sand years ago, built a great wall, in order to protect his dominions against the Tartars. It was forty-five feet high, and eighteen feet thick, and it extended over 4. When did Chaus live ? What of him ? 5, 6. Relate the manner in which the people destroyed him. 1. When did the emperor Ching live? Describe the great wall. ASIA. 103 mountains and valleys, a distance of fifteen hundred miles. This wall still remains. 8. When Ching had completed the wall, he thought himself so very great an emperor, that none of his predecessors were worth remembering. He therefore ordered all the historical writings and public records to be burnt. He also caused four hundred learned men, who were addicted to writing histories, to be buried alive. 9. If the emperor Ching could have caught poor old Peter Parley, he certainly would have buried him likewise, with his four hundred learned brethren ; and so the world would have lost this Universal History ! Does it still remain ? 8. What orders did he give respecting historical books, papers, and learned men ? 104 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. CONFUCIUS AND HIS DISCIPLES. CHAPTER XXIX.^^AsiA CoNTmuED. Anecdotes of tTie Chinese Ei riper or s — Confucius. — Modem History of China. 1. The emperor Yati lived about the time of the Christian era. This emperor was desirous of reigning till the world should come to an end, and perhaps Chapter XXIX.— 1. What of the emperor Vati? How did he spend his time? ASIA. 105 longer. He tlierefore spent his time in endeavoring to brew a liquor that would make him immortal. But unfortunately, before the liquor was fit to drink, the emperor died. 2. Another emperor, instead of attending to the affairs of the nation, applied himself wholly to study. His prime minister took advantage of his negligence, and raised a rebellion against him. When the empe- ror heard the shouts of the rebels, he shut his book, and put on his armor. But on ascending the ramparts of the city, he saw that it was too late to resist. He then returned to his library, which contained one hun- dred and forty thousand volumes. 3. The emperor knew that these books had been the means of his losing the vast empire of China, by with- drawing his attention from the government. He there- fore set fire to them with his own hands, and the whole library was consumed. The rebels afterward put him to death. 4. The emperor Si-given began to reign in the year 617 after the Christian era. He dwelt in a magnificent palace. After his death, his son came to the palace, and was astonished at its splendor and beauty. " Such a residence is good for nothing but to corrupt a mon- 2, 3 fell the story of a very learned emperor. 4. When did Si-givob oegin to reign 7 Where did he dwell ? What did his son do ? 106 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. arch, and render Mm proud," exclaimed he. Accor- dingly he commanded this great and costly palace to be burned to the ground. 5. Chwang-tsong, who had been a brave soldier, was made emperor about eight hundred years ago. He was a person of very frugal habits. It was one of his singularities, that he never slept in a bed, but always on the bare ground, with a bell fastened to his neck. If he turned over in his sleep, the ringing of the bell would awaken him ; and he then considered it time to get up. 6. In the year 1209, Genghis Khan invaded China with an immense army of Tartars. He and his descen- dants conquered the whole empii-e, and governed it during many years. T. The emperor Ching-tsa ascended the throne three or four centuries ago. A mine was discovered during his reign, and precious stones of great value were dug out of it. Some of them were brought to the emperor, but he looked scomfally at them. 8. "Do you call these precious stones?" cried he. '^ What are they good for ? They can neither clothe the people, nor satisfy their hunger." So saying, he or- 5. What of Chwang-tsong ? What curious fact is related of liim ? 6. Whea did Genghis Khan invade China ? What of him and his descendants? 7, 8. What of the emperor Chang- tsa? Relate the story of the mine. ASIA. 107 dered tlie mine to be closed up, and the miners to be employed in some more useful kind of labor. 9. About a hundred years ago, in the reign of Yong- tching, there was the most terrible earthquake that had ever been known. It shook down nearly all the houses in the city of Pekin, and buried one hundred thousand people. A still greater number perished in the sur- rounding country. 10. Confucius, the most famous man that China has ever produced, lived about ^ve hundred years before Christ. He was a very learned man, and wrote many books. He delivered lectures, and he had many dis- ciples or scholars, who followed him about in all his travels. 11. In 1840, a war broke out between China and Great Britain. The English sent a fleet against the Chinese, which took Canton and several other places. Peace was made two years afterward, and somewhat later the Chinese made a treaty of commerce with the United States. 12. In 1852, an insurrection began in China, and in 1857 another war broke out with Great Britain. France has since joined the British government, and at 9. What happened in the reign of Yong-tching ? 10. What of Confucius? 11. What happened in 1840? In 1842? 12. What happened in 1852? In 1857 f What is the present state of things? 108 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. the present moment (1860) tlie two powers are en- gaged in an attempt to force tlie Cliinese to comply ^vitli their terms. CHAPTER XXX.— Asia Continued. Cities of China. — Manners of the Chinese. 1. I 3IUST now give you a short account of the cities and people of China as they are at this day. Nankin was formerly the capital of China. Pekin, which con- tains two millions of inhabitants, is now the capital. The emperor's palace stands in a part of Pekin called the Tartar city. 2. The walls of Pekin are built of brick, and are nearly one hundred feet high, so that they hide the whole city. They are so thick that sentinels on horse- back ride round the city on the top of the wall. There are nine gates, which have marble arches, and are pro*^ digiously high. 3. The people of China have an olive complexion, Chapter XXX. — 1. What was formerly the capital of China? What is now? How many inhabitants does Pekin contain? Where is the emperor's palace? 2. What of the walls of Pekin ? The gates ? 3. What of the people of China ? ASIA. 109 with black hair, and small black eyes. The chief part of their dress is a long loose robe, which is fastened round the body with a silken girdle. In this girdle they carry a knife, and two sticks for eating instead of a knife and fork. 4. The Chinese are great libbers, and are very much addicted to cheating. There are some horrible cus- toms among them. For instance, if parents have a greater number of children than they can conveniently support, they are permitted to throw them into ' a river ! 5. The people are not nice about what they eat. Dead puppy-dogs are publicly sold in the streets for food. Rats and mice are frequently eaten. There is a sort of bird's nest which is made into a jelly, and is considered a great delicacy. 6. The Chinese ladies are chiefly remarkable for their little feet. A grown woman in China is able to wear smaller shoes than a young child in America. But their feet are kept merely for show, and are almost good for nothing to walk with. Y. Religion among the Chinese is in a very sad con- dition. The people are given up to idolatry. Almost all religions are tolerated, although but little reverence Their dress? 4. What of the character of the Chinese? Their customs? 5 What of food? 6. What of the Chinese ladies? 1. What of religion in China? 110 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. is paid to any. There are more temples tlian can be easily numbered. 8. In China there are some very singular punish ments. Sometimes a wooden frame weighing two hundred pounds is put round a man's neck. He is compelled to carry it about with him wherever he goes ; and so long as he wears it, he can neither feed himself, nor lie dowTi. 9. One of the most curious customs of China was that of excluding, until lately, all foreigners from the country. A few American and European merchants were permitted to reside at Canton, but they were obliged to leave their wives at Macao. No other strangers were permitted in the kingdom. The people think that their manners and customs are the best in the world, and they do not wish foreigners to come and introduce new notions. The treaty of peace with England, in 1842, however, opened five ports to foreign nations. 10. China has a great many large cities, and these are filled with countless numbers of inhabitants. They have many ingenious arts and manufactures, they till Temples ? 8. "What of punishments in China ? 9. What custom was there re- specting foreigners ? Where did the wives of merchants reside ? Why do not the Chinese wish foreigners to come among them? What happened in 1842? 10. What of the cities of Chma ? ASIA. Ill the earth witli great skill, and their gardens are man- aged with special care. llo Tea is brought to us from this country, with a great variety of other articles. You will not be sur- prised that we get so many things from China, when you know that the country contains three hundred and ninety millions of inhabitants, that is, six times as many cis in all America. CHAPTER XXXI.— Asia Continued. History of Japan. 1. Japan is an extensive empire, containing twenty- six millions of inhabitants. These live to the east of China, upon several islands, of which Niphon is the largest. The people live crowded together in large and well-kept cities, and resemble the Chinese in their religion, manners, and customs, and the American In- dians in their personal appearance. , 2. It is uncertain whether the ancient nations knew any thing of this empire, and its early history is quite Manufactures? Do the people uuderstand agriculture? 11. Where do we get our tea ? Wliat is the population of China ? Chapter XXXI.— 1. What of Japan? The people? 112 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. unknown. It is probable that it has remained with little change for thousands of years. Its existence was first ascertained by the Europeans about the year 1400, but as strangers are not permitted to travel in the country, very little has been found out concerning it. The people are idolaters. 3. Up to the year 1853, the Japanese had excluded all ships from their ports, except those of the Dutch. In this year, however, a fleet of seven American vessels, the majority of them steam-ships, commanded by Com- modore Perry, and sent out by the government of the United States, an-ived in the bay of Jeddo. The ships anchored in waters never visited by a foreign craft before. 4. After some delay. Commodore Perry succeeded in laying before the emperor of Japan, the desire of the American government to open a trade with his people, and their wish to enter into a treaty with him. 5. Though the Japanese have for centuries lived in isolation, and do not yet seem altogether willing to enter into intimate relations with other countries, yet this desire was acceded to, and a treaty of peace and com- 2. What of its early history? What is known of the country ? 