The Greek and Roman history illustrated by coins & medals representing their religions, rites, manners, customs, games, feasts, arts and sciences : together with a succint account of their emperors, consuls, cities, colonies and families, in two parts, necessary for the introduction of youth into all the useful knowledge of antiquity / by O.W. | Early English Books Online | University of Michigan Library Digital Collections

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PART I. Of COINS and MEDALS. (Book 1)

CHAP. I. Of the first Coin amongst the Romans.

1. IT is agreed by all Authors, that before the use of Money all buying and sel∣ling was Commutation of one Com∣modity for another. But this manner being found inconvenient; because, First, It was almost impossible exactly to adjust the values of things; neither, Secondly, Could Commodities be so easily transported from place to place; many times also, Thirdly, The Ow∣ner of what another stood in need of, did not value what that other had to spare; they de∣vised and agreed upon one Commodity, which might be a common measure for the just esti∣mating of all others. And this at first amongst the Romans (for the Eastern Nations had the use of Silver and Gold-Money long before, as

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appears by the Story of Abraham, Gen. 23. 16.) was Copper.

2. Now they made choice of a Metal ra∣ther than any other Material, because it was frameable easily into any weight or figure; it would also endure longer, and not be so easily broken as Wood and many other things; and was in sufficient quantity, which Jewels were not, and yet not so plentiful as other Stones.

3. And amongst Metals they made choice of Copper, I suppose, because there was great∣er plenty and greater use of it than of other Metals; most of their Utensils, and Arms, de∣fensive especially, being made of it.

So that it being of universal use, every one was ready to exchange for it what he had su∣perfluous. And at first it was exchanged by weight in equality to the value of the thing re∣ceiv'd for it: Whence it comes, that in pay∣ing, spending, &c. the words of Weight, impen∣dere, expendere, appendere, &c. are still used. Hence also (i. e. from Copper, being the only money at first) comes aes, aes alienum, obaerati, aerarium, &c. to signifie not for Brass, but Mo∣ney in general.

4. But because they found it very inconve∣nient still to be weighing, Posterity devised to set a publick Stamp on certain pieces, which should declare their weight; and this in Rome was begun (as some say) by Numa Pompilius, from whose Name they will have it call'd Nummus: But as Pliny, l. 18. c. 3. by Servius Tullus, who marked the Images of an Ox, a Sheep, a Swine; either in imitation of the A∣thenian

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Coyn, or in reference to their value; that so many of such a Mark ordinarily bought an Ox, a Sheep, or an Hog. Hence it was call'd Pecunia. The pieces thus stamped (where∣of none have been of a long time extant) were of divers weight; some of one pound call'd As, some of two pounds call'd Dupondium, o∣thers of the parts of an As, which had each their several names. For their As or pound was divided into twelve parts, one Ounce was call'd Uncia.

Sextans was 2 ounces or 1/6 of an As.
Quadrans was 3 ounces or ¼ of an As.
Triens 4 ounces or ⅓ of an As.
Quincunx 5 ounces.
Semis, Selibra 6 ounces, half an As.
Sextunx 7 ounces, or 6 and 1 ounce.
Bes 8 ounces or ⅔ of an As.
Dodrans 9 ounces or ¾ of an As.
Dextans 10 ounces or Sextans subducted from an As.
Deunx 11 ounces or Uncia de Asse.

5. Nor had the Romans any other Brass Mo∣ney than this, which was very inconvenient by reason of the weight; so that they were wont to bring their Contribution Money to the Treasury in Carts, and it was deservedly call'd aes grave, [which was the reason that they were not so much concern'd who coined Mo∣ney; and that they took thence Money for publick occasions; which, if in Bullion, was coined to make it currant amongst the people]

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for any thing I can discover, till the first Car∣thaginian War; when the Treasury being ex∣hausted, and the Commonwealth much in∣debted; they raised the value of their Coyn, ordering that an As should but weigh 2 Oun∣ces, and so be Sextantarius; so that of every As was made 6, of which the Commonwealth got five. And then, as it seemeth, began their Mo∣ney (probably after the Example of Sicily, some parts of Greece, and most of Italy) to be stam∣ped with the Image of two-faced Janus on the one side, and the Beak of a Ship in the greater, and the Stern in lesser, pieces of Coyn.

6. But afterwards when they were brought to that great distress by Hannibal, Q. Fabius Max. being Dictator, they were again lessened; and the As was made of the weight of one ounce, and after a while by the Papyrian Law of half an ounce: and of these they coyn'd not only ounces, but halves ¼^s ¾^s for the great∣er ease of the people, as appears by the Marks which we see upon the Consular Brass Money, (tho this Money be now found rarely) amongst the which was the Quadrans ratitus, pay'd or∣dinarily for their passage by water from the City to Mount Aventine, then separated by a Ponds or Marshy Lake; upon this was the Stern of a Rates or Ferry-boat, as upon the As was that of a Ship.

7. In the Year V. C. (of the City's building) 484. five years before the first Carthaginian War, was coyn'd the first Silver after the Pat∣tern of the Sicilians; and the Denarius was made

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equal to 10 Asses, and therefore had this Mark X or ♓, which Priscian calls Perscriptum, the Quinarius or Victoriatus to 5, and Sestertius to 2, and ½ or ¼ of a Denarius, which seems very strange that 1/84 of 1 l. at most in Silver, should be of equal value to 10 l. of Brass, that is, one pound of Silver to 840 l. of Brass; and this disproportion probably caused the lessening of their Brass Coyn before-mentioned, which was done not long after.

8. But afterwards in the great necessity of the City, in the second Carthaginian War, as they rais'd the value of their Brass Money, so did they also of their Silver; making the De∣narius equal to 16 Asses, the Quinarius to 8, and the Sestertius to 4, as by the Marks on some of those Coyns appeareth. And I know not whe∣ther those Rates were much altered till Justi∣nian's time.

9. Concerning the Weight of the Denarius, Peireskius was of Opinion, and perhaps not without Reason; that the first Denarii were six to an ounce, or 72 to a pound or Mna Attica; but the latter were manifestly 7 to an ounce, or 84 to a pound. Al•…•… è pondere subtrahunt, cum sit iustum 84 E libris signari, saith Pliny l. 33. c. 9. and tho the Denarius of the Emperors was chang'd according to the Exigences of State, yet seldom exceeded the seventh part of a Ro∣man Ounce, nor less than an eighth, making sometimes 86. 88, and so to 96, rarely a 100 Denarii in 1 l. and that only after Nero's time.

10. In Valuation as Coyn, the Denarius and Drachma Atticum was all one, tho not so in

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weight; the Denarius weighing about 63 of our grains, the Drachma about 67, of the same weight is a Drachma of Gold, such were the Aureus Philippicus, Daricus, &c. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was 2 Drachma's, Stater was 4 Drachmaes equal to a Shekel, 10000 Drachmaes were equal to one Talent. An Attick Ounce made 8 Drachma's; so that it should seem that the Attick and Ro∣man Ounces were different. A Drachme of Silver is worth of English Money 8, q^a q. The Denarius Consularis 7^d ob. q^a allowing 8 grains to an English Penny at 5 s. per Ounce.

Villalpandus saith, that the Roman Ounce, Pound, &c. are the same which are now used in Rome, but Savot contradicts him, tho I can∣not make out the difference; for he saith on∣ly, that an ancient Roman pound was equal to 10 ounces ¼ French.

Mr. Greaves saith, that an old Roman pound, &c. weigheth 5246 English Grains, of which our pound Troy weigheth 5760; so that the dif∣ference of these Pounds is 514 grains.

11. LXII years after the Coyning of Silver, i. e. anno V. C. 546. (tho Pliny in another place saith it was, and it is more probable it should be only XIII) anno V. C. 496. they began to stamp Gold, also (Plin. l. 33. c. 3.) much∣what with the same Stamps as the Silver, but one Aureus, or Denarius aureus, for so it is also call'd, weighed ordinarily 2 Denarii of Silver, or 6 Scrupula (the Silver Denarius weighing 3) and was ordinarily worth 24 Denarii; so that that Ration of Gold to Silver was 12 to one. But it should seem that the number of

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Aurei out of 1 l. varied as the Denarii of Silver, for when there were 96 in 1 l. of Silver, there were of Gold 48: and tho divers Authors say 50, yet it should seem those 2 were only for the coyning or clipping Money; so that tho the Gold in an Aureus was worth but 24 De∣narii, yet an Aureus coyned was current for 25 Denarii or 100 Sesterces. And this was the or∣dinary proportion and manner in the time of the Emperors, but at first (as Pliny saith) this proportion was not the same, but the Gold was heavier, and they made fewer out of one 1 l. I think it not worth labour to examine this obscure matter any further; and also if in this whole Discourse I have not every where hit this Truth, I beg your pardon; I have to my best ability set down what I found most probable; but the value of their Money was so often changed, their counting also by Sesterces so ob∣scure and intricate; Authors also making use of numeral Letters in transcribing and printing are so corrupted, besides the difficulty of the Matter it self, that Learned men in these later Ages cannot agree about either the number or weight of their Coyns, as you will see if you please to take the pains to read amongst many, these the most Eminent, Budaeus, Geor. Agri∣cola, Hottoman, and our Mr. John Greaves.

