The History of Rome (Volumes 1-5) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,061 pages of information about The History of Rome (Volumes 1-5).

The History of Rome (Volumes 1-5) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,061 pages of information about The History of Rome (Volumes 1-5).
peoples numbered before their migration 336,000; if we assume that they were at that time already dislodged from the right bank of the Rhine, their territory may be estimated at nearly 1350 square miles.  Whether the serfs are included in this, we can the less determine, as we do not know the form which slavery assumed amongst the Celts; what Caesar relates (i. 4) as to the slaves, clients, and debtors of Orgetorix tells rather in favour of, than against, their being included.

That, moreover, every such attempt to make up by combinations for the statistical basis, in which ancient history is especially deficient, must be received with due caution, will be at once apprehended by the intelligent reader, while he will not absolutely reject it on that account.

12.  “In the interior of Transalpine Gaul on the Rhine,” says Scrofa in Varro, De R. R. i. 7, 8, “when I commanded there, I traversed some districts, where neither the vine nor the olive nor the fruit-tree appears, where they manure the fields with white Pit-chalk, where they have neither rock—­nor sea-salt, but make use of the saline ashes of certain burnt wood instead of salt.”  This description refers probably to the period before Caesar and to the eastern districts of the old province, such as the country of the Allobroges; subsequently Pliny (H.  N. xvii. 6, 42 seq.) describes at length the Gallo-Britannic manuring with marl.

13.  “The Gallic oxen especially are of good repute in Italy, for field labour forsooth; whereas the Ligurian are good for nothing.”  (Varro, De R. R. ii. 5, 9).  Here, no doubt, Cisalpine Gaul is referred to, but the cattle-husbandry there doubtless goes back to the Celtic epoch.  Plautus already mentions the “Gallic ponies” (-Gallici canterii-, Aul. iii. 5. 21).  “It is not every race that is suited for the business of herdsmen; neither the Bastulians nor the Turdulians” (both in Andalusia) “are fit for it; the Celts are the best, especially as respects beasts for riding and burden (-iumenta-)” (Varro, De R. R. ii. 10, 4).

14.  We are led to this conclusion by the designation of the trading or “round” as contrasted with the “long” or war vessel, and the similar contrast of the “oared ships” (—­epikopoi veies—­) and the “merchantmen” (—­olkades—­, Dionys. iii. 44); and moreover by the smallness of the crew in the trading vessels, which in the very largest amounted to not more than 200 men (Rhein.  Mus.  N. F. xi. 625), while in the ordinary galley of three decks there were employed 170 rowers (iii.  II.  The Romans Build A Fleet).  Comp.  Movers, Phoen. ii. 3, 167 seq.

15.  IV.  V. Transalpine Relations of Rome

16.  IV.  V. Defeat of Longinus

17.  IV.  V. Transalpine Relations of Rome

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The History of Rome (Volumes 1-5) from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.