3. With whom was trade carried on? What happened in 1853? 4. What did Commodore Perry succeed in doing ? 5. What of a treaty ? ASIA. 113 merce was made. By this, American merchants are allowed to visit and to trade at two ports in Japan. 6. The emperor, or Tycoon of Japan, sent an em- bassy — the first ever accredited to a foreign nation — to Washington in 1860, to exchange ratifications of the treaty. This embassy, consisting of several princes, officers, and interpreters, were brought to America in the steam-frigate Powhatan, and sent home in the Niagara. 7. They remained about two months, during which their expenses were paid by the American government. They went a^ay apparently well pleased, and satisfied that they had accomplished the object of their visit. 8. In 1862, a similar embassy was sent by the Japanese to Europe. Since then, large numbers of their young men have been educated both there and in Amer- ica. Immense quantities of books, machinery, cutlery and valuable instruments are bought by them in New York, and sent home over the new Pacific Railroad. 9. The Japanese seem to wish, too, to know something of the history of the nations from which they have so long lived apart. For every now and then, the publishers of this little book which you are now studying, receive ,;^ an order from far off Japan for two, four, six hundred Ijepies of Parley's Universal History. 6, 7. What of the Japanese embassy to the United States ? 8. What oi education? Purchases in New York ? 9. What of Parley's Universal History ? 114 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. PILGRIMS OF ARABIA GOING TO THE TOMB OF MAHOMET. CHAPTER XXXII.— Asia Continued. Origin of the Arabs — Ulse of Mahomet. 1. The Arabs are descended from Ishmael, a son of Abraham. It was foretold of him, that "his hand should be against every man, and every man's hand against him." In all ages this prophecy has been ful^ filled among his posterity; for they appear to have been enemies to the rest of mankind, and mankind enemies to them. Chapter XXXII. — 1. From whom are the Arabs descended? prophesied of Ishmael ? Has the prophecy been fulfilled ? What waa ASIA. 115 2. Arabia consists of several separate states, or nations. The whole country is bounded on the north by Palestine, Mesopotamia, &c. ; on the east by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Ormuz, on the south by the Indian Ocean, and west by the Ked Sea. 3. The Arabs have always been wandering tribes, and have dwelt in tents among the trackless deserts which cover a large portion of their country. Their early history is very imperfectly known. The first event that is worth recording, was the birth of Ma- homet. This took place at Mecca, a city on the borders of the Red Sea, in the year 570 of the Chris- tian era. 4. Till the age of twenty-five, Mahomet was a camel- driver in the desert. He afterward spent much of his time in solitude. His dwelling was a lonesome cave, where he pretended to be employed in prayer and meditation. When he was forty years old, he set up for a prophet. ) 5. He publicly proclaimed that God had sent him to convert the world to a new religion. The people of Mecca would not at first believe Mahomet. He was 2. Of what does Arabia consist ? How is it bounded ? 3. How have the Arabs always hved? What of their early history? When and where was Mahomet born? 4. Of what profession was Mahomet? How did lie live before he was forty years old? 5. What did he then do? What uf tlie people of Mecca? 116 UNIYERSAL HISTORY. born among them, and they knew that he had been a camel-driver, and was no holier than themselves. Be- sides, he pretended that he had ridden up to heaven on an ass, in company with the angel Gabriel ; and many of his stories were as ridiculous as this. 6. So the men of Mecca threatened to slay Mahomet, and he was therefore forced to flee to Medina, another city of Arabia. There, in the course of two or three years, he made a great number of converts. He told his disciples that they must compel others to adopt his religion by force, if they refused to do so by fair means. 7. This conduct brought on a war between the dis- ciples of Mahomet and all the other Arabians. Ma- homet won many victories, and soon made himself master of the whole country, and of Syria besides. 8. Mahomet was now not only a pretended prophet, but a real king. He was a very terrible man, even to his own followers ; for whenever he was angry, a vein between his eyebrows used to swell and turn black. This gave him a grim and frightful aspect. 9. His power continued to increase; but he died suddenly, at the age of sixty-three. His religion was "What did Mahomet pretend? 6, Why did Mahomet flee to Medina? What means did he take to make converts in Medina? 7. What was the effect of thig conduct ? What victories did Mahomet win ? 8. Describe Mahomet. ASIA. 117 diffused over nearly all Asia and Africa, and is still believed by many millions of people. Its precepts are contained in a book called the Koran. Mahomet af- firmed that the angel Gabriel brought him the doo trines contained in this book from heaven. CHAPTER XXXIII.— Asia Continued. .,,; ) Sequel of the Hisi/yry of the Arabs or Saracens. 1. Those of the Arabians who followed Mahomet were called Saracens. After their leader's death, they conquered the whole of Turkey in Asia, and many other countries. The capital of their empire was the city of Bagdad, on the river Tigris, which I have already mentioned. 2. One of the successors of Mahomet was Ali, his son-in-law. He was opposed by Ayesha, Mahomet's widow. This woman was suspected of having mur? dered her husband. 3. She raised an army, and led them to battb 9. When did he die ? Where is the religion of Mahomet followed ? What is the Koran? What did Mahomet affirm ? Chapter XXXIII. — 1. Who were the Saracens? What of them ? What was the c»-')ital of their empire ? 2. Who was Ali? Who opposed him ? 118 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. against Ali. Dm^ing the conflict, Ayesha sat in a sort of cage or litter, on the back of a camel. The earners rein was held by one of her soldiers ; and it is said that seventy soldiers were killed, one after another, n^hile holding the rein. Finally, Ali was victorious, and confirmed his sway over all the disciples of Ma* homet, and over the countries which they had won. 4. The Saracen empire was thus established. The kings were called caliphs. They reigned at Bagdad for the space of six hundred and twenty years. One of the most distinguished of them was Mahmcud Ga- zui. He was a great conqueror, and added e, part of India to his dominions. 5. A poor man once complained to Mahmoud Gazui that a soldier had turned him and his fan^ily out of doors, and had kept possession of his house all night. A\Tien the caliph heard this, he suspected that the sol- dier was his own son. " If he ill-treats you again, let me know,'^ said he. 6. Accordingly, a few nights afterward, the poor- man told the caliph that the same soldier had turned him out of his house again. The caliph took his cime- ter and went to the house; but before entering, he 3. Describe the conflict between Ali and Ayesha. Who was victorious ? 4 Who were the caliphs? Where did they reign? What of Mahmoud Gazui ? 5-7 Relate the story of the poor man and Mahmoud Gazui. ASIA. 119 caused all the lights to be extingmslied, so that his heart might not be softened by the sight of the of- fender. 7. When all was darkness, he entered the house, and struck the soldier dead with his cimeter. " Now bring a light," cried the caliph. His attendants did so. Mahmoud Gazui held a torch ever the bloody corpse of the soldier, and found that his suspicions were cor- rect. He had killed his own son ! 8. The last of the caliphs was named Mostasem. He was so proud and vainglorious that he considered his subjects unworthy to behold his face. He there- fore never appeared in public without wearing a veil of golden tissue. Whenever he rode through the streets, thousands would flock to get a glimpse of his golden veil. * 9. But at length Hulaki, chief of the Tartars, took the city of Bagdad. He stripped off the golden veil of the caliph Mostasem, and put him alive into a leath ern bag. The bag, with the poor caliph in it, was dragged by Moses through the same streets where he had formerly ridden in triumph. 10. Thus perished the caliph Mostasem, being bruised to death on the pavements. With him ended 8. Who was Mostasera ? What can you saj of him? 9. How did he die? 120 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. the empire of tlie Saracens, in the year 1258 of the Christian era. But the termination of this empire did not put an end to the religion of Mahomet. RUINS OF PALMYRA. CHAPTER XXXIY.— Asia CoNTmuEDe About Syria^ Phmnicia^ and Asia Minor. 1. I WILL now give you a short account of Syria which lay to the north of Palestine. It was bounded 10. When did the empire of the Saracens end ? What of the rehgion of Mahomet J ASIA. 121 nortli by Asia Minor, on tlie east by tlie river Euphra- tes and Arabia, on the south by Palestine and a part of Arabia, and west by the Mediterranean Sea. 2. Syria is frequently mentioned in the Bible. The people were engaged in almost constant wars with the Jews, from the time of David nearly to the time of Christ, when it became a Roman province. 3. At this period its capital was Antioch, which was one of the most splendid cities in the world. This was the native place of St. Luke, and here both St. Peter and St. Paul lived for some time. Here, too, the followers of Christ were first called Christians. 4. Damascus, another city of Syria, one hundred and thirty-six miles to the north of Jerusalem, appears to have been known ever since the time of Abraham. It is frequently mentioned in the Bible, and here St. Paul was miraculously converted to the Christian faith. 5. This city was famous in later times for making the best swords, sabres, and other cutlery; but the art which the people once possessed is now lost. The inhabitants of this city were also celebrated for manufactm'ing beautiful silks, to which the name of Chapter XXXIV. — 1. Where was Syria situated? How was it bounded? 2. What of the people of Syria ? 3. Capital of Syria ? What great events took place at Antioch ? 4. What of Damascus? What took place there? What was Da- mascus celebrated for m ancient times ? 122 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. damask was given, from the place where they were made. 6. Another place in Syria mentioned in the Bible was Tadmor, sometimes called " Tadmor in the desert f this was built by Solomon for the convenience of his traders ; it was ten miles in extent, but it is now iii ruins. The splendid remains of this place, consisting of columns and other things beautifully sculptured in stone, show that it must have been a rich and power- ful city. In modern times it is called Palmyra. 7. At the distance of thirty-seven miles north-west of Damascus, are the remains of Balbec, a very splen- did city in the time of the apostles, and then called Helioj)olis. It is now in ruins, and contains scarcely more than a thousand inhabitants. 