12. Till Severus Alexander's time there doth not seem to have been any Pieces coyned but the Aureus, but he began to coyn Semisses and Tremisses, and then probably began the Aureus to be commonly call'd Solidus (tho the word be found also in Adrian's time) in respect of

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the others, which were but parts; till his time also the Gold was very good near 24 Caracts fine, which was call'd Obrizum, at{que} illum, ut qui simili colore rubeat, saith Pliny, quo ignis, Obryzum vocant. But in Sueton the word is otherwise; for he saith, Nero exegit nummum asperum (rospo) [the roughest, best and new∣est Coyn]; Argentum pustulatum [which the French call Argent de Grenaille, and that is thus; When the Refiners take Silver once refined, melt it again in a Wind-furnace, keeping it melted a long time, scumming still the Litharge from it, (which they make to rise by casting in Coal-dust) so long till they see their Silver fine and clean; they then cast it into a Pale of clean water, which makes the Silver fall down in little drops and bubbles, which they call Grenaille, we call it garbled, and the La∣tins Argentum pustulatum] & Aurum ad obrusam [i. e. purisied or perfectly fined, which now a∣days they call 24 Caracts sine] but he [Severus Alexander] (tho in his Medals call'd (for what reason I know not, tho I am consident that admirable Prince did nothing in ostentation) Restitutor monetae) abased it; and coined some∣times Electrum, which is about 19 Caracts; P. lin. l. 33. c. 4. saith, it is a fifth part Silver, quod [Argentum] si quintam partem excesserit, in∣eudibus non resistit. His Silver also was bad, some of it not above 4 ounces fine; yet I find not but that he kept the former weight of the Au∣reus, as did the succeeding Emperors till Constan∣tine the Great, who made 84 out of a pound. But Valentinian heightned them somewhat again,

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making 72 out of 1 l. which is the reason why in the later Latin Authors Solidu•…•… is call'd Sex∣tula, because six of them were made out of one ounce.

13. At first the Denarius had on one side the Head of Roma, on the other Castor and Pollux, as the Victoriatus had a Victoria. Afterward retai∣ning the Head of Rome, or some other God, they stamped the reverse with a Biga or Qua∣driga, i. e. Chariots drawn with two or four Horses, whence they were call'd Bigati & Quadrigati. But afterwards [as it seems to me] (for it is generally affirmed by Learned Au∣thors, that the stamping their Names or Devi∣ces upon the Coin was granted as an Honour by the Senate to such Persons as had done some famous Exploit, or notable Service for the Commonwealth; which tho perhaps it may be true in some very-very few Causes, as for instance, Sueton, c. 94. speaks of Augustus con∣sulting an Astrologer together with Agrippa: Tantam mox fati fiduciam Augustus habuit, ut nummum argenteum notâ Sideris Capricorni, quo natus est, percusserit; then was Augustus under nineteen years old. Great persons, which were no Magistrates (and not Magistrates only) had liberty to coin Money; or at least Medals or Donaria: and if thus, it will follow, that they made such Donaria upon several occasions, as Birth of Children, &c. Perhaps the Triumviri coin'd the ordinary Money, what other per∣sons stamped was for Donatives and extraor∣dinary; or not much unlike to what is now in Moscovy, certain Officers to coin the publick

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Money, but every man might coin his own; yet in the general, as I said, it seems to me that the Officers of the Mint had liberty to put what stamp themselves pleas'd upon the Coin; which was frequently somewhat to their own Honour. For besides that, we find very few or no Coins of the famousest men, as of Scipio, Sylla, Marius, Flaminius, &c. before Ju∣lius Caesar (who indeed, saith Dio, l. 44. had that Priviledge given him by the Senate, to have his Image upon the Coin in his life time) so have we still the Names of one or more Mint-masters, with Reverses sometimes allu∣ding to their Names, as the Lartch-tree to La∣riscolus, an Ox or Calf to Vitellius, somewhat of Medicine to Acilius, and the like; or to the Honour of their Family or Country: as Pomponius put upon his Coin Numa Pompilius; Titurius stamped Tatius the first King of the Sabines; or somewhat of their own Exploits, as Metellus stamped an Elephant, divers others Victories, and the like. And this continued a good part of Augustus's time, even as long as the Triumviri put their Names upon the Coin with Augustus's Head.

14. There were in the City certain Officers on purpose to overlook the Mint, who were Magistratus minores. Cic. de leg. lib. 3. called Curatores Denariorum flandorum: how many at first I know not, but afterwards there were three of them called Triumviri: A. A. A. F. F. F. i. e. AEre, Argento, Auro, flando, feriendo, faciun∣do till Julius Caesar's time, who increased their number, making them IIII-Viri, and so that

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number continued till after the Victory of Au∣gustus at Actium; when the Quatuorviri were again reduced to Triumviri, and so they con∣tinued. These Officers were chosen ex ordine Equestri, and coined sometimes the publick Money, which is expressed thus EX A. P. sometimes also (tho as I said, seldom) the Se∣nate ordered the Inscription, and then there is SC upon it; but it should seem most com∣monly the Bullion of private persons, and the Inscription at their own discretion.

15. These were Officers in the City, but there was also Money coined in divers Provin∣ces, Colonies, and Municipia; and it was a Privilege granted to them, as also to some private men, if that place in Suetonius Tiber. c. 49. be so to be understood. Plurimis civita∣tibus & privatis veteres immunitates & jus Me∣tallorum (which if not coining, I know not what it is) & Vectigalium adempta. Particularly the Officers General of their Armies coined Money very frequently (as it should seem) for speedy payment of their Souldiers; as at Apo∣lonia, Cic. Ep. fam. C. 13. L. Planco: and then the Duumviri or annual Governors of those places (representing the Consuls at Rome) mar∣ked II viri or H viri; or the chief Magistrate of the place was Mint-master; as we see it frequently in the Greek Coins of the Roman Emperors.

16. It is also probable, that till Aurelians's time it was lawful, if not for all, yet for very many Persons and Cities to coin; perhaps all those who had Charges of high Priesthood and

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Sacrifices: which is the reason of such diver∣sity of Coins and Medals before his time. It should seem also, that Aurelian reduced the Privilege of Coining to a few Cities, per∣haps to those named in notitiâ Imperii; which might be the cause of the great and difficult War he had with the Monetarii, of whom 40000 perished. Hence in and after his time, and not, or rarely, before, Sacra Moneta, i. e. which belong to the Exchequer to coin: few Greek Coins also after that time, few or no Medail∣lons, and little variety of Reverses; the Exche∣quer coining all of a bigness, and with the same Stamps.

Now to what Cities the Minting was restrai∣ned, is very uncertain: In the times of the later Emperors the Cities, which had the Pri∣vilege of coining, put their Names to the Coin, or some other Mark with Letters; for what else those Letters in the Coins of the later Emperors should denote, I cannot imagine. Of such as set their Names, I have observed these: All with S. C. or with R, seem to have been coined at Rome, and commonly by good Masters.

Con. Constantinopolis.
Scis. Sciscia.
Sir. Sirmium.
Tr. Treviri.
Arl. Arelate. * 1.1
Lon. Londinum.
Lug. Lugdunum.
Nem. Nicomedia.
...

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Ant. Antiochia.
Al. Alexandria.
TES. perhaps Thessalonica.

Yet I am not satisfied with this Interpretation of the Letters on the Reverses of the later Em∣perors, as if they signified the place where coined, for I see some of them that no man can so apply; and therefore, as I said, I sup∣pose them rather Marks or private Notes.

SM. NM. perhaps Sac. Moneta Nova Me∣diolanensis.

S. M. Sacra Moneta, Ob. obsignata, P. per∣cussa, S. signata.

17. Some think that the Jews, till the destru∣ction of the City, had liberty of coining their own Money, and with their own Stamp, which, say they, is the reason that we see so many Shekels. But I find in the New Testament only mention of Grecian, or Roman Money; and I am afraid many of those Shekels are counterfeit, Scaliger thinketh by the ancient Christians; but I am sure both by ancient and modern Jews, who are the greatest Falsifyers of ancient Coins, both Roman and Grecian as well as Jewish in the World, and this them∣selves have confessed to me.

18. Divers Colomes (as Patrae and many others) had the Priviledge granted them, some∣times by the Senate, sometimes by the Empe∣ror to coin Brass Money, as appears by divers Spanish Medals in Ant. Augustinus: and in some

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of Augustus, and in those Medals D. D. signi∣fies those Medals to have been coined Decreto Decurionum, or the chief Magistrates of such Colonies or Municipia.

CHAP. II. Of Medals.

THE later Italians call all those ancient Pieces Medaglie, quasi Metaglie, because made of Metal; which Name is still used to signifie such, whether Money, or other stam∣ped or coined Pieces, as are reserved from Antiquity.

1. And of those, as I doubt not but (as AEneas Vicus, Savot, and others say) some were current Money; such were those which had sacra Moneta, or three Women representing the three Materials of Coin; or some one or more of the III-virs Names with A. A. A. Those which have the Mark of any part of an As, and generally all the lesser sizes; all very much worn; all of bad Masters, as are most of those by the Grecian Cities of the Roman Emperors, and such also (saith Cellini) as have but a shal∣low impression; for Medals (as being for or∣nament more than use) were made with great∣er care and expence.

So they will also confess, that not all, which now we have, were ordinary Coin: as, 1. Not

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the greater sort, which the Italians call Me∣daglioni, many of which weigh 2 ounces and ½. 2. Not such as have about them a Circle of some other Metal than the Medal it self, which the Italians call Cotorniate, or Contornate: those (as they say) were either Missilia, Donatives, or Testimonia probatae Monetae, which the French call Pieds forts, or Essays of their Workman∣ship presented to the Prince and Persons of greatest Quality, which is the reason there are so few of them; especially those so accurately wrought, that some have thought that they made no more than one with one stamp. The reason why I conceive those not to be Coin is, because they cost more making than they could be worth in common usage; and for the same reason they must also grant that all of extraor∣dinary Workmanship; as also those of Corin∣thian Brass (if any such, of which by and by) and in fine, whatever would not quit cost were also for other uses than current Money. And this is also confirmed by what is confessed of the Writers of those matters; that the Medals of the former Emperors were not current in the times of the later, who yet restamped ma∣ny of them: and it is observed, that some of the Emperors after Severus, probably Gallie∣nus, stamped a new Medals of all the consecra∣ted Emperors, yet not so lively as the former, but having their Faces somewhat mingled with the Tracts of the then present.

