Roman Antiquities, and Ancient Mythology / For Classical Schools (2nd ed)

e and Division of

east, by the Adriatic Sea, or Mare Superum; on the south-west, by a part of the Mediterranean, called the Tu

ed several states or confederacies, under the denominations of Etrurians, Samnites, Latins, Volsci, Campa

s Rome. It was situated on the river Tiber, at

foundations on Mount Palatine, A. M. 3251, B.

but it could hardly be called magnificent before the time of Augustus C?sar. In the reign of the Emperor Valer

Quirinal, Esquiline, Viminal, C?lian, and Aventine; hence it w

me was four millions; but its average po

d each tribe into ten curi?. The number of tr

but afterwards the Equites or Knights were added; and at a later period, slavery was

ng them who had filled any superior office, were considered noble, and possessed the right of making imag

he city, were called "Plebs urbana;" those who lived in the country, "Plebs rustica."

ted on the public bounty, and whose turbulence was a constant source of disquietude to the government. There were leading

ry; and the numerous spectacles which were exhibited, particularly the shows of gladiators, served

ach of the three tribes, one hundred young men, the most distinguished for their rank,

The age requisite was eighteen, and the fortune four hundred sestertia; that is, about 14,000 dollars. Their marks of distinction, were a horse given them at the publ

thout the city to the Capitol, riding on horseback, with wreaths of olives on their heads, dressed in the Tog? palmat? or trabe?, of a scarlet color, and bearing in thei

iminished his fortune, the censor ordered him to

nt, or were born in a state of servitude. Those enemies who voluntarily surre

where the auctioneer stood. These were called Servi or Mancipia. Those who dealt in the slave trade were called Mangones or Venalitii: they were bound to promise for the soundness of thei

n that account entirely lose the right of citizens, for, when freed from slavery, they were called ing

r connexion was called contubernium. The children of

erature and liberal arts. Some of these were sold at a great

. He might scourge or put him to death at pleasure.

and sometimes were forced to carry a piece of wood round their necks, wherever they went, which wa

for grinding corn. When slaves were beaten, they were suspended with a weight tied to their feet, that they might not move th

discovered, all his domestic slaves were liable to be put to death. Hence

er to another, like any other effects. They could not appear in a court of justice as wit

t the feast of Saturn, in the month of December, when they we

Italy, was immense. Some rich individua

e pro-consul or pro-pr?tor, said, "I desire that this man be free, according to the custom of the Romans"-and the pr?tor, if he approved, putting a rod on the head of the slave, pronounced,-"I say that this man is free, after the manner of the Romans."