8. I must not forget to mention Phoenicia, which lay along the border of the Mediterranean Sea ; it contained the cities of Tyre, Sidon, Ptolemais, and other celebra- ted places. In very early times, the Phoenicians were famous for taking the lead in commerce, navigation, and other arts. They were then an independent nation, but in after-times their country became a province of Syria. 9. Syria is at the present day governed by the 6. What of Tadmor ? 7. What of the ruins of Balbec? 8. What of Phoeniciaf What did it contain ? What of the Phoenicians ? ASIA. 123 Turks, and like every other country under their sway, is stamped witli an aspect of desolation and decay. The term Syria is now applied, not only to what an. ciently bore that name, but to Palestine also. 10. Asia Minor, or Natolia, as it is now called, lies at the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea, it is a kind of peninsula, bounded on the north by the Euxine or Black Sea; on the west by the JEgean Sea ; and on the east by Syria, Mesopotamia and Ar- menia. 11. It is about six hundred miles in length, from east to west, and four hundred in breadth. It is at present under the government of Turkey, and its in- habitants are mostly believers in Mahomet. The chief city now is Smyrna, to which many vessels go from this country, and bring back figs, dates, and other fruits. 12. Asia Minor appears to have been settled in very early times. Several kingdoms have arisen and flour- ished here at different periods, but it has never been the seat of any great empire. The kingdom of Lydiaj^ in Asia Minor, existed as early as eight hundred years before Christ. 9. What of Syria? To what is this name now applied ? 10. Situation and Doundaries of Asia Minor ? 11. Its extent? Grovernment? Inhabitants? What of Smyrna ? 12. What of Asia Minor ? What of Lydia ? 124 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 13. The last king of Lydia was Croesus, who was so famous for his great riches, that to this day we say, " As rich as Croesus." ' But in spite of his wealth, he was conquered by Cyrus, king of Persia, 548 B. C. 14. From this period, Lydia, with a great part of Asia Minor, continued subject to the Persian empire till the time of Alexander, about 330 B. C, when it was conquered by that famous leader. 15. Three hundred years before Christ, Pontus, which had once been a part of Lydia, became an inde- pendent country. It continued to flourish for many years, and Mithridates VII. successfully maintained a war with the Romans for a long time. 16. By his skill and courage, he baffled the best generals of the empire. But at length, in the year 64 B. C, he was conquered, and his kingdom, with the rest of Asia Minor, was subjected to the Roman dominion. 17. Notwithstanding the wars in Asia Minor, the country became filled with people, and superb cities rose up in various parts of it. Ephesus, situated in Lydia, was a splendid place, and it had a temple so maornificent that it was called one of the seven wonders of the world. 13. What caD you say of Croesus? 14. What of Lydia? By whom was it conquered? 15. What of Pontus? Mithridates VII.? 16. By whom was Mith- ridates conquered? 11. What of Ephesus? ASIA. 125 18. This temple was one hundred and twenty years in building ; but a man named Erostratus, wishing to make himself remembered, set it on fire, and it was burned to the ground. 19. There were also many other fine cities in Asia Minor, several of which are mentioned in the New Testament. Among these was Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul ; also, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, which are spoken of in the book of Rev- elations. 20. Through the labors of Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, and perhaps others, Christianity was planted at an early date in nearly all the divisions of Asia Minor. CHAPTER XXXY.— Asia Continued. A hrief Review of several Nations, 1. I HAVE now related the history of the most cele- brated countries in Asia. But there are several other territories, and some of them very extensive, of which I can only say a few words in this little book. 18. Temple of Diana? How was it destroyed? 19. What other eities were there in Asia Minor ? 20. Who planted Christianity in Asia Minor ? 126 UNIVERSAL fflSTORT. 2. In ancient times, the Scythians inhabited the northern parts of Asia. They were a warlike and a savage people, and very expert with the bow and arrow. Many of the Asiatic and European kings endeavored to subdue them, but were generally de feated. 3. At different times, vast numbers of the Scythians used to overrun the more civilized countries that lay to the south of them. A tribe of Scythians founded the powerful empire of Parthia, which afterward ex- tended its sway over Persia and other countries. This empire began in the year 250 B. C, and continued five hundred years. 4. In more modern times, the regions inhabited by the Scythians have been called Tartary. The people are not much more civilized than they formerly were. More than one celebrated conqueror has arisen among the Tartars. 5. India, which we call the East Indies, was very little known to the people who lived to the westward' in ancient times. Semiramis invaded it, and likewise Alexander the Great, and several other conquerors. Chapter XXXV.— 2. What of the Scythians? Where did they live ? 3. What of Parthia? 4. What is the name given to the countries formerly inhabited by the Scythians, Parthians, &c. ? Do the Tartars remain nearly ihe same as the ancient Scythians, Parthians. &c. ? 5. What of India or Hindostan ? Who in- vaded it ? ASIA. 12? The Hindoos of the present day are an interesting people, but addicted to idolatry. 6. India consists of Hindostan, and of an extensive region to the eastward of it. Within the last hundred years, the English have gained great power in this part of the world. They made war against the native rulers, and reduced them to subjection. The Indians revolted in 1857, under ISTena Sahib, but after great slaughter on both sides, were again reduced to sub- mission. 7. The Turks, or Ottomans, are a people who had their origin in Asia. But as they have been settled in Europe during several centuries, it will be more proper and convenient to speak of them in the history of that quarter of the globe. 8. There are several other kingdoms of Asia, of which the history is little known, or quite uninteresting. Among these are Siam, Cochin China, the Bimian Em- pire, Cabul, Beloochistan, and some others. Besides these, the northern portions of Asia are occupied by various tribes of Tartars, who appear to have wandered over these regions for ages, leaving no story behind them. The emperor of Russia rules over these vast dominions. 6. What of the English in Hindostan ? What of the Turks or Ottomans ? 8- "What other nations of Asia are there of which the history is little known ? What of the northern portions of Asia ? 128 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. ADAM AND EVE DRIVEN FROM EDEN, CHAPTER XXXYI.— Asia Continued. Review of the History of Asia, 1. Let us now go back and review tlie history of Asia. In this quarter of the globe the most wonderful events in the history of mankind have happened. Here Adam and Eve were created ; here they sinned, 9,nd here they were driven from the garden of Eden; and on the banks of the Euphrates all the people dwelt who lived before the flood. 2. It was in Asia that the ark of Noah rested ; and Chapter XXXVI. — 1-4. What remarkable events have occurred in Asia ? ASIA. 129 here again tlie people began to build cities, and estab- lisli nations. Here tlie first great empire arose. Here tlie Jewish nation bad its origin ; and nearly all the events related in the Old Testament took place here. 3. It was in Asia that the religion which teaches us that there is only one living and true God had its origin; and here Jesus Christ appeared to establish this religion, and seal the truth of revelation with his blood. 4. It was in Asia that Mahomet commenced and established his religion, which is now believed by more than half the human race. Several other religions had their origin in Asia. 5. In Asia, some of the greatest empires have ex- isted of which history gives us any account. The Assyrian empire, as I have before said, is the first on record. This was followed by the Persian empire, which seemed to swallow up all the surrounding na- tions. China, the most populous empire on the globe, has endured longer than any other. 6. The Saracens, who extended their dominion over many countries, had their origin in Asia. The Turks, who have reigned over Palestine, Mesopotamia, Syria, Asia Minor, a part of Europe, and a part of Africa, 5. What is the first empire recorded in history ? What of the Persian empire? What of China ? 6. What of the Saracens ? What of the Turks ? 130 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. for nearly eight hundred years, had their origin in Asia. 7. There is one portion of Asia which is, perhaps, more full of historical interest than any other on the face of the globe. It is that which lies between the Mediterranean on the west, Armenia on the north, Persia on the east, and Arabia on the south. Here is the spot on which the first inhabitants dwelt; here was the place where the first nations were formed; here the miracles recorded in the Bible took place ; here the prophets dwelt ; here Jesus Christ lived, preached and died. 8. The most remarkable feature in the history of Asia is, that while the country has seen many revolu- tions and changes, the condition of the people remains nearly the same. In our country and in Europe, there is a constant improvement. Every year brings some new art, invention, or institution, for the benefit of society. 9. But in Asia it is not so. Whoever is king, the .people are but slaves. Education makes no progress, liberty is unknown, truth is little valued, virtue is not 7. What portion of Asia is the most interesting on the giobe ? Why is this portion of the country thus interesting? 8. What is remarkable in the history of Asia? What is said of this country and of Europe? 9. How does Asia differ from Europe and America? ASIA. 131 prized, and that thing which we call comfort, and which makes our homes so dear to us, is not to be found in this vast country, so favored hj Providence, and so richly endowed by nature. 10. It would seem that the real difficulty in Asia i^ that while they are destitute of the knowledge of the gospel, they have many false religions. Mahometan- ism prevails over a great part of this portion of the globe ; and it is remarkable that no country, the people of which believe in this false religion, have ever been happy or well governed. 11. The Hindoos believe in Brahminism, which teaches them that there is one principal deity, called Brahma, and several other inferior deities, called Vish- nu, Siva, &c. They make strange images of these, and worship them. The priests are called Brahmins, and instruct the people in many idle ceremonies and cruel superstitions. 12. Besides these religions, there is the worship of the Grand Lama, to whom a temple is erected in Tar- tary. The Chinese believe in Boodh, and other nations believe in other deities. 10. "What is the condition of Asia ? What of Mahometanism ? "What is a re- markable fact ? 11. In what religion do the Hindoos beheve? What does Brah- minism teach? What of the Brahmins? 