2. It is worth inquiring what uses they made of them, and to what end they coined those beautiful and costly Medals, I shall propose:

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1. That they were much taken with the Excel∣lency of the Workmanship, and that after∣wards they wore them about their Necks: D. L. 7. tit. 1. l. 28. Nomismatum aureorum vel argen∣torum veterum, quibus pro gemmis uti solent, usus∣fructus legari potest. Glossa; animi voluptatem, de∣lectationem, & recreationem pro fructu haberi. And tho here be mention only made of gold and silver ones, yet 'tis not improbable those also of Corinthian Brass, if any such, or other Brass gilt (of which sort there are many) were also for the same use: Suet. Aug. cap. 75. Saturnalibus & si quando alias libuisset, modo mu∣nera dividebat, vestem, & aurum, & argentum, modo nummos omnis not•…•… etiam veteres, regios, & peregrinos; therefore Medals in that time were in great request; which also is collected out of his Tib. c. 58. Capitale esset nummo vel annulo Effigiem Augusti impressam Latrinae aut Lupanari intulisse; wherefore either he speaks of some extraordinary Stamp, and not of the Money ordinarily stamped with the Image of Augu∣stus; but that those so stamped were of more Respect and Dignity, and for Donaria; or that there was great quantity of other Money not so stamped. Besides see in Nero, c. 11. the great profuseness of Nero in his Missilia, Vest is, Aurum, Argentum, &c. But this could not be the principal intention of their making. Be∣sides therefore the formerly mention'd purpo∣ses; I conceive the Princes themselves caused them to be made for the conservation of their Names and great Actions. For which they chose Brass rather than Iron, because more

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easie to work, not so subject to rust, and more beautiful; rather than Gold and Silver, because the Workmanship being of more value than the Metal, was likely to escape the Goldsmiths fire, the prodigal hand of a careless Heir, the subtlety of the Thief, and the transportation of the Merchant. Now I conceive this to be their intention, because we see them so excellently wrought; all signal Actions with the exact ob∣servation of Time, &c. and many times the Au∣thority of the Senate fixed upon them; which being frequenter (S. C.) upon the large Brass Medals than upon Silver and Gold, intimates that there was some greater value set upon these than the other. Besides, few Inscriptions there are either in Gold or Silver, which are not also in Brass, but many in Brass, which are neither in Gold nor Silver. The Cotorniate also are all in Brass; the Figures in Brass are better cut; the Erudition also greater; to which add, that few, if any, Greek Medals, and Medals of Colonies of the Emperors in any but Brass; and then you have also the reason why greater account is generally made in these times of Brass-medals then either of Gold or Silver.

3. Medals of Copper are of divers sorts, chiefly three, Red, Yellow, and White. Red is ordinary Copper, of which there were di∣vers sorts, as you may see in Pliny, l. 33. c. 1, 2. I think it not worth time to stand upon them. White was either Copper silver'd o're, or min∣gled with Tin, and that either whitened after they were coined, perhaps as we do now Studs

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and Nails, &c. as it is manifest in some of Aure∣lian, Probus, and that time, or else before; of which sort there are some in the first part of the Empire, chiefly in the Coins of the exter∣nal Cities of Augustus, Tiberius, Nero, and so to the Antonini, the which also are not of any good Master, and therefore not counterfeited. Yellow also is of several sorts, 1. Red or Cop∣per gilt, 2. a real Gold-colour throughout, 3. Brass or Kettle-metal, 4. bright yellow Copper gilt, 5. Brass or Kettle-metal gilt. 6. Pot or Candlestick-metal which is mingled with Tin or Lead. Till Severus Alex. most of the Coins are of some of the five first, but after him almost all of the last sort and worst. The second and third sort are they which go under the name of Corinthian Brass, concerning which Authors disagree. For Savot saith plainly, there are none extant either of true Corinthian Brass (i. e.) such as was made accidentally at the bur∣ning of Corinth by L. Mummius, where all the Statues of Gold, Silver and Brass running to∣gether, made a very beautiful and much-prized Composition, or of such as was made in imi∣tation of it; but those that seem so, saith he, are either Brass gilded, and not mingled in the melting; or else such as have that beautiful yellow colour from the Calaminaris, which some Copper imbibes better than other; as Pliny, lib 34. c. 2. observes of Livianum and Cordubense, which, saith he, were near as good as natural Orichalcum (which before his time was failed) and of these he noteth, that smal∣ler

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Money was made, but the Asses of Cyprus-Brass. But other Authors affirm, that there are Medals extant of Corinthian Brass, and those of three sorts: The first is of divers colours, white and yellow, as it were inlaid; caused probably, because the Metals mingled in pie∣ces, the fire not being sufficient to melt them down; of this matter very few, yet some of Tiberius, C. Caesar and Claudius they say they are. The second sort is white, in which the Silver predominated, these also very rare. The third sort is of the colour of Gold, of which (saith AEneas Vicus) there are many of Tiberius and till the Antonines, but none afterwards. These Medals also are, as he saith, of Excel∣lent Masters, and are also much prized. How to determine the Controversie, I know not, I confess I never saw any of the three sorts to my best remembrance, yet methinks 'tis hard to maintain a Negative against them, who pretend to know and to have seen them.

4. Amongst the Silver-coins many are found of Iron and Brass within, and covered with a thin Plate of Silver; which was the reason, that to discover this fraud, they filed them in small notches, and call'd them Serratos; and (as Tacitus notes) were in reputation amongst the Germans. Pecuniam probant veterem, ac diu notam, Serratos, Bigatos{que}. De Moribus Germ. Tho Ful. Vrs. interprets Serratos such as had Saws stamped upon them, of which sort are very few, if any. M. Antonius is noted to have used this fraud, as also Livius Drusus to have

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mingled ⅛ of Brass with the Silver; but in later times Princes have taken care to make their Coin thinner, for the avoiding this Abuse.

CHAP. III. Of false, counterfeit, modern and rare Medals.

1. IN the late renovation of Learning divers persons, inquiring into Antiquity, took notice of the advantage to be received from Medals, towards the perfecting History, and understanding the ancient Customs of the Ro∣mans, began to search after them with great curiosity; and procured them at very great Rates, which was the cause that several Work∣men, in hope of gain, set their minds to coun∣feit them. Such were Victor Gambello; Giovan∣ni del Cavino, and his Son call'd Padoani, very excellent, yea the best Workmen, and whose Counterfeits are better than the Originals ma∣ny times, by which and by their forked Let∣ters they are discovered; Benevenuto Cellini that excellent Goldsmith; Alexander Greco; Leo Aretine; Jacopo da Tresso; Frederick Bonzagna, and Giovan-Jacapo his Brother; Sebastian Plu•…•…∣bo; and Valerius de Vicenza, Gorlaeus also; and 'tis now a Trade amongst the Jews more than the Christians. But these are more tolerable, who

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did only remake ancient true Medals, than T. Annius Viterb. who himself, besides Medals, framed Inscriptions of his own imagination, and buried them in convenient places, that when they seemed ancient, he might find, pre∣sent, and vend them to the World, as he did his Berosus, &c. The same abuse of describing false Coins for true is also said to be in Gue∣vara's Epistles, Jov. Pontanus his Venditionis Formula; Pompon. Laetus his Will, Joh. Camers, Cyr. Anconitanus call'd the Antiquary and the Promptuarium Iconum, by which two last many Authors, especially the Spanish, have been misled.

2. The first who set out the Effigies of the Emperors and other famous Persons, was Card. Sadolet, or (as some say) Fulvius Ursinus (for under his Name the Book goes) under the Title of Illustrium Imagines printed * 1.2 anno 1517. or perhaps next to him Joan. Hut∣tichius put out a Book call'd Imperatorum Ro∣manorum libellus un•…•… cum imaginibus, &c. at Stras∣bourg, anno 1525. and in other places after∣wards, the Figures nothing like those upon their Medals. Jac. Strada, anno 1553. at Ly∣ons published his Epitome Thesauri Antiquit atum. This Work was again imitated at Zurich, anno 1558. and afterwards by Rouille at Lyons under the name of Promptuarium Numismatum. Stra∣da is but indifferently faithful, and this Edi∣tion especially hath added many false Images and Medals: by the way also note, that the Book of Inscriptions printed at Rome in Leo X's

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time, is censured to be corruptly printed.

3. Now the ways of falsifying them are these: 1. By filing of the halves of two Me∣dals, whereof one side is wasted, and sodering them together. This is discerned easily, because many times the two parts do not belong to the same Emperor, nor are of the same Master; but chiefly because the conjunction appears by a white or silver Thread (for their Soder is made of that Metal) round about the Edge. 2. If an ancient Medal be almost consumed by working it over again with a Burin or graving Tool, and reingraving the worn Figures; if well done, these are not •…•…uch inferior to true ones: but are known, because the middle is more hollow than the edges. 3. By restamp∣ing a Medal worn on both or one side; or by stamping a new Medal, by which means most of the modern ones are made; if on one side, they lay a Felt under the other side, notwith∣standing which, that side will be flat and bat∣tered whilst the other is fresh and rough: if both sides be new stamped, the Traits will be crude and apparent, besides that the new Scul∣pture is of another Mine than the ancient: the Letters made with another proportion, the M^s straight down, whereas all the Ancients are M. And by the writing are they well dis∣cerned, for the Letters of the ancient are not uniform, nor very decent: Seeing, as Cellini very acutely observes, they graved all their Molds with Chisels or Burins, whereas the late Counterfeiters struck theirs with a Punch. But

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the best way is that which Pliny saith, l. 33. c. 9. by comparing them with other modern and counterfeit ones. In hâc artium solâ Vitia discuntur, & falsi denarii spectatur exemplar, plu∣ribus{que} veris denariis adulterinus emitur. 4. By casting a new Medal upon an ancient one; to distinguish these, you must take notice, that Learned men do conceive the manner of coin∣ing, especially great Medals, was anciently to melt the Metal, and cast it into Molds like a Ball, or Bullet, and then being hot, to stamp them flat with a great and heavy Hammer (such a one as we see upon some Medals) whence it comes, that most of the Medals have clefts in the Edges, caused by the force of the Instru∣ment, which the cast ones do not well repre∣sent. Besides, the melted Metal doth not so well and distinctly receive the minute Traicts of the stamp. Again, be the Spaud never so fine, there will appear small roughnesses as of Sand upon the cast Piece; nor can the best Caster in the most accurate flaskes hinder, that there shall not be little Edges of Metal to be filed away; the cast ones also are lighter than the true. 5. Lastly, by filling up a corroded Medal with a certain strong Paste, and casting over all a thick Varnish made of Sulphur, Ver∣digrease and Vinegar; which when you see you must suspect, and trying with any sharp In∣strument easily discover the fraud.

4. To give Rules sufficient for discerning of all false Medals is impossible, yet some few I will set down. 1. All which have moral sen∣tences

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upon them; as Festina lente; Veni, vi∣di, vici, and the like, are false: there being ordinarily nothing but the Names, Titles, Time, Offices, &c. of the Prince, &c. 2. All or the greatest part of the Ancients, who were not Sovereign Princes, or who lived in Common∣wealths are counterfeit, as of Hannibal, Plato, Alcibiades, Nero, which Petrus Galilaeus sold to Paul IV. at a vast rate, Artemisia, Fabius, Sci∣pio Africanus, and the like: also Medalions of Priamus, Dido, &c. also the large ones of Carluas M. with a long Beard, and Gothick Inscription. 3. Divers of the Augustae in AEneas Vicus (i. e.) such as he confesseth to have taken out of Promptuarium Iconum. 4. All the ancient gold Coins were fine, and if not fine, not ancient. 5. To say somewhat of the Value of them, ob∣serve these Rules: 1. Modern Medals well cast upon ancient ones, if cleansed and hansomed, are the best of all counterfeits, and may serve very well to fill up a Series. 2. Modern Me∣dals stamped of a good Master after ancient ones, and of a good representation are the next best, and are more worth than a common an∣cient one. Modern ones also stamped upon an ancient one defaced, are better than of mo∣dern Metal. 3. Of all modern Counterfeiters the Padoani are the best, and their Works, especially such as were stamped when the Stamps were fresh, are much esteemed.

5. It is very hard to cleanse a Brass Medal from Earth and Rust, some boil them half an hour in Water with Tartar, and a little Alom,

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after they are cold rub them well with Tanners Oaze or with Bran; others pass them over lightly with Aqua fortis, but this is dangerous, and by no means to be used in such as are of mixed Metals; others put them in the fire, but that commonly spoils them; others rub them with Tripoly or a Wire-brush; but the best way is with the Burin or Graving tool for them that know to use it and have the patience.

6. Medals are esteemed, 1. for their Anti∣quity, 2. for the goodness of their Master; the best Masters were from Nero to Pertinax, a time of long Peace, 3. for their well-conserva∣tion, cleanness, and beauty, 4. for their great∣ness, 5. for their Erudition, 6. for their rarity, 7. to make up a Series. Now these Rules are observed by men of the Trade concerning their rareness and value.

7. The Medals are rare, when of a Person who reigned but a short time; or but few made of him, or one that is singular of an Emperor of whom there are many common. Medals Contorniate, tho of a bad Master, are rare and very much esteemed, so are they which have the Face hollow, such also as have two Heads upon them, whether on the same or divers sides; such as have the bust or good part of the Body with the Head; such are ma∣ny of those who were only Caesar's, and not Augustus's, which have no Reverses, save only an Inscription. The Medals of the lower Em∣perors in great, and of the higher in little, are rarer. Great Greek Medals of the Emperors

Page 26

are not much more esteemed than the lesser, be∣cause of their ill Masters. Great Consular Me∣dals rare, if any at all. Medaglions of Gold and Silver very rare, if any at all, of Brass also rare: Which to understand, take notice there are four bignesses of Medals, 1. Medaglions, 2. great Medals which have frequently S. C. upon them, 3. mean, 4. small ones. The exact bigness of each, tho both Goltzius and Ant. Augustinus set down, yet I think them not exact enough to give them here. Note al∣so, that they are dearer in some places than others; either according as they find Chap∣men, or are known, or that the Emperors lived there; as here Carausius and Allectus are not scarce, which in other places are counted very rare.

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CHAP. IV. Of Greek Coins.

1. BEfore we come to the Roman, it will not be amiss to speak somewhat of the Greek Coins, supposing what we hinted be∣fore, that those with the Figures of the ancient Athenian and Lacedaemonian Generals, the large ones with the Temple of Diana, Mausolaeum, Q. Dido, Priamus, and the like, are all false; and that there is no true Medal of Moses, or the Kings of Caldaea, Judaea, &c. we will speak only of the unsuspected.

2. The Gold-Coins, whether Darici, Philip∣pei, Alexandrei, or others, were much what of the same Value and Weight, to wit, about 133 ½ gr. English, or 179 gr. of Holland equal in weight to the Didrachma, but in value 20 Drachmae of Silver. So that it appears their Gold had decuple Ration to their Silver, and that five Darici were worth a Mna or Mina which was 100 Drams. The Attick 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was ½ of an ounce; and somewhat heavier than the Roman Denarius, tho among the Romans (the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 being a Foreign Coin) they pas∣sed promiscuously one for the other. The Drachma contained 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (Scruples) 3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (oboli) 6. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (lupuli) 9. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (sili∣quas)

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18. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (aereola) 48. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was two Drachmaes. And 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 4 Drams was call'd Stater. The Drachma weighs less than 70 English gr. and the best 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (Pallas ℞ à noctua) about 268 gr.

3. The Greek Coins were either of Kings and Princes, or Republicks; for I shall speak of such as were coined under the Roman Em∣perors in their proper places Nor will I di∣stinctly set down the Grecian from the Sicilian and Italian-Magna-Graecia ones. The Coins of the Kings are more rare in Brass than in Silver, but of the Republicks rarer in Silver than in Brass. The Greek ones of the Roman Emperors are very rare in Silver, and I know not whe∣ther any at all in Gold; all in a manner of bad Masters: Some there are, but rarely, which are Greek on one side, and Latin on the other: Some, tho Greek, have Latin In∣scriptions, as Suessano, M•…•…nturnens, &c. This Catalogue I have taken chiefly out of Goltzius. Paruta (who hath written of the Sicilian Me∣dals) I have not yet seen.

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〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, on∣ly found in Reverse to Geta and some other Ro∣man Emperor.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedon. Antigonus in Silver not very rare, but not known of which of them.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, rarely with his Head, ordinarily Juno ℞ a Thunderbolt.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedon, rare.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of the fews, rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, very common with great va∣riety of Reverses with the Lyons Skin, is to be under∣stood Ludi Alexandrei in honorem Herculis; the Arabians call him not A∣lexander, but by a name that signifies Bicornis.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not rare, except with an Elephant, or ℞ his Wife Cleopa∣tra.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria, rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (fi∣lius, sc) King of Epire, Brother of Olympias, Un∣cle of Alexander the Great.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria, rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Amyntas third King of Macedon, very rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Mace∣don, rare.

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〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Bithynia, his Head ℞ a Goddess with Arms ex∣panded.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedon.
Areta, Rex.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Pergamus, rare.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Cappadocia.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Chalcis, Brother of Herodes Agrippa King of Judaea, of whom Acts 22.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Queen of Egypt.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Queen of Caria.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Pergamus, rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Judaea.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Queen of Egypt, rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Sun in Fac∣cia ℞, a man with a two∣edged Ax on his shoulder, and a Spear in his hand 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Probably money of Caria, where Hecatom∣nus the Prince left five Children, 1. Mausolus, who married his Sister, 2. Artemisia, who both dying, 3. Idrieus succeed∣ed, who married, 4. A∣da his Sister. He dying, she was deposed, and ba∣nished by 5. Pexodorus the youngest Son, but was restored by Alexander the Great.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, very rare.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Sicily, very rare.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, frequent, but not known of which.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, rare.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King in Sicily, com∣mon.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syracuse, very rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Sicily, rare.

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〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Mauritania, on one side Roman, on the other Punick Letters, common; with any other Inscription, rare.	and Cleopatra Daughter of Antiochus M. Wife of Euergetes or Physcon.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Son of the former. ℞ Cleopatra, the Daughter of M. Antonius by the Egyptian Cleopatra. This was the famous Historian, very rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Mace∣don, common; his Head with Jupiter Hammons Horns; usually the Kings of Macedon, after Alexan∣der so decypher'd.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. his Head, ℞ the three Graces, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, her Head, and ℞ a Lobster.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Caria.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Daughter of Antiochus King of Co∣magenae, and Wife of A∣lexander Son of Tigranes, made King of Armenia by Nero.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Mace∣don.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Mace∣don, rare. His Head ℞ Jupiter thundering.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Caria.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Queen of Egypt, rare in Gold, rarer with M. Antony.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Cnossians.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (the great) common, his Head ℞ a Stag.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, rare.
Cesarion, rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. very rare
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, pro∣bably 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Daughter of Ptolomaeus Philometor,	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Caria.