12. Where is the temple of the Grand Lama? In what deity do the Chinese believe ? What of other nations? 132 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. VISHNU. 13. Thus nearly tlie whole of Asia is involved in darkness as to the character of God^ and the destiny of man ; and thus we see that the conduct of mankind is such as might be expected where such ignorance and such error prevail. 13. In what error is nearly the whole of Asia involved? What do we seu as respects the condition of mankind ? ASIA. 133 CHAPTER XXXYII.— Asia Continued. Chronology of Asia. 1. Chronology is a record of tlie dates wlien liistor ical events happened. By studying chronology, yon therefore learn the time at which the creation took place, when Abraham went from Chaldea to Canaan, when Christ was born, and other things. 2. Now in order to have a clear view of the prog- ress of history, it is very important to place before us a table of chronology ; and if we wish to remember his- tory for a long time, it is well to ^:l this table in the memory. 3. I will now give you a brief view of the chronology of Asia. By this you will notice some curious things. You will see that Solomon and Chaus of China lived at the same time ; that Solomon began the temple exactly three thousand years after the creation, g«c^ .Port Said SEA Longitude East 32 from Greeuwic MAP OF EGYPT. Qi,'=;STiONS ON THE Map. — How is Egypt bounded? Which way does the Nile flow? Where does it empty? Where is Dendera? Medinet? Alexandria? Cairo ? Damietta ? What isthmus joins Egypt to Arabia ? What two great seas are near P^gypt? Where are the ruins of Thebes? Of Memphis? Where is Mt Kalsim ? Lake Mareotis ? Mt. Boomlieh ? AFRICA. 141 CHAPTER XXXIX.— Africa Continued. Early Sovereigns of Egypt. 1. The natives of Africa are supposed to be descended from Noah's son Ham, wlio went thither and settled in Egypt after the building of the tower of Babel, this country being near the land of Shinar. The kingdom of Egypt is very ancient, and was founded by Menes, one of the children of Ham, 2188 B. C. In the Bible, he is called Misraim. 2. Egypt is bounded north by the Mediterranean Sea, east by the Red Sea, south by Nubia, and west by the desert. The Nile runs through the midst of Egypt, from the south to the north. This river overflows once a year, and thus fertilizes the country, for it very sel- dom rains in Egypt. 3. Menes, or Misraim, the first king of Egypt, turned aside the Nile from its original channel, and built the city of Memphis where the river had formerly flowed. He was so great a monarch that the people worshipped him as a god after his death. Chapter XXXIX. — 1. From whom are the natives of Africa descended ? By whom and when was Egypt founded? What of Menes? 2. How is Egypt bounded? What of the Nile? Does it often rain in Egypt? 3. Where and by whom was Memphis built ? What was thought of Menes ? l42 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 4. The history of Egypt is very obscure during a considerable time after the reign of Menes. From the year 2084 to the year 1825 before the Christian era, it was governed by rulers who led the lives of shepherds, and were therefore called shepherd kings. These 'kings were afterward driven from Egypt. An Ethiopian woman, named Nitocris, became queen of the country, in the year 1678 before the Christian era. Her brother had been murdered by the Egyptians, and she resolved to avenge him. 5. For this purpose queen Nitocris built a palace under ground, and invited the murderers of her brother to a banquet. The subterranean hall where the ban- quet was prepared was brilliantly illuminated with torches. The guests were the principal jtpen in the kingdom. 6. The scene was magnificent, as they sat feasting along the table. But suddenly a rushing and roaring sound was heard overhead, and a deluge of water burst into the hall. Queen Nitocris had caused a river to flow through a secret passage, and it extin- guished the torches, and drowned all the company at the banquet. 4. What of the history of Egypt? What of the shepherd kings? What of Ni- tocris ? 5, 6. How did she revenge her brother's death ? AFRICA. 143 T. The most renowned monarcli that ever reigned ^ver Egypt was Sesostris. This king formed the design of conquering the world, and set out from Egypt with more than half a million of foot soldiers, twenty-four thousand horsemen, and twenty-seven thousand armed chariots. 8. His ambitious projects were partially successful. He made great conquests, and wherever he went he caused marble pillars to be erected, and inscriptions to be engraved on them, so that future ages might not forget his renown. 9. The following was the inscription on most of the pillars: — "Sesostris, king of kikgs, has conquered THIS TERRITORY BY HIS ARMS." But the marble pillars have long ago crumbled into dust, or been buried under the earth ; and the history of Sesostris is so obscure, that some writers have even doubted whether he ever made any conquests at all. 10. But other winters assure us that he returned to Egypt after his wars, bringing with him a multitude of captives, and long trains of camels laden with trei5 sure, and that he then built magnificent temples, and constructed canals and causeways, Y. "What of Sesostris ? His army ? 8. What of his conquests? 9. What inscrip- tion was engraved on the marble pillars raised by Sesostris? Are the pillars Btill standing? What do some writers doubt? 10. What do others say? 1 44 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 11. When Sesostris went to worship in the temple, he rode in a chariot which was drawn hj captive kings. They were harnessed like horses, four abreast; and their royal robes trailed in the dust as they tugged the ieavy chariot along. But at length the proud Sesos- tris grew old and blind. He could no longer look round him, and see captive kings drawing his chariot, or kneeling at his footstool. He then became utterly miserable, and committed suidde. 11. How was the chariot of Seeostria drawn ? What was the fete of this dw* potic king? AFRKJi».. 14 SPHYNX, PYRAMIDS, AND EUINS OF EGYPT. CHAPTER XL.— Africa Contintted. Egyptian ArcMtecture and Soulpinire. 1. The ancient history of Egypt is so obscure, and yet so full of wonderful tales, tliat we might doubt it altogether, and believe it but the marvellous invention of fanciful story-tellers, were it not for the vast ruins ^nd stupendous monuments still to be found in differ- ent parts of the country. These show that many ages 'since, between three and four thousand years ago, this country was filled with millions of people, and that Chapter XL. — 1. What of the ancient history of Egypt ? What of ruins ^/>'l monuraenis ? What do they prove ? i46 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. there were cities here of the most wonderful magnifi- cence. 2. Thebes appears to have been more magnificent than any other city, either in ancient or modern time-i It was called the city of a hundred gates ; and suca was the immense population, that through each of these gates, in time of war, marched two hundred armed chariots, and two thousand soldiers. 3. Thebes was ruined in the time of Cambyses, king of Persia, who lived about twenty-four hundred years ago. Yet the remains of the city are still visible, scattered over a space of twenty-seven miles on each side of the Nile. Some of the pillars of the temples are eleven feet in diameter. 4. One of the Egyptian kings caused his subjects to dig a great lake, forty-five miles in circumference, and almost as deep as the ocean. Another king constructed a labyrinth of marble, containing three thousand cham- bers, fifteen hundred of which were under ground. 5. In the upper chambei^ of this labyidnth were kep6 fche sacred crocodiles, and all the other animals whioii the Egyptians worshipped. In the subterranean cham- bers lay the dead kings of Egypt. 2. What of Thebes? Its population ? 3. Who destroyed Thebes ? Remains? fUlars? 4. Describe the works of some of the kings. What of the labyrinth? 5. What were kept in the labyrhith ? AFRICA. 147 6. The catacombs are likewise very wonderful. They are galleries liewn out of the rock, and extend a great way beneath the ground. The dead bodies of persons who died thousands of years ago are found in these catacombs, and they are nearly as well preserved now as when they were first buried. These are called mummies ; and some, supposed to be three thousand years old, have been brought to this country. 7. Every body has heard of the pyramids of Egypt. These immense edifices are still standing on the banks of the Mle. The largest is ^ve hundred feet high, and covers eleven acres of ground. 8. The pyramids are sf> old that it is impossible to tell when they were erected, or by whom. It is gene- rally supposed that the ancient kings of Egypt in- tended them as their sepulchres, thinking that thus they should be famous forever. But though the pyra- mids have not decayed, the names of those kings are forgotten. 9. The sphynx is one of the most curious among the Egyptian antiquities. It was originally the gigantic head of a woman, on the body of a lion ; but the lower part is now buried in the sand. The part which re- 6. Describe the catacombs. What are mummies? 1, 8. What of the pyramids? W^hat was probably the cause of their erection? 9. Describe the sphynx. 148 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. mains above ground is the head and neck. These are twenty-seven feet high, and are made of solid rock. At a distance, it looks as if a great flat-nosed woman were rising out of the sand. 10. The ruins of Luxor, near ancient Thebes, are so grand as to strike the beholder with awe. The re* mains of one of the temples are perhaps the most remarkable relics of antiquity. IMAGE OF OSIRIS. IMAGE OF ISIS. 11. At the time when they constructed these mar- vellous works, the ancient Egyptians possessed more learning and science than any other people. Their 10. What of the ruins of Luxor? 11, What of the Egyptians at the time we are speaking of? How were they looked upon by the people of other countries? AFRICA. 149 superior knowledge caused them to be looked upon as magicians by the people of other countries. 12. Still, the Egyptians had many absurd supersti tions. Their chief god was Isis, and another was Osir ris. Of these they made strange images, and wor- shipped them. Isis was greatly reverenced, and the people dedicated many splendid temples to its wor- ship. CHAPTER XLL— Africa CoNTnTUED. The Ptolemies and Queen Cleopatra. 1. 1^ the history of the Jews I have told of their bondage in Egypt, and of their miraculous escape. A long while afterward, an Egyptian king named Shishak took Jerusalem, and robbed Solomon's temple o^ its treasures. 2. A very famous king of Egypt was named Ameno- phis. He is supposed to be the same as Memuon, in honor of whom a temple with a gigantic statue was erected, of which some remains are still to be seen at 12, "Wliat of the superstitions of the Egyptians? Isis and Osiris? Chapter XLI.— 1. Who was Shishak ? What did he do? 2. Who was Ame- nophis? What of tlie statue of Memnon ? 150 UNIYERSAL HISTORY. Thebes. This statue was said to utter a joyful sound at sunrise, and a mournful sound when the sun set. Some modern travellers imagine that they have heard it. This, however, is absurd. 