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〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedo∣nia.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedo∣nia.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Bithynia, common.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Epire and Macedonia.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedon.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedon.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria.
Ptolemaeus, King of Egypt, very common, not known of which, the ordinary Head is Jupiters, not Pto∣lomy's, ℞ an Eagle.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Egypt.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedo∣nia.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not very rare. Seguin hath set out one with the Heads of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ and Berenice on one side▪ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. on the other Ptol. Phi∣ladelph. Arsinoe and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Armenia, rare.
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria, very rare. Sir J. Mar∣sham had one.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not ve∣ry rare.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Perga∣mus, in Silver not rare, an Eunuch. Lysimachus seized upon his Treasures and the City Pergamus, and began the Monarchy of Pergamus or the Atta∣•…•…ci.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Page 33

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Syria.	Coin is commonly of a Drachma, the other Phi∣lips, more commonly Di∣drachmes.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, King of Macedon, the last but one: his
Apud Seguinum.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a barbarous Head, with a Beard and a Diadem. R, a young man on horse-back. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a King of Thrace, who fought a sore and doubtful battel with Lysimachus presently after A∣lexander's death. There are also, tho very rare, extant, Coins of Rhaemetalces, Cotys, and Rescuporis, Kings of Thracia: proba∣bly also of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Pythonice Wife perhaps of Cotys. Ininthymenou, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Page 34

A Catalogue of the Coins of the Grecian Common∣wealths, chiefly out of Goltzius. I have taken in all that Goltzius hath both in his Graecia, Insulis Graeciae, Asia, Sicilia and Magna Grae∣cia, and some others.

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These which are Asterisced are not in Golt∣zius's greater Work, but in that which is as it were an Index to all the rest; howbeit tho they are not described in his Book, yet divers of them are not very rare: As also there are divers Coins of those Cities he sets down not described in him. As,

Catana in Sicily had on one side the two Bro∣thers carrying their aged Parents upon their shoulders out of the burning.

Tenedos, a double or two-edged Hatchet; ℞ an Head of a Man and Woman, in Memo∣ry of a Law made by King Tennes, that a man and woman taken in Adultery should have their heads struck off with an Hatchet; his own Son being afterwards taken in the fact, he was consulted what should be done with him, and answered, Let the Law be executed, which accordingly was, and this Tennes afterwards Deified.

Corinth had Bellerophon killing a Chimaera. Bellerophon was a beautiful young Man of Co∣rinth, who being tempted by Stenobaea; or, as some call her, Arria the Wife of Praetus, and refusing her, by her was accused to her Husband, as if he had endeavoured to have forced her; Praetus sent him to Jobates his Fa∣ther-in law, who, to rid himself of him the more handsomly, sent him to subdue Chimaera, a Mountain in Lycia, the lowest part whereof was infested with Lyons and Serpents, the mid∣dle part was good Pasturage, and the top fla∣med

Page 44

as Vesuvius; but the young Man returned with Honour, having rendred the Mountain habitable, and was therefore very much honou∣red by his Country-men. Where you see twi∣sted Serpents, 'tis commonly, if not always, a Cretan Coin.

Greek Coins commonly have the Name of the City that coined them set upon them, and therefore are easie to be known. Besides what are here named, they find others very frequently.

Page 45

CHAP. V. Of Family or Consular Coins.

1. THere are very many Roman Coins, the age whereof is uncertain; but are ge∣nerally supposed to be before Julius Caesar, to which difficulty we shall speak by and by: and they were at first collected by Fulvius Ursinus in his excellent Work; who found no other ad∣vantage, beside the Reverses to be made by them, and that to discover the Roman Families; and according to those Families, he ranketh them Alphabetically, which is the reason they are called Coins of the Families: And so great was his diligence, that I have not read nor met with any could scarce add one Medal of any one Family, he hath not set down; except one Betiliena and two or three lately added by Mon∣sieur Seguin: Gorlaeus indeed hath pretended an addition to him; but he hath only more Coins of the same Families, and such are not rare; but of another Family he hath not added any † 1.3 And the Architetto Generale of the Kingdom of Naples, a very Cu∣rious and Ingenious Gentleman, hath given us hopes that he will discover some others. But Golt∣zius coming after, and thinking

Page 46

this an inferiour and by intention, was or∣dered by his Patron Marc. Laurinus to reduce them to the Consuls; and so they come to be called Consular Coins. An undertaking, which was indeed impossible to come to good effect; for this he doth, when he finds upon the Coin any Name which in the Fasti he finds to be the Name of a Consul, he immediately attributes that Coin to him. But, First, The Power of Coin∣ing was not in the Consuls, but in the Trium∣viri; and therefore the Names upon the Coins, are in all probability, the Names of some of the Triumviri that coined that Piece; be∣cause that upon many of them it is so set down; and we have no reason to imagine, that the rest were any others. Secondly, The Ro∣mans had very frequently divers men of the same Name: and therefore, though sometimes, it is possible Goltzius might hit upon the truth, yet it is then but by accident, only when the Mint-Master was afterwards made Consul; for he could not have any good Conjecture (much less Certainty) that such a Coin belonged to such a Person. Thirdly, Besides there was no intention in the Coining, to refer them to Consuls, since there is ordinarily upon them but one Name; and many times Q. or P. (i. e.) Quaestor or Praetor, which were Offices incom∣patible with the Consulship. Now it is likely, that either the Triumviri had some of those Offices also; or that some of their Families or near Relations had born those Offices; and done also those eminent Actions, which are di∣vers times described upon the Coins: So that

Page 47

the Inscription was in the Power of the Mint-Master, except where something was particu∣larly ordered by the Senate; and then S. C. is set upon it.

2. Yet there are some Learned Men, who think none of these Coins ancienter than Au∣gustus Caesar; and that they were Coined in the Municipia, upon occasion of their Solemnities, as Games, Sacrifices, &c. because we find sometimes II-Vir upon them; and they seem to be of a la∣ter and better Letter. But it seems to me, that ma∣ny of them were ancienter, and coined at Rome: for the III-viri were Officers in the City only, as the II-viri were in the Municipia; and where we find II-viri, that Money was indeed stamped there; and commonly the Name of the City, is expressed or intimated upon it. 2. The Bigati and Quadrigati were certainly ancient Money of Rome: So Tacitus calls it pecuniam veterem ac diú notam. 3. Neither is the Name nor Head of the Emperour upon them, as was usually upon such Money as was Coined in their times, but the Head of Roma. 4. If the Municipia Coined such, and so many that remain, why not Rome many more? Then what is become of those infinite numbers of Denarii stamped be∣fore the Emperours? 5. The Names of Offices, as Praetor, Quaestor upon some, and S. C. upon others, are sufficient Arguments, that they were Coined at Rome: to which add, that there is no Sign nor good Argument, to shew they were stamped any where else. Nor is the goodness of the Letters, sufficient to prove them

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Modern, since sometimes there were better, sometimes worse Masters: besides, many other occasions might intervene for the making the Stamps better or worse; tho indeed many of them are very bad: besides that, it is diffi∣cult, if not impossible, to assign a short time, for the change of the Letters of a Language, one hundred years many times scarce making any difference.

3. I shall set these Coins down in the same order, as I find them in Fulvius Ursinus, that it may be easily known what is in him, and what Coins he omits; and consequently, are most rare. But for the better understanding of them, I will premise certain Considerations: as, First, That the Romans had ordinarily three Names. Proenomen, imposed at the taking the Toga Virilis (as the nomen was at the Dies Lustri∣cus) ordinarily said to have been at first thir∣teen. Appius, Decius, Aulus, Caius, Cnaeus, Lu∣cius, Manius, Marcus, Publius, Quintus, Sextus, Spurius, Titus. Others add Cossus, Tiberius, Caeso (the praenomen of the Fabia Gens). Numerius, Mamercus (the praenomen of the Gens AEmilia.) Their nomen or Name of their Family, all of which, or very few excepted, end in ius, as Tul∣lius, Vipsanius, Julius, &c. which was the same as of Tullus, of Vipsanus, of Julus, &c. Their cognomen or After-Name from some Action, Country, or Accident: and this was used to divide the Family into its branches, as Caesar, Cicero, Agrippa, &c. Some also had an Agnomen or Nick-name, but that was but seldom. 2. Be∣fore

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the times of the Emperors, the adopted was ordinarily called by the Name of the Family of the Adopter; but afterwards they put the Names of their own Familes first, and after that of the Adopter.

3. At the foundation of Rome, Romulus di∣vided all the Families of the Citizens into Patritios and Plebeios. Patritii were afterwards of two sorts, Majorum Gentium, which some say were only of those hundred Families made Patritii by Romulus; or, as others say, all that were admitted into the Order by any of the Kings. 2. Minorum Gentium, which some say were all not called Patritii by Romulus; others, those only, who were created after the time of the Kings. Nobiles were such, whether Patritii or Plebeii, as could shew the Images of their Ancestors; now none were suffered to have their Statues made, except such as had born the Offices to which belonged a Sella Curulis. All the rest, who obtained Offices, how great so∣ever, and could not sh•…•…w those Images (or∣dinarily made in Wax) were called No•…•…i, new or upstart persons. Colonia Patritia was such a one as consisted of Persons of better quality.

4. Romulus again divided the People accor∣ding to their Wealth, for 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 Esta•…•…e worth so much, was obliged to find a Horse, to serve on horse back in the Wars, and were called Equites, of which 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉, others Plebeii.

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Familia Aburia pleb. Coins in Fulvius Ursinus of C. Aburius Geminus. M. Aburius Geminus.

Acilia pleb. Mu. Acilius Triumvir. the Reverse ordinarily somewhat in order to Health; the Name being derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

AElia. AILIA. Allia pleb. Q. AElius Lamia Tri∣umvir. P. AElius Poetus. C. Allius Bala.

AEmilia patric. had divers Families known by the Sirnames Scauros. Paullos. Lepidos. Bucas. M. AE∣milius Scaurus. M. AEmilius Lepidus. Paulus Lepidus. M. Lepidus Triumvir. R P C (reipub∣licoe constituendae) with Augustus and M. An∣tony. L. AEmilius Buca IV. vir. in Julius Cae∣sar's time.

Afrania pleb. Sp. Afranius. L. Afranius literis Antiquis Graecis perhaps Pompey's Lieutenant in Spain.

Alliena. pleb. A. Allienus.

Annia. pleb. C. Annius T. F. T. N. (Titi Filius, Titi Nepos) Silius.

Annius Lamia Triumvir.

Antestia, sive Antistia. pleb. was divided into Re∣ginos & Veteres. L. Antestius. C. Antestius. C. Anti∣stius Reginus Triumvir. C. Antistius Vetus Tri∣umvr•…•….

Antia pleb. C. Antius Restio.

Antonia had two Families, Merenda, patric. the

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other pleb. the Sirname not known, M. Ant. Triumvir. R. P. C. of him very many. L. An∣tonius Cos. Pietas: ita dictus ob pietatem erga fratrem. M. Anton. C. Antonius M. F. Q. Anto∣nius Balbus.

Apronia. pleb. Sisenna Apronius Gala Messalla Tri∣umvir.

Arria pleb. M. Arrius Secundus.

Asinia pleb. C. Asinius Gallus Triumvir.

Atilia had Families both patr. & pleb. M. Ati∣lius Saranus pleb. C. Atilius.

Aurelia pleb. branched into the Cottae & Scauri. M. Aurelius Cotta. L. Cotta. M. Aurelius Scaurus.

Axsia pleb. L. Axsius Naso.

Boebia pleb. M. Boebius Tompilus.

Betiliena. AE. Betilienus Bassus Triumvir, This is not in Fulv. Ursinus.

Caecilia pleb. M. Caecilius Metellus. Q. Metellus. Q. Metellus Macedonicus had four Sons, three of whom seem to be expressed upon Coins. Marcus triumphed over Sardi•…•…ia; his Coin hath an Elephants Head, perhaps for the famous Victory of L. Metellus over the Car∣thagians in Sicily. A. V. C. 503. Caius sir∣named Caprarius. Quintus called Balearicus because he triumphed over those Islands. Lu∣cius called Dalmaticus, because he also t•…•…ium∣phed over Dalmatia. P. Cornelius Scipio Nasica, was called Q. Caecilius Metellus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scipio, be∣cause adopted bv Q. Metellus 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉.

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Cn. Foul. (Cn. Fulvius) M. Metellus C A (Calictus) Q. Metellus. M. Metellus.

Caecina. A. Caecina.

Caesia. L. Caecius.

Calidia patric. M. Calidius.

Calpurnia patric. branched into three Families, Pisonum, Bibulorum, Pisonum frugi, dicta à Calpo filio Numae regis. L. Piso. L. F. frugi, L. Piso frugi. C. Piso. L. F. frugi. M. Piso. M. F. frugi. L. Bibulus. C. N. CAEP. C. N. Piso. C. N. Piso Triumvir. Q. Piso Coepio.

Caninia had the Rebili Reguli. Galli & Labeones. L. Caninius Gallus Triumvir. L. Caninius Agrip∣pa Duumvir. Corinth. Tempore Galbae.

Carisia. T. Carisius. P. Carisius.

Cassia had Sirnames Bicellini, who were patric Iaeni & Longini Plebeians: Q. Cassius. C. Cassius Longinus Triumvir. L. Cassius Q. F. C. Cassiu•• Celer. Triumvir.

Coestia pleb. L. Caestius.

Cipia. M. Cipius.

Claudia had the Pulchri patric. Min. Gent. and the Marcelli Plebeians. M. Marcellus Cos. qui•• quies. C. Marcellus. AP. Cla. T. M. Q. A•• Ti. Claud. Ti. F. AP. N. P. Clodius. M. F. C. Cl••∣dius. C. Pulcher. Taurus Regulus Pulcher Tri••∣umvir.

Clovia. C. Clovius.

Cloulia, Claelia patric. C. Cloulius.

Cocceia, M. Nerva.

Coelia, pleb. C. Coelius Caldus. Caldus Triumvir C. Coil. Cald. L. Coil.

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Considia, pleb. C. Considius Paetus. C. Considius N••∣nianus.

Coponia, C. Coponius.

Cordia, M. Cordus Rufus.

Cornelia, patric. had many branches, as the Bla∣siones, Lentulos, Scipiones, Cinnas, Sisennas, A∣quinos & Sullas. Cn. Blasio. Cn. F. P. SULLA. L. Sulla, Sulla Cos. Felix Faustus. Marcellinus (i. e. Cn. Corn. Lentulus Marcellinus.) Lentu∣lus MR. F. Lucius Lentulus Marc. Cos. Sisena Cn. Cornelius. L. F. Cinna. Lentulus Spinter. P. Lent. P. F. Cossus Lentulus. Cossus Cn. F. Lentulus Balbus. P. Cornelius Blasio. The fif∣teenth and sixteenth Coins of this Family in F. Ursinus, seem to be not of Sulla's Son, but of Jugurth. The one and thirtieth seems to be the Image of Corn. Cossas, who An. U. C. 325. slew Lartes Tolumnius King of the Veientes.

Cornificia, pleb. C. Cornificius Augur.

Cosconia, L. Cosconius M. F.

Cossutia, Q. Cossutius Maridianus Triumvir. L. Cos∣sutius Sabula.

Crepereia, Q. Crepereius. M. F. Rocus.

Crepusia, P. Crepusius.

Cupiennia, L. Cupiennius.

Curiatia, pleb. C. Curiatius.

Curtia, Q. Curtius.

Didia, T. Deidi. T. Didius Imp.

Domitia, pleb. habuit Calvinos & Ahenobarbos. Cn. Domitius. L. Lic. Cn. Domit, Cn. Domitius

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Ahenobarbus. Domit. Cos. iter. Imp.

Durmia, M. Durmius Triumvir.

Egnatia, pleb. C. Egnatius. Cn. F. Cn. N. M. Eg∣nat. Q. Oct. Duumvir.

Egnatuleta, L. Egnatuleius C. F.

Eppia, Eppius (Scipionis Legatus in Africâ.)

* Epria ap•…•…d Seguin. Eprius Marcellus.

Fabia patric. had Labeones, Maximos & Pictores. Q. Fabius Labeo. Q. Maximus. N. Fab. Pictor. C. Fab. C. F. L. R. Q. M. L. Fab. L. F. Hisp.

Fabrinia. M. Fabrinius.

Fannia, pleb. M. Fan. C. F. M. Fan. L. C R I.

Farsuleta, L. Farsuleius Mensor.

Flaminia, pleb. L. Flamin. Cilo. L. Flamin. Chilo L. Flamin. IV-vir.

Flavia, pleb. C. Flavii H•…•…is.

Fonteia, pleb. C. Fontei. MV. Font. P. Fonteius Ca∣pito. Triumvir.

Fufia, pleb. (Q. Fufius) Kalenus.

Fulvia, pleb. Cn. Foulvius.

Fundania, pleb. C. Fundanius.

Furia had Purpureones, Crassipedes, Philos patric. & Luscos & Brocchos, pleb. Pur. (L. Furius Pur∣pureo) P. Fourius Crassipes. M. Fourius L. F. PHILI. L. Furi. Cn. F. Brocch.

Brocchi or Bronchi, were such as had prominent Teeth.

Gallia, G. Gallius Luper•…•…us Triumvir.

Gellia, Cn. Gellius. L. Gellius (Poplicola Quaestor Antonii.)

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Herennia, pleb. had Balbos & Gallos. M. Heren∣nius.

Hirtia, A. Hirtius.

Horatia, patric. Cocles.

Hosidia, C. Hosidius. C. F. Geta Triumvir.

Hostilia, L. Hostilius Sasernas: some of them IIIVIRI, their Reverse commonly the Head of Tullus Hostilius King of the Romans.

Itia, L. Itius.

Julia had Caesares patric. & Bursiones. L. Julius. Sex. Julius. C. Caesar Dictator. Caesar Trium∣vir. R. P. C. Julius Bursio.

Junia was divided into divers Families, whereof some were Patrician, others Plebeian: parti∣cularly into the Bruti & Silani. Brutus. M. Juni. C. Jun. C. F. D.

Silanus, L F. M. Silanus Brut. Imp. Q. Coepio Brutus. Posthumius Albinus. Bruti F. (Decius Jun•…•…us Brutus (one of the Murderers of Julius Cae∣sar) was so called, because adopted by Po∣humius). M. Silanus.

Labiena, pleb. Q. Labienus Parthicus Imp. (Son of that Labienus, who was Julius Caesar's Lieu∣tenant) who in the Civil Wars betwixt Cae∣sar and Antony, invited and conducted the Parthians into Asia and Syria, &c. and reco∣vered those Countries from the Romans.

Licinia, pleb. had Crassos, Nervas, Murenas, and Stolones. L. MVRENA. L. Lic. P. Crassus. P. Nerva. A. Licinius Nerva Triumvir. A. Licinius Nerva Silanus Triumvir. P. Licinius

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Stolo Triumvir. C. Licinius L: F. Macer. P. Crassus Junian (Scipio's Lieutenant in Africk, seems to be adopted by P. Licinius out of the Familia Junia.)

Livineia, P. Livineius Regulus. L. Regulus. Pulcher Taurus Regulus.

Livia, pleb. L. Salinator (so called, because he in his Censorship introduced the Gabel o•…•… Salt.)

Lollia, pleb. (M. I•…•…llius) Palikanus (a seditiou•…•… Tribune of the people) L. Lolli•…•…s Servius.

Lucilia, pleb. had Balbos, Bassos, Longos. Capito∣nes. Blaesos. Rufos. M. Lucil. Rufus.

Lucretia, was subdivided into other Families some whereof were Patrician, others Plebeian Cn. Lucretius Trio. L. Lucreti. Trio (pleb.)

Luria, M. Lurius Agrippa Triumvir.

Lutatia, pleb. Q. Lutatius.

Maecilia, patric. M. Maecilius Triumvir. P. MEA•…•… (P. Moecilius Tullus) P. ME. NT. M. F.

Maiania, Mainia. Maenia. C. Mini.

Mamilia, pleb. C. Mamilius Lineatinus.