3. In the year 525 before the Christian era, Egypt was conquered by Camoyses, king of Persia. Ho compelled Psammenitus, who was then king of Egypt, to drink bull's blood. It operated as a poison, and caused his death. 4. Three hundred and thiiiiy-two years before the Christian era, Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great, king of Macedon. Here he built a famous city, called Alexandria, which was for many centuries one of the most splendid places in the world. But the ancient city is in ruins, and modern Alexandria is far inferior to it. 5. Alexander was buried at Alexandria, in a tomb cut out of one vast stone; this has been carried to London within a few years, and may now be seen there. 6. He appointed Ptolemy, one of his generals, to be ruler of the country. From Ptolemy were descended a race of kings, all of whom were likewise called Ptolemy. They reigned over Egypt two hundred and 3. When and by whom was Egypt conquered? Fate of Psammenitus? 4- When did Alexander conquer Egypt ? 5. What of Alexander's burial ? 6. Wha? of Ptolemy and his descendants ? AFRICA. 151 ninety-four years. The last of these kings was Ptolemy Dionysiiis, whose own wife made war against him. A battle was fought, in which Ptolemy Dionysius was defeated. He attempted to escape, but was drowned in the Nile. His wife, whose name was Cleopatra, then became sole ruler of Egypt. T. She was one of the most beautiful women that ever lived, and her talents and accomplishments were equal to her personal beauty. But she was very wicked. Among other horrid crimes, Cleopatra poi- soned her brother, who was only eleven years old. Yet, though all the world knew what an abandoned wretch she was, the greatest heroes could not or would not resist the enticements of her beauty. 8. When Mark Antony, a Roman General, had de- feated Brutus and Cassius at Philippi, in Greece, he summoned Cleopatra to come to Cilicia, on the north- eastern coast of the Mediterranean. He intended to punish her for having assisted Brutus. 9. As soon as Cleopatra received the summons^ she hastened to obey. She went on board a splendid ves- sel, which was richly adorned with gold. The sails How long did they reign in Egypt? Who was Ptolemy Dionysius ? His wife ? T. What of Cleopatra? What cruelty did she commit? What made Cleopatra irresistible ? 8. Who was Mark Antony ? Why did he wish to punish CJ^-opat- ra? 9-11. Give an account of the arrival of Cleopatra at Cilicia. 152 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. were made of the costliest silk. Instead of rough sun- burnt sailors, the crew consisted of lovely girls, who rowed with silver oars ; and their strokes kept time to melodious music. 10. Queen Cleopatra reclined on the deck, beneath a silken awning. In this manner she went sailing along the river Cydnus. Her vessel was so magnificent, and she herself so lovely, that the whole spectacle appeared like a vision. CJLEOPATSi. IN HER BARGE. 11. Mark Antony was first warned of her approach t)y the smell of delicious peifumes, which the wind wafted from the silken sails of the vessel. He next AFRICA. 153- heard tlie distant strains of music, and saw the gleam- ing of the silver oars. 12. But when he beheld the beauty of the Egyptian queen, he thought of nothing else. Till Mark Antony met Cleopatra, he had been an ambitious man and a valiant warrior. But from that day forward, he was nothing but her slave. 13. Owing to Cleopatra's misconduct and his own, Antony was defeated by Octavius, another Roman general, at Actium, in Greece. He then killed himself, by falling on his sword. Cleopatra knew that if Octa- vius took her alive, he would carry her to Rome, and expose her to the derision of the populace. 14. She resolved not to endure this ignominy. Now in Egypt there is a venomous reptile, called an asp, the bite of which is mortal, but not painful. Cleopatra applied one of these reptiles to her bosom. In a little while her body was benumbed, and her heart ceased to beat ; and thus died the beautiful and wicked queen of Egypt. This event occurred thirty years before Christ. 15. The story of queen Cleopatra is very instructive. 12. What was the character of Antony till he met Cleopatra? 13. Where was Antony defeated? Who was Octavius ? Fate of Antony ? Why did Cleopatra determine to kill herself? 14. What caused her death? How long was this before Christ ? 1 54 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. It shows that a person on whom heaven has bestowed the richest gifts may use them to cause mischief and misery to all around. CHAPTER XLIL— Africa Continued. Sequel of the Egyptian History. 1. After the death of Cleopatra, Egypt became a province of the Roman empire ; and it continued to belong to that empire, and to the portion of it called the Eastern empire, till the year 640 after the Chris- tian era. It was then conquered by the Saracens. It remained under their government upward of six cen- turies. 2. The Saracen sovereigns were dethroned by the Mamelukes, whom they had trained up to be their guards. The Mamelukes ruled Egypt till the year 151Y, when they were conquered by the Turks. They kept possession of Egypt till the year 1798. It was then invaded by Napoleon Bonaparte, with an army of forty thousand Frenchmen. Chapter XLII. — 1. What was the state of Egypt from Cleopatra's death to its subjugation by the Saracens? How long did they govern Egypt? 2. What of the Mamelukes? When and how long did the Turks govern Egypt ? What happened in 1798? AFRICA. 155 3. Tlie Turks, ever since tlieir conquest of Egypt, /lad kept a body of Mamelukes in tlieir service ; these made a desperate resistance. A battle was fought near the pyramids, in which many of them were slain, and others were drowned in the Nile. Not long after this victory, Bonaparte went back to France, and left General Kleber in command of the French army. 4. General Kleber was a brave man, but a severe one, and his severity cost him his life. He had or- dered an old Mussulman, named the Sheik Sada, to be bastinadoed on the soles of his feet. Shortly after- ward, when the general was in a mosque, a fierce Arab rushed upon him, and killed him with a dagger. 5. In 1801, the English sent Sir Ralph Abercrom- bie with an army to drive the French out of Egypt. General Menou was then the French commander. Sir Ralph Abercrombie beat him at the battle of Aboukir, but was himself mortally wounded. 6. In the course of the same year, the French army sailed from Egypt back to France. The inhabitants lamented their departure, for the French generals had ruled them with more justice and moderation than their old masters, the Turks. Egypt is now governed by a 3. What battle was fought ? What of Bonaparte after the victory ? 4. What of General Kleber ? 5. What took place in 1801 ? 6. What happened in the same year ? Why were the Egyptians sorry to have the French leave them ? 156 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. sovereign, who bears the name of pacha, and the coiin^ try is no longer a part of the Turkish empire. T. The present capital of Egypt is Grand Cairo. It is much inferior to what it was in former times, but ^till contains about three hundred thousand inhabit^ ants. Alexandria, built by Alexander the Great^ as I have before said, is now much reduced, but the ruins around it show that it was once a splendid city. There is no part of the world that seems more gloomy to the traveller than Egypt. The present aspect of the towns and cities is. that of poverty in the midst of ruins, which speak of wealth and splendor that have long since departed. CHAPTER XLIII.— Africa Continued. Summan^ of Ethiopian Matters. 1. All the interior parts of Africa were anciently called Ethiopia. But properly speaking, Ethiopia Comprised only the countries now called Nubia and How IS Egypt now governed ? How is the country considered? 7. Wliat if* the capital of Egypt ? What of Grand Cairo ? Population ? What of Alexan- dria? How does Egypt appear to a traveller? Chapter XLIII. — 1. What was anciently called Ethiopia ? AFRICA. 157 Abyssinia. This region lies south of Egypt, and ex- tends along the shore of the Red Sea. The first inhab- itants of Ethiopia are supposed to have emigrated fi'om Arabia the Happy, a part of Arabia. Their earlier history is almost unknown. 2. Ethiopia, or at least a portion of it, was formerly called Sheba, and from thence it is supposed that the queen of Sheba went to visit Solomon. About thirty years ago it is said that one of her descendants was king of Abyssinia. 3. It used to be the custom to confine the Ethiopian princes on a high mountain, which was named Ge- shen. It was very high and steep, and looked like an enormous castle of stone. No person could ascend this mountain, or come down from it, unless he were raised or lowered by means of ropes. 4. The princes lived on the summit of the mountain, in miserable huts. The greater part of them never came down till their dying day. But whenever the king died, one of the princes was summoned to the throne. Perhaps, however, he found himself no hap- pier in the royal palace, than in his hut on the summit of Mount Geshen. In which direction is it from Egypt ? Where was Ethiopia properly situated ? Who were the first inhabitants of Ethiopia? 2. What was Ethiopia formerly called ? What of the queen of Sheba ? 3. What was once the custom ? 4. How did the princes live? What happened when the king died? 158 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 5. The Ethiopians were believers in the Jewish religion till the middle of the fourth century after the Christian era. Candace, the queen of the country, was then converted to Christianity, and her subjects fol- lowed her example. 6. The inhabitants of Ethiopia, or Abyssinia, are still called Christians, but their mode of worship is mixed up with many Jewish practices. They also worship the virgin Mary and the saints, like the Ro- paan Catholics. 7. The people of this part of Africa are not gene- rally negroes. They are of an olive complexion, and have long hair and agreeable features. But in the north-eastern part of Abyssinia, there is a race of ne- groes called Shangallas. 8. These negroes have been described as having faces resembling apes, and as being little more intelli- gent than the monkey tribe. They have no houses, but sleep under the trees, and sometimes burrow in caves. The Abyssinians hunt them as they would wild beasts. 5. Till what time did the Ethiopians believe in the Jewish religion? What of Candace?. 6. What of the worship of the people of Ethiopia at the present time? 7. What of their personal appearance? What of the Shangallas ? 8. De- scribe them. AFRICA. u% ALGIERS. CHAPTER XLIY.— Africa Continued. Origin of the Barhary States and their Piracies on the Christians. 1. The Barbary states are Morocco, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli. Tliey are bounded nortli by the Mediter- ranean Sea, east and south by the desert, and west by the Atlantic Ocean. These countries were inhabited in the time of the Eomans. Morocco was called Mau- ritania; and Algiers, Numidia. These regions were first settled by colonies from Phoenicia, Greece, and other countries. Chapter XLIV. — 1, What are the Barbary states? How are they bounded ? 160 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 2. In tills region stood the celebrated city of Car- thage in ancient times. Its site was about ten miles north-east of the city of Tunis. It was founded by some Phoenicians, eight hundred and sixty-nine years before the Christian era. The Phoenicians, as I have told you, were the first people who engaged in com merce, and founded colonies for the purpose of carry- ing on trade. 3. In the history of Rome I shall tell you how Car- thage was destroyed. The Romans erected a new city where it had formerly stood. This was conquered and destroyed by the Saracens, who then built the city of Tunis. In the year 1574, Tunis was seized by the Turks. 4. The city of Algiers was built by the Saracens, in the year 944. The government, called the regency of Algiers, was founded in 1518, by two Turks, named Horuc and Hagradin. They were brothers, and both bore the name of Barbarossa, or Red-Beard. 5. The coimtry now called Morocco was conquered by the Saracens, about the same time with the other Barbary states. So also was Tripoli. All these states^ 2. Where did ancient Carthage stand? Who founded it? 3. Who erected a new city? What did the Saracens do ? When was Tunis seized by the Turks? 4. When and by whom was Algiers built? What was done in 1518 ? Who were called Barbarossa ? 6. What of Morocco and Tripoli? AFRICA. 161 except Morocco, afterward fell into the hands of the Turks. 6. During a long period, the Barbary states were in the habit of fitting out vessels to cruise against the ships of every nation. Their prisoners were sold as slaves, and never returned to their own country, unless a high ransom were paid for them. 7. The Americans were the first who made any con- siderable resistance to these outrages. In the year 1803, Commodore Preble sailed to the Mediterranean sea with a small American fleet. He intended to attack Tripoli ; but one of his frigates, the Philadel- phia, got aground in the hai'bor. 8. The Turks took possession of the Philadelphia. But one night Lieutenant Decatur entered the harbor of Tripoli, and rowed toward the captured vessel, with only twenty men. He leaped on board, followed by his crew, and killed all the Turks, or drove them over- board. The Philadelphia was then set on fire. 9. After this exploit. Commodore Preble obtained some gun-boats from the king of Naples, and with these and the American vessels he made an attack on Which of the Barbary states fell afterward into the hands of the Turks? 6. What were these states in the habit of doing ? T. What was done in 1803 7 What of Commodore Preble ? 8. What of the Philadelphia ? What did Decatur do ? 9. What attack was made on Tripoli ? 6 162 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. the fortifications of Tripoli. The bashaw of Tripoli was forced to give up his prisoners. 10. In the year 1815, Commodore Decatur (the same who had burnt the Philadelphia) was sent with a fleet against Algiers. He captured their largest vessels, and compelled the Algerines, and the Tripolitans also, to agree never more to make slaves of Americans. 11. In 1816, Algiers was battered by an English fleet under the command of Lord Exmouth. This was the severest chastisement that the Algerines had ever received at that period. But in 1830, the French sent a large naval and military force against Algiers, com- manded by Marshal Beaumont. The fortifications were battered down, and the city was taken. Algeria is now a province of France. CHAPTER XLV.— Africa Continued. Fables and Facts about Africa. 1. Most of the other regions of Africa can hardly be said to have any histor\^. The inhabitants possess What of the bashaw ? 10. What was done in the year 1815 ? What agree- ment did the Tripolitans and Algerines make ? 11. When was Algiers battered ? What took place in 1830 ? What is Algeria now ? Chaptek XLV.— 1. What of the inhabitants of most parts of Africa ? AFRICA. 168 no written records, and cannot tell what events hap- pened to their forefathers. 2. The ancients had very curious notions about Africa; for they had visited only the northern parts, and contented themselves with telling incredible stories about the remainder. They supposed that tov/ard the eastern shore of the continent there were people without noses, and others who had three or four eyes apiece. 3. In other parts of Africa there were said to be men without heads, but who had eyes in their breasts. Old writers speak also of a nation whose king had a head like a dog. There was likewise said to be a race of giants, twice as tall as common men and women. 4. But the prettiest of all these fables is the story of the Pigmies. These little people were said to be about a foot high, and were believed to dwell near the source of the river Nile. Their houses were built something like birds' nests, and their building mate- rials were clay, feathers, and egg shells. 5. These Pigmies used to wage terrible wars with the cranes. An immense army of them would set out on an expedition, some mounted on rams and goats, and others on foot. 2. What were the ideas of the ancients concerning Africa ? 4-7. What is the prettiest of all these fabulous stories? G-ive some account of the Rgmies 164 UNIVERSAL 'HISTORY. 6. When an army of the Pigmies encountered an Army of the cranes, great valor was displayed on both sides. The cranes would rush forward to the charge, flapping their wings, and sometimes one of them would snatch up a Pigmy in his beak, and carry him away captive. 7. But the Pigmies brandished their little swords and spears, and generally succeeded in putting the enemy to flight. Whenever they had a chance, they would break the eggs of the cranes, and kill the unfledged young ones without mercy. 8. Until within a few years, the moderns have not known much more about the interior of Africa than the ancients did. They have now acquired consider- able knowledge respecting it ; but the subject belongs rather to geography than history. Nearly the whole of the central part of Africa, through which the river Niger flows, is called Nigritia, or Negro-land. It is inhabited by several different nations. 9. The principal city in Nigritia is called Timbuctoo. No white people have ever visited it, except one Amer- ican, one Englishman, and one Frenchman. The name of the latter was M. Caillie. He was there in 1827, 8. "What knowledge have the modems of the interior of Africa ? Where is Ni- gritia? What of the inhabitants? 9. What of Timbuctoo ? Who have visited it 7 What does M. Cailli^ say of It ? AFRICA. 165 and describes tlie city as built in the shape of a tri- angle and situated eight miles from the Niger. 10. Dr. Livingston, an English explorer, spent many- years of his life in the wilds and deserts of Africa, making very valuable discoveries. He was several times given up for lost. He died there in 1873, and his body was removed to England and buried in Westminster Abbey. 11. There are English and French settlements on the western coast of Africa. There was formerly a Dutch settlement at the southern extremity of the continent, but the English have had possession of it since the year 1806. This is called Cape Town, and is situated at the Cape of Good Hope. The republic of Liberia was founded in 1821, by the American Coloni- zation Society, and its populaticm is already 275,000. Several of the European powers have acknowledged its independence. Monrovia is the capital. I ^ CHAPTER XLYI.— Africa Continued. History of the Slave Trade. 1. The most painful part of the history of Africa is that which belongs to the slave trade. From the ear- 10. Livingstone ? 11. What of settlements ? What of Cape Town ? How long have the English had possession of it ? What of Liberia ? 166 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. iiest ages, when human society was yet in a rude state, it was the custom to make slaves of those who were taken in war. This practice was continued in after times, and thus, for thousands of years, slaver}^ was, established in nearly all the nations of the earth. 2. But in those countries w^here the Christian relt gion prevailed, slavery came into general disuse. In 1482, however, the Portuguese began the horrid traffic of the slave trade, and the English followed in 1563. From that time, it has continued to the present day, though most nations have made laws against it, and it has now nearly ceased. 3. For at least two hundred years, this traffic was carried on to a great extent. The custom was for ves- sels to go to the western coast of Africa, and purchase of the African princes such prisoners as they had for sale. Sometimes, however, the captains of the vessels would rob the people of their children, or they would go on shore with a body of armed men, and carry away the inhabitants of a whole village. 4. The poor negroes thus taken from their home?,' Chapter XL VI. — 1. What is painful in the history of Africa ? What was the custom in the earliest ages ? How was slavery estabhshed ? 2. "What effect had the Christian religion upon slavery ? "When did the Portuguese engage in the slave trade ? The English? "What has happened till the present time ? 3. How long was the traffic carried on ? "What was the custom ? What was done by captains of vessels ? 4. Describe the state of the poor negroes. AFRICA. 167 and separated forever from all they held dear, were crowded into the vessels, where they were often half starved, and where they sometimes suffered from dis- ease, or unkind treatment. Such was frequently their distress, that they would jump into the sea, or beat oufe their own brains in despair. 5. Millions of these poor negroes have* ^fe^sjn taken from their homes ; and probably more than KiiJr of those who entered the ships, from the beginning of the trade to this day, have perished before they reached the countries to which they were bound. America was the first nation to make laws against the slave-trade, and to declare it piracy. CHAPTER XLVII— Africa Continued. Chronology of Africa, 1. The following table exhibits the dates of the most remarkable events in the history of Africa. It may be well to compare this with the chronology of Asia, by which you may see what was doing in that quarter, while these events were happening in Africa. 5. What uation first made laws against the slave-trade? 168 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. B. C. Egypt settled by Misraim 2188 Nitocris queen of Egypt 1678 Departure of the Israelites from- Egypt 1491 Cambyses conquers Egypt 525 " destroys Thebes 620 Alexander conquers Egypt 332 Death of Cleopatra ' 30 A. D, Egypt con qa^igti by the Saracens, 670 Algiers built^, 944 Mamelukes c aiii iHnto power 1250 The Portuguese begin to traffic in slaves 1482 Egypt conquered by the Turks. . . 1517 A government founded at Algiers, called the regency of Algiers. . . 1518 A. ». The English begin to trafBc in slaves 1563 Tunis seized by the Turks 1574 Napoleon invades Egpyt 1798 Sir Ralph Abercrombie drives the French out of Egypt. 1801 Tripoli attacked by Commodore Preble 1803 The English take Cape Town from the Dutch 1806 Commodore Decatur attacks Al- giers 1815 Lord Exmouth batters Algiers. . . 