Manlia had both Patricians and Plebeians. A. Man∣lius. Q. F. T. M. A. P. C. L. Q V R. (Tit•…•… Manlius cum Appio Claudio Quaestor Urbanus•…•… L. Manlius. L. Torquatus. L. Torquatus Tri∣umvir.

Maevia apud Seguinum. non extat apud F. Ursinum. L. Pollio Maevius the Head of the young Au∣gustus. ℞ a Star between the Horns of the Moon.

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Marcia had Philippos, Censorinos, & Libones pleb. descended from Ancus Martius. Philippus. L. Philippus. Q. Philippus. L. Censorin. C. Censor. C. NARCI. Cens. C. Marc. L. F. Censor Tri∣umvir. Q. Marc. Q. NARC. F. L. R. Q. Marc. Libo.

Maria, pleb. had Gratidianos & Capitones. C. Mari. C. F. Capito. (Marius. Pro-Triumvir. C. F. Tro. Triumvir.

Memmia, pleb. C. Memmius C. F. L. Memmius Gal. L. C. Memmius Gal.

Mescinia, pleb. L. Mescinius Rufus Triumvir.

Mettia, M. Mettius.

Minatia, M. Minatius Sabinus.

Mineia, Elius Mines. M. F.

Minutia, at first Patrician, afterwards went into Plebeian, F. Minutius C. F. Augur. C. Aug. Q. Minutius Rufus. L. Minutius. Q Thermus. M. F. (Q. Min. M. Thermi filius.)

Mucia, pleb. had Cordes & Scaevolas. Cordi.

Munatia, had the Planci. L. (Munatius) Plancus.

Mussid•…•…a, L. Mussidius Longus. L. Mussidius T. F. Longus Triumvir.

Naevia, pleb. had Balbos & Surdinos. C. NAE. BA. L. Surdinus Triumvir. L. Naevius Surdi∣nus Triumvir.

Nasidia, Q. Nasidius.

Neria, NERI. Q. urb. (Quaestor urbanus.)

Nonia, pleb. Sex. Noni. Suffenas. P. L. U. P. F. (publicos ludos votivos Praeter fecit.) Sex. No∣nius Quintilian. Triumvir.

Norbana, pleb. C. Norbanus.

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Numitoria, pleb. L. Numitorius.

Numonia, C. Numonius Vaala.

Ogulnia, pleb. C AR. Oguln. VE R. VE R-Oguln. C AR.

Opeimia, L. Opeimius. M. Opeimius.

Oppia, Q. Oppius P. (Praetor.)

Papia, pleb. L. Papius Celsus Triumvir. L. Papi.

Papiria, part of this Family was Patritian, Min. Gent. part Plebeian M. Carbo. Carb. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This seems to be coined at Nicea in Bythinia, where C. Papi∣rius Carbo was Governor about Anno U. C. 687.

Pedania had Costas. Costa Leg.

Petilia, pleb. Petilius Capitolinus.

Petronia, pleb. P. Petronius Turpilianus Triumvir.

Pinaria, patric. had Nattas & Scarpos. NATA. Scarpus. Scarpus. Imp.

Plaetoria, pleb. M. Plaetorius Cestianus. M. Plae∣torius M. F. Cestianus. L. Plaetorius Cest. L. Plaetorius. L. F. Q. S. C. (Lucii filius Quae∣stor Senatus consultum.)

Plancia, pleb. C. Plancius.

Plautia, pleb. L. Plautius Plancus. P. (Plautius) Hypsaeus (in honorem) C. Hvpsae Cos. Prtiver. capta. A. Plautius. C. PLUTI.

Plotia, C. Plotius Rufus Triumvir.

Poblicia, or Publicia, pleb. C. (Poblicius) Mal∣leolus. C. MA. L. Poblicius Q. F. M. Poblicius. C. Malleus. C. F.

Pompeia, pleb. had Rufos. Magnos & Fostlos, or Fostulos. Mag. Pius (Sextus Cn. F.) Magn.

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Cn. Magn. MAGN. SEX. MAGN. PIUS. Q. Pomp. Rufus Q. F. Sext. Pomp. Fostulus.

Pomponia pleb. L. Pomponius Molo L. Pompon. C N. F. Q. Pompon. Rufus.

Q. Pomponius Musa. Many Coins of these, the Reverses commonly some of the Muses.

Porcia pleb. L. Porcius Licin. C. Cato. M. Porcius P. LAEC.

Postumia patric. A (Postumius) Albinus. A. ALB. S. F. L. Postum. A. F. C. Postumi. AT. A. Post. A. F. S. N. ALBIN Post. A. F.

Procilia. L. Procilius F.

Quinctia. patrit. Crispinus Sulpitianus Triumvir a∣dopted into the family of the Quinctii, was called Titus Quinctius Crispinus Sulpic. T. Q.

Renia. C. Renius.

Roscia pleb. L. Roscius Fabat.

Rubria pleb. L. Rubrius Dossin. C. F. L. R. Q. M. (they seem to be the names of the Triumviri. L. R. perhaps is Lucius Roscius.

Rustia. L. Rustius. Q. Rustius.

Rutilia both patric. and pleb. L. Rutilius Flaccus.

Salvia first pleb. afterwards patr. Q. Salvius Imp. M. Salvius Triumvir.

Sanquinia. M. Sanquinius Triumvir. M. Sanquin. Q. F. Triumvir.

Satriena. P. Satrienus.

Saufeia. L. SAVF.

Scrib. pleb. was divided into Curiones and Libones. C. Scr. Libo. on one side Puteal a Conduit

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or Well-house, on the other Scribon, because near his house, or made by him.

Sempronia had Atratinos patric. Gracchos & Pitio∣nes pleb. L. Sempron. Pitio. L. Sempron. T. Sem∣pron. Gracchus. T. Sempron. Gracchus Tri∣umvir. L. Atratinus.

Sentia. L. Sentius C. F. L. (Sentius) Saturnin. L. SAT.

Sepullia. P. Sepullius Macer.

Sergia. M. Sergius Silus. Patrician.

Servilia patric. (C. Servilius) Ahala. M. Serveil. C. F. C. Servil. M. F. C. Serveil. P. Servil. M. F. (C. Servilius Ahala killed Sp. Melius designing to make himself King; which gives occasion to many of their Reverses) M. Servil. Leg. C. Cassii Imper. (P. Servil.) Casca longus. C. Serveil.

Sestia. patric. L. Sestius.

* Sextia plebeia not extant in Ursinus is in Segui∣nus, the head of Nasica. ℞ C. Valer. C. Sext. aediles about an Oxe's head.

Sicinia pleb. Q. Sicinius III-vir.

Silia pleb. Silius Annius Lamia III-vir.

* Socia extant only in Seguinus. M. Antonies head. ℞ a Trophee. Socius Imp.

Spurilia pleb. A Spuril.

Statia pleb. L. Statius Murcus.

Statilia had Tauros. Taurus Regulus Pulcher Tri∣umvir.

* Suillia apud Seguinum. M. Suillius.

Sulpicia had Galbas patric. Rufos & Galos. P. Calb. P. Galb. L. Servius (Sulpitius) Rufus. Ser.

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SULP. Ser. Galba Imper. C. Sulpic. C. F. C. Sulpitius Platorinus.

Tarquitia patric. C. Tarquitius. P. F.

Terentia pleb. C. TER. LUC. (Lucanus) (M. Terentius) Varro.

Thoria pleb. L. Thorius Balbus. J. S. M. R. (Juno sospita magna Regina.)

Titinia both patric. and pleb. C. Titinius.

Titia pleb. Q. Titi.

Tituria L. Titurius Sabinus.

Trebatia. L. Trebatius.

* Trebonia apud Seguin. C Trebonius.

Tullia patric. M. Tullius.

Valeria had Acisculos. Flaccos Messalas & Catul∣los, some whereof were patric. some pleb. L. Valerius Acisculus. C. VAL Flaccus C. VAL C. F. Flaccus. L. Valeri. Flacci M. Valerius Barbatus Q. P. (Quaestor Provincialis) L. Va∣lerius Catullus III-vir. Messal. F. Sisenna Mes∣sala III-vir.

Vargunteia. M. VARG.

Vergilia pleb. VER. CAR. OGUL (Vergilius, Carisius, & Ogulnius) curatores Denariorum Flandorum.

Vettia. T. Vettius Sabinus. A. T (Tatius Sabino∣rum Rex.)

Veturia patric. Ti. VE.

Vibia pleb. had Varos & Pansas. C. Vibius Varus. C. Vibius. C. F. Pansa. C. Vibius. C. F. C N Pansa. C. Pansa. C. F. C. N. C. Pansa.

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Vinicia. L. Vinicius III-vir. L. Vinicius L. F.

Vipsania. M. (Vipsanius) Agrippa Cos designatus. M. Agrippa Platorinus Triumvir. M. Agrippa L. F. Cos. 3^o.

Voconia pleb. Q. Voconius Vitulus.

Volteia. M. Voltei. M. F. LYLO. L. F. Strabo. M. Voltei. M. F. S. C. D. T.

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CHAP. VI. Of the Reverses of Medals.

THE greatest Erudition is contain'd in the Reverses of Medals; for the under∣standing whereof, I shall first set down such general Observations as we find frequently, and upon divers of them: Afterwards when we come to the Emperors, such as are particular to one or few of them. These general ones con∣cern their Gods, Sacrifices and Worship; their Solemn Games and Plays, their Conquests and Triumphs; their Wars; their Magistrates and Offices; their Colonies, their Buildings, &c.

SECT. I. Of their Gods.

§. There were very many Jupiters, but ge∣nerally they took their Names from their places, where the most famous Images of them were worshipped, and upon Coins they are represent∣ed accordingly.

Jupiter Ammon, that Great African Jupiter, whose Temple was in the Desarts of Africk * 1.4

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figured; a Head with a bushy Beard, curl'd Hair and a pair of Rams Horns. Wherefore such Princes as were devoted to him, put the same Horns also upon their Images and Coins, as divers Macedonian Kings and M. Antonius the Triumvir, &c.