1816 Liberia founded 1821 Cailhe, a Frenchman, goes toTim- buctoo 1827 Algiers taken by Marshal Beau- mont 1S3J 169 Questions on the Map of Europe. — "What sea lies to the west of Europe? To the south ? What continent lies to the south ? Where is Madrid ? Vienna f St. Petersburg? Paris? Rome? Nova Zambia? Direction of Great Britain from Spain ? Of Austria from Sweden ? Where is the Black Sea ? The Straits of Gibraltar? Iceland? Sardinia? Sicily? 170 univ*:rsal history. STUDYING THE 3IAP OF EUBOPK CHAPTEK XLYIII.— Europe. Introductory Reviarks on its Geography and oth^r rrvatterfs^ 1. Europe is considered the third quarter of the ^lobe. It is the smallest in extent, being abont one- quarter as large as Asia, one-third as large as Africa^ and about one-third larger than the whole United States. It is a part of the eastern continent, and is only separated from Asia by the Ural Mountains. It is separated from Africa by the Mediterranean sea Chaptee XLYIII. — 1. Which is the third quarter of the globe ? The smallest \ How large is Europe compared with Asia? Africa? The United States? How is it separated from Asia ? From Africa ? EUROPE. 171 At the straits of Gibraltar, the distance from Europe to Africa is but .twenty-one miles. 2. But although Europe is the smallest of the four quarters of the globe, it has nearly three hundred mill- ions of inhabitants, and is much superior to Asia, Mrica, and most parts of America, in civilization. It abounds in fine cities, fine roads, good houses, usefal manufactures, and most other things that are necessary to the comfort and happiness of mankind. 3. In all parts of Europe except Turkey, the religion of Jesus Christ prevails. If you were to travel in Asia or Africa, you would meet with no churches, or only now and then one, where the true God is wor- shipped. But you would see a great many mosques dedicated to the false religion of Mahomet, and a great many temples where the people bow down to idols of wood, stone, or metal. 4. But in Europe, the traveller eveiywhere meets with churches, and these show that the people are Christians. In Europe, also, there are many colleges, academies, and schools, which prove that the people set a high value upon education. It is a fact which I How far is the nearest point of Europe from Africa? 2. "What of Europe? In what does it abound ? 3. "What of rehgion iu Europe ? "What of Asia and Africa? "What of churches? Mosques? Temples? 4. "What does the traveller meet in Eu rope ? "What do churches show ? "What do colleges, schools, &c., show ? 172 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. wish you to remember, that in all parts of the world where you find churches, you find th^t the people are more or less advanced in civilization and the arts which render mankind happy. 5. As Europe is the smallest of the four quarters of the earth, so it was behind Asia and Africa in being settled and civilized. Long after the Assyrian empire had risen to great power and splendor, long after Babylon and Nineveh had flourished on the banks of the Euphrates, long after Egypt had become a mighty kingdom, long after Thebes, Memphis, and other mag- nificent cities had risen upon the borders of the Nile, Europe continued to be inhabited only by wandering tribes of savages. 6. Greece was the first portion of Europe that was settled. About the time that Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the Greeks began to build houses, found cities, and emerge from the savage into a more civilized state. By degrees they advanced in knowledge and refinement, and at length became the most polished people in the world. 7. Afterward Rome, . situated in Italy, became a What do you find where there are churches ? 5. What of Europe ? What was the condition of Europe untii aftei* rhe empires of Asia and Egypt had long flour- ished ? 6. What part of Europe wa3 rirst inhabited ? What of the Greeks ? Their progress? EUROPK. I*r3 miglity city, and tlie Roman people extended their empire over the greater part of Europe, and the most civilized portions of Asia and Africa. Carthage, Egypt, Greece, Asia Minor, Palestine, Syria, and other Asiatic countries, bowed to the Roman yoke. 8. Rome was the most splendid empire that the world has ever seen. But as it crushed other kingdoms beneath its foot, so, in turn, imperial Rome was itself trampled down by the northern nations of Europe, Great ignorance followed this event, and the different nations and tribes of Europe seemed like broken and crushed limbs and members of the great empire, almost without life. 9. But these separate fragments of the human family grew up in due time to be separate nations, and these advanced in knowledge until they reached the condi- tion in which we now find them. 10. Europe may be divided into two parts — ^the northern and southern. In the former, the climate is about as cold as it is in our middle and eastern statea In the latter, it is about as warm as in the southern states. The principal kingdoms in the northern sec- 7. What of Rome ? What countries became subject to Rome ? 8. What was Rome ? What happened to the empire ? What followed the destruction of the Roman empire? 9. What of the several nations of Europe ? 10. How may Eu- rope be divided ? Climate in northern Europe ? Southern Europe ? 174 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. tion of Europe are Russia, Norway, Sweden, Prussia, Austria, the several states of Germany, Denmark, Hol- land, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and Great Britain. 11. Among the southern kingdoms of Europe are Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. In these latter countries the soil is generally fertile, and here grapes, olives, oranges, lemons, melons, and other delicious fruits, are abundant. 12. Here, too, all the wants of man for food are easily supplied, and so warm and gentle is the climate, that the people do not find it necessary to build tight houses, and put on thick clothing, and provide stores against the winter ; yet it is remarkable, that where nature has done so much, the people think it hardly necessary to do any thing, and consequently they are less industrious, less comfortable, and less happy, than in more cold and severe climates. 13. In the northern parts of Europe, the people find it necessary to cultivate the soil with care, and lay up in summer a store of provisions against the long, cold winter. They build themselves good houses, they furnish them with many convenient articles, and thus, by their industry and care, they live more happily Principal natioDS of northern Europe? 11. The southern kingdoms of Europe? The climate? 12. Effect of the climate on the people? 13 What of the northern parts of Europe ? Condition of the people ? EUROPE. 1*75 than those who inhabit the gentler climes of the south. 14. The wild animals of Europe resemble those of this country, though they are in some respects differ- ent. The trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers, are similar to those we find here, though not exactly the same. 15. If you were to go to Europe, you would every- where feel that you were in a strange land, but still many things would remind you of your own dear home in America. But if you were to go to Asia or Africa, the houses, the fields, the dress of the people, and all their manners and customs, would impress you with the idea that you were in a strange land — far, very far, from your native country. 14. Wild animals of Europe? Vegetation? 15. What if you were to go to Europe? Asia? Africa? 176 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. EUINB OP THB PABTHENON. CHAPTEE XIJX.— Europe CoNrmuED. About Greece^ where it is situated; ajppearance tjf the Cou/nt/ry / Climate, 1. Greece is a small strip of land extending into the Mediterranean sea. It lies almost exactly east of New York, at the distance of about five thousand miles. It is about as far from Asia Minor on the east, as from Italy on the west. Chapter XLIX. — 1. "What is Greece? Direction and distance from New York? In what direction is it from Asia Minor? From Italy ? Questions on the Map of Greece on the opposite page. — What are the boun- daries of Greece ? Where is Mount Olympus ? Thermopylae? Corinth? Athens? Marathon? Argos? Where are the following islands? — ^Lemnos? Cytbera? Ithaca? Corey ra? Cephallonia? ^ IT. l'?8 UNIVERSAL HISTORY 2. Greece is bounded on the north by Macedonia, which is now a part of Turkey ; on every other side it is bounded by the sea. To the south and east of i are a great number of islands, some of which aie extremely beautifuL 3. Several of them have towns and cities upon them, and one, called Antiparos, is remarkable for a grotto beneath the earth, which appears like a beau- tiful palace. When lighted up with lamps, it seems a vast hall, with thousands of pillars and ornaments of silver. 4. Some of the islands of Greece have been thrown up from the sea, and others which formerly existed have disappeared. These strange things have been caused by volcanic fires under the sea. Nothing can be more wonderful than the scenes which have some- times been exhibited by these convulsions of nature. 5. In the southern part of Gfltece, and among the islands, the climate is as mild as irf^ Virginia, and the country abounds in all sorts of delicious fruits. In the northern part, the climate is somewhat colder. 6. K you were to travel through Greece, you would discover that it is naturally very beautiful. Along 2. How is Greece bounded on the north ? South? East? West? What oJ the islands? 3. What of Antiparos? 4. What of volcanic islands? *6. The cli- mate in the southern part of Greece ? In the northern ? EUROPE. 179 the shores, you would meet with many little bays and harbors, and you would easily believe that the people living there would be tempted by the placid water to become seamen. You would accordingly find a large portion of the inhabitants to be seafaring people. 7. In the interior of the country you would meet with loffcy mountains, whose tops in winter are covered with snow. You would meet with smiling valleys, bright, rapid streams, and steep hillsides covered with olive groves, vineyards, and fig trees. 8. You would discover that the people of the pres- ent day live in miserable villages or towns^ all wearing an aspect of poverty and decay. But you would often meet with the ruins of temples and other edifices, built by the ancient Greeks two or three thousand years ago. 9. These would show you that, though the modem Greeks appear to be a degraded people, yet the former inhabitants of this country were among the most remarkable people that ever lived. It is of these that I am now going to tell you. 6. What of the shores of (xreece? To what pursuits are many of the present jireeks devoted? 1. What of the interior of Greece? 8. "What of the present ia- habitants of Greece ? What of ruins, temples, &c. ? 9. What would these ruins prove ? 180 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. CHAPTER L.— Europe Continued. Tke eatent of Oreece. First Settlement of the cmmtn^, 1. Though Greece is one of the most famous coim- tries on the face of the globe, it is not very extensive ; its boundaries varied at different times, but it never exceeded four hundred miles in length, and about one hundred and fifty in width. That portion to which the name of Greece is properly applied, was not much larger than the state of New York. 2. I must now carry you back to the first settlement of this country, which took place more than four thou- sand years ago. When the human race was scattered from the tower of Babel, it is supposed that the family of Japheth, Noah's youngest son, travelled from Asia into Europe. As Greece lay nearer to the land of Shinar than the other parts of Europe, it was probably settled first. 