Jupiter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or T•…•…rminalis an Eagles Head upon his own. Terminus was expressed by a Body to the Middle upon a Stock; Sometimes a young Head crowned with Sacrificing Instru∣ments. This God was President (as they sup∣posed) over the bounds of their Fields and Country. Numa introduced him as the first of the Gods; and his Solemnity was Feb. 20. He is also decipher'd by a piece of a Pyramide with the Base upwards, whereupon stands a Head with Rays about it, and Feet coming out un∣derneath. Sometimes (as by the Theraeans) as a man without Arms, and lessening to his Feet. In Medals it signifies that such an Emperor en∣larged, setled, defended or vindicated the Li∣mits of the Empire. So careful were they of presrving the Termini even of private mens In∣heritanc•…•…s, that whoso was convinced to have ploughed them up, both his Oxen and himself were accursed.

§. 2. Capitolinus, for there was another (La∣tiaris) which hath no Thunderbolt; his Image in the Temples was always besineared with Blood, and before it stood a golden Table con∣tinually furnished, about which were people con∣tinually tasting and sipping.

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Serapis is also figured like Jupiter with a Bushel or Measure upon his Head: He was also Ammon, Dis, the Sun, AEsculapius, Nilus, which was also call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and Jupiter Pha∣rius.

To Jupiter was Sacred the Eagle, either be∣cause the chiefest (and as it were) the King amongst Fowls, as he amongst the Gods; or because he was the first that tamed them in Crete; or because Jupiter being born in a Cave, an Eagle brought him every day Nectar which she gathered from the Rocks; as the Dove did Ambrosia which they gathered from the Sea. For which Favour he placed the Eagle in Hea∣ven, and the Pigeons he metamorphosed into the Pleiades.

To Jupiter is also joyned the Thunderbolt which is three-forked, to shew its triple Force, of breaking, piercing, and burning; tho this be also sometimes attributed to Juno, Minerva, and other Goddesses: The Oak also was sa∣cred to him; and where any of those is joyn∣ed to an Head, they shew that to be Jupiters, (tho commonly he is design'd in one manner and likeness) and that Money was coin'd in Honour of Jupiter.

Jupiter Axur, a young Head with Tresses and a Garland.

Jupiter Philius, a rugged smiling Head like a Philosophers, perhaps because Friendship is oft∣ner found amongst them than Gallants.

Vejovis, or Evil-Jupiter, is expressed by an Head and an Hand, as it were darting Arrows, shewing his readiness to hurt.

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§. 3. Juno born at Samos under an Agnus-Castus-tree, (whose Head is sometimes joyned to Jupiters, as in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) to her was conse∣crated the Peacock, because of his beautiful Train, and the Fable of Argus; represented ordinarily as a young Woman with a Laurel and a Veil.

Juno Lanuvia (because in that shape wor∣shipped at Lanuvium) with a Goat-skin and Horns upon her Head; perhaps she was Juno Sospita, or Sispita, who is also figured with a Shield and Shoes turning up at the Toes.

Juno Moneta, like Moneta if Moneta was not the same with Juno; A Womans Head with her Hair tressed up, and an high Frontal. An∣ciently a Temple to her upon the Capitol. Man∣lius, for affecting to be King, being precipita∣ted from the Tarpeian Rock, and his House pulled down, upon the place thereof was built a Temple to Juno Moneta, vowed by Camillus; call'd Moneta à monendo, because her Image spoke to them (as they said) advising them in a dangerous Ea•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and in the War with the Galls, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Sow great with Pig, which is also sometimes expressed upon Coins. The Romans also in their War against Pyrrhus and the Tarentines, b•…•…ing in great want of mo∣ney, they made Vows to Juno; who admonish∣ed them to make •…•…e of the Arms of Justice, and they should b•…•… supplied: as indeed it hap∣ned in that War, wherein the noble •…•…ricius sent back to Pyrrhus his Physician, who offer'd

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to poison him; and after many Battels at last obtain'd a great Victory, and all the Wealth and Riches of Pyrrhus; wherefore they built a Temple in Honour to her, and therein hung up a Medal with the Inscription. Moneta.

Moneta, or the Goddess of Money is some∣times expressed with a Cornucopia in one hand (Money supplying all things) and in the other a Balance; Justice being necessary in buying and selling. Sometimes are three of these God∣desses to represent Gold, Silver and Brass, the middlemost representing Gold being the tallest, [it seems the middle was the best place in their esteem]. In some Medals of Commodus we find also Apollini Monetae. Moneta seems to signifie sometimes the Forms or coining Instruments; sometimes the Coin it self. It is not easie ma∣ny times to distinguish the Heads of the God∣desses Juno, Moneta, Ceres, Venus, Pietas, Salus, Sybilla, and others being oftentimes all alike figured.

§. 4. AEsculapius, or the great God of Health; an Head with a bushy Beard and a Serpent common∣ly twisted about a Club. So a Sacrifice for Health to AEsculapius was a Serpent upon an Altar as eating or taking out of a Dish or Platter, pro∣bably a little Cake kneaded with Oyl and Wine, which they put into the Serpents mouth to san∣ctifie and envirtue it •…•…or the recovery of the sick. They say that AEsculapius being forced to requicken Glaucus, and not knowing how to do it; as he was musing, a Serpent entred

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the Room, which he kill'd with a stick, pre∣sently after came another Serpent, bringing in her mouth a certain Herb, which she laying upon the head of the dead one, immediately revived her. AEsculapius taking up the Herb, cured Glaucus with it; hence the Serpent is Sa∣cred to AEsculapius. And therefore in a great Plague-time the Romans sent to Epidaurus to fetch away AEsculapius's Image, when they were conveighing it to the Ship, there swom from the Land a great Snake, which entred the Ship, and placed it self in the Praetor, Q. Ogulnius's Cabin; and when the Ship arrived at Rome, she leaped out again upon the Island, where they presently built a Temple to AEscu∣lapius. Others rather think a Serpent applied to AEsculapius, because that after Sickness a man recovers, as doth a Serpent after the cast∣ing her Skin. It might also proceed from the brazen Serpent made by Moses.

AEsculapius's Wife was Salus, decipher'd by a young Maid feeding a Serpent; perhaps allu∣ding to the custom at Lanuvium, where in a Cave, in a certain thick Grove lay a great Dra∣gon; whither once a year the Maids went to sacrifice, carrying each one a Tart or Cake; when they came to the Grove, they were blind∣ed; notwithstanding which they were, as by a Divine Virtu•…•…, guided streight to the Den; and if they were pure Virgins, the Dragon came and eat up their Cake.

They have many times joyned with them their little Son Telesphorus, or Convalescency

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in a thick Frock. It shews recovery from a sickness, when they are to be kept warm and treated as Children.

§. 5. Mars, the God of War pictured as a Soldier, with Arms and Breast plate; a Cock because armed and vigilant, a Wolf and Picus Martius, because of Romulus and Remus his Children nourished by those Beasts: his carry∣ing a Tropaeum upon his Shoulders, intimates the Opima Spolia gain'd by Romulus over Acron the King of the Caeninensians.

But there were anciently among the Romans two Mars's, the one call'd Pacifer and Quiri∣nus, is not armed, nor marching, and had a Temple in the City. The other Bellator, Ma∣vors or Gradivus in a posture commonly of marching, his Temple without the City in Via Appia.

Neptune, an Horse, because of his Conten∣tion with Minerva, for having jointly built Athens, and contending who should name it, they agreed that he should have that Honour who would bestow on it the better gift; Ne∣ptune thereupon struck the Earth, and there sprung up an Horse for the War. Minerva raised an Olive-tree, which being judged the better gift, she gave it her Name. He hath also a Dolphin the swiftest of Fishes; a Trident or Fishing-Iron; and is drawn by Sea-Horses.

Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods, hath his Caduceus and Petasus, his Hat and winged Staff (a sign of Peace and Agreement) with

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two Serpents round about, because Mercury finding two Serpents a fighting, as soon as he put his Rod betwixt them, they became quiet. The Rod was white, and the Serpents one male and the other female; and these Caducei were carried by those Ambassadors, who were an∣ciently call'd Caduceatores (i. e.) such as went to an Enemy or Enemies Country to make Peace; with a Purse also either as the Inventor of Commerce, or because the Monarch that hath his Purse well stuffed, is Master of War and Peace. There is dedicated to him a Dog for Fidelity; a Cock for Vigilance, and a Tongue for Perswasiveness, the three Conditions of an Ambassador, as he was of the Gods.

There is also, but rarely found, another Mer∣cury without Wings, yet with a Caduceus and a Sistrum. This was the Egyptian Mercury or Her∣mes ancienter than that other of Arcadia.

To Bacchus is joyned the Tiger; either for that a Tiger swom a River to assist him when driven into Fury by Juno; or for that he was nourished by a Panther or Tigress. He hath about him also Sileni, Fauni, Satyri, &c. (Drun∣kenness creating such imaginations.) He is also crowned either with the Vine branches and Clusters of Grapes, or with Ivy. He hath also Thyrsi or Lances wreathed about with Ivy-bran∣ches, or sometimes with woolen Rubans. There are also Liberae, or She Bacchus's crown'd with Ivy; as there is also Luna and Lunus. He is the Egyptian Osyris, Husband of Isis; and the Ivy in the Egyptian Language is call'd Chenosyris,

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or Osyris's Herb; both are said to be born at Nisa; both accompanied with a Serpent. His Statues were naked and with Horns, either be∣cause the Son of Hammon; or that he is the Sun; or to shew the Power of Wine.

Sometimes Bacchus is described with Horns (as when he is call'd Hebo the God of the Cam∣panians, &c.) and he is call'd also Taurus, for the Ancients expressed their Kings by a Bull, who hath more of Regal qualifications than ei∣ther Lyon or any other Beast; and Horns were attributed to