3. The Greeks themselves believed that their ances' tors had sprang up out of the earth. The first inhab- 'itants were mere savages. They dwelt in wretched Chapter L. — 1. What of tbe extent of Greece ? Its greatest length? "Width ? 2. How long since Greece was first settled ? Who are supposed to have been the first inhabitants of Greece ? 3. What did the Greeks believe of their ancestors? EUROPE. 181 huts, and fed on acorns. Their garments were the skins of wild beasts. 4. There are so many fables about the early history of Greece, that I shall pass very briefly over the first three or four centuries. Cecrops, an Egyptian, seems to have been the first who introduced civilization among the Greeks. He came with a number of his countrymen, and founded the city of Athens. This event took place about fifteen hundred and fifty-six years before the Christian era. 5. Thirty or forty years afterwajrd. Cadmus came from Phoenicia and built the city of Thebes. He was one of the greatest benefactors of the Greeks, for he taught them the cultivation of the vine, the manufac- ture of metals, and the use of the alphabet. 6. Other parts of Greece were also settled by colo- nies fi^om foreign nations. The country then consisted of a number of small kingdoms, which had little or no connection with one another. These were frequently at war among themselves. 7. Twelve of these little kingdoms, or states, soon united themselves into a confederacy. Their deputies What of the first inhabitants of Greece ? 4. Who first introduced civilization among the Greeks ? What city was founded by Cecrops? When did this take place ? 5. What of Cadmus? 6. How were other parts of Greece settled? What of Greece at this time ? T. What did twelve of the Grecian states do ? 182 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. held a meeting twice a year, in order to consult respect- ing the welfare of the country. They were called the Council of the Amphyctions. By means of this coun- cil, the different states were kept at peace with each other, and were united against foreign enemies. 8. One of the famous events of Grecian history was the Argonaut] c expedition. It is said that a prince named Jason, with a company of his friends, sailed to Colchis, which lay eastward of the Black Sea. Their object was to find a wonderful ram with a fleece of gold ; but the whole story is supposed to be a fable, or to have some hidden meaning. 9. The Trojan war was still more famous than the expedition in search of the golden fleece. Troy was a large city on the Asiatic side of the Hellespont, which is now called the Dardanelles. Paris, the son of the Trojan king, had stolen away the wife of Menelaus, a Greek prince. 10. All the Grecian kings combined together to punish this offence. They sailed to Troy in twelve hundred vessels, and took the city after a siege of ten jears. This event is supposed to have occurred eleven hundred and ninety-three years before the Christian era. What of the Amphyctionic council ? Whatefifect had this council? 8. What of the Argonautic expedition? 9, 10. What of the Trojan war? BUEOPE. 183 11. But most historians are of opinion that the Tro- jan war was a much less important affair than Homer has represented it to loe. Poets do not always tell the trnth ; and Homer was the father and chief of poets. He was a blind old man, and used to wander about the country, reciting his verses. CHAPTER LI.— Europe Continued. • T?ie Grecian Lawgivers. 1. One of the principal states of Greece was called Sparta, or Lacedsemon. It was founded by Lelex, 1516 B. C. It received a code of laws from Lycurgus, who lived nearly nine centuries before Christ. He was strict and severe, but wise and upright. 2. Lycurgus ordered that all the Spartans should eat together at public tables. The reason of this law was, that the rich citizens might not feast luxuriously at home, but that the rich and poor should fare alike. As for the children, they were not allowed any thing 11. What of Homer? Chapter LI. — 1. What of Sparta? Lelex? When did Lycurgus live ? What was his character ? 2. Why did Lycurgus wish the Spartans to eat in public ? What of th children? 184 UNIVERSAL HISTORY to eat, unless they could steal it. This wicked custom was adopted with the idea that it would train up the young Spartans to be cunning in war. 3. In order that the people might not be avaricious, Lycurgus forbade any gold or silver to be coined into money. All the money was made of iron. It could not very easily be carried in the pocket, for a Spartan dollar weighed as much as fifty pounds. 4. The children were all brought up at the public expense. They were allowed to stand near the dinner tables and listen to the wise conversation of their parents. The Spartans were very anxious that their children should abhor drunkenness. 5. They showed them the disgusting effects of this pernicious vice, by causing their slaves to drink intoxi- cating liquors. When the children had witnessed the ridiculous conduct of the drunken slaves, they were careful never to reduce themselves to so degraded a condition. 6. When Lycurgus had completed his code of laws, he left Sparta. Previous to his departure, he made iho people swear that they would violate none of the law^i Why were they encouraged to steal? 3. What laws were made respecting money ? What of a Spartan dollar ? 4. How wefe children brought up ? 5, How were they taught to abhor drunkenness? 6. What did Lycurgus make the Spar- tans swear before he went away ? EUROPE. 185 till lie should return. But lie was resolved never to return. Y. He committed suicide by starving himself to death ; and his ashes were thrown into the sea by his command, so that the Spartans might not bring back his dead body. Thus, as Lycurgus never could return, the Spartans were bound by their oath to keep his laws forever. 8. They did keep them during five hundred years, and, all that time, ?;he Spartans were a brave, patriotic, and powerful people. Many of their customs, how- ever, belonged rather to a savage than a civilized nation. 9. Athens had two celebrated lawgivers, Draco and Solon. The laws of Draco were so extremely severe that they were said to be written with blood, instead of ink. He punished even the smallest offences with death. His code was soon abolished. 10. Solon's laws were much milder. Almost all of them were wise and good laws, and would have been advantageous to the people. But the Athenians had so much fickleness and levity, that they were contin- 'ually proposing alterations in them. — • 1. What was the fate of the Spartan law-giver? 8. How long did the Spartans keep his laws? 9. What of Draco and Solon? The laws of Draco? 10. What of Solon's laws ? The Athenians ? 186 UXIVKRSAL HISTORY. 11. Athens was at this time a republic; which is, you know, a government of the people ; but soon after Solon had made his laws, the supreme power was usurped by Pisistratus, an ambitious citizen. He and liis sons ruled Athens fifty years. CHAPTER LIL— Europe Continued. TFa/' with Persia. 1. About five centuries before the Christian era, Darius, king of Persia, made war against Greece. His generals invaded the country with a fleet of six hun- dred vessels, and half a million of men. There were scarcely any troops to oppose them, except ten thou- sand Athenians. 2. Darius felt so certain of conquering Greece, that he had sent great quantities of marble with his army. He intended that it should be carved into pillars and triumphal arches, and other trophies of ^dctory. He had also commanded his generals to send all the Athe- nians to Persia, in chains. 11. What was the government of Athens? W^o usurped the supreme power? What of the government of Athens for fifty years? Chjlptee LII. — 1. When did Darius make war against Greece ? What of the Persian force ? The Athenian ? 2. What of marble ? What did Darius command ? EUROPE. 187 3. The Athenian general was named Miltiades. He led his little army against the immense host of the Persians, and encountered them at Marathon. This was a small town on the sea-shore, about fifteen miles north-east of Athens. 4. While their countrymen were fighting, the aged people, the women, and children, remained at Athens in the utmost anxiety. If Miltiades were to lose the battle, they knew that the Persians would chase his routed army into the city, and burn it to ashes. 5. Suddenly a soldier, covered with blood, ran into the market-place of the city. He was sorely wounded, but he had come all the way from the army to bring the news. He was ghastly pale, and the people feared that the Persians had won the day, and that the soldier was a fugitive. 6. They gathered round him, eagerly asking about Miltiades and the army. The soldier leaned heavily upon his spear. He seemed too much exhausted to give utterance to the news he had brought. Y. But, exerting all his strength, he cried out, " Re- joice, my countrymen ! The victory is ours !" And, with that exulting shout, he fell down dead. « 3. Who was the Athenian general ? Where was Marathon ? 4. What of those who remained at Athens? 5. What messenger was sent from Marathon? 6. What of the soldier ? Y. What news did the messenger bring ? 188 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. 8. The Athenians showed themselves ungrateful to the brave Miltiades. All that he demanded as a reward for rescuing his native land from slavery, was a crown of olive leaves, which was esteemed a mark of honor among the Greeks. But they refused to give him one; and he was afterward condemned, on some fri\^olous pretence, to pay a fine of ^ftj talents. As Miltiades had not so much money in the world be perished in prison. 9. After the battle of Marathon, the Persians were driven out of Greece, and Darius died while he was preparing to invade the country again. His son Xerxes renewed the war. In the history of Persia, I have already told of the invasion of Greece by Xerxes with two millions of men, and of the misfortunes which befel him there. 8. How did the Athenians treat Miltiades ? His fate ? 9. What of the Per- sians after the battle of Marathon? What of Darius? Xerxea? WUat mav you read in the history of Persia? EUROPE. 189 ANCIENT ATHENS. CHAPTER LIII.— Europe Continued. Affairs of Athens. 1. After tlie Persian war, Cimon, Aristides, and Per- icles were tlie three principal men of Athens. Pericles at length became the chief person in the republic. Athens was never more flourishing than while he was at the head of the government. 2. He adorned the city with magnificent edifices, and jendered it famous for learning, poetry, and beautiful works of art, such as temples, statues, and paintings. Chapter LIII. — 1. Who were the three principal men of Athens ? What of Pericles? 2. What did he do for Athens? 190 UNIVERSAL HISTORY. But the Athenians were jfickle, and generally ungrateful to their public benefactors; and they sometimes ill treated Pericles. 3. In the latter part of his administration, a terrible plague broke out in Athens. Many of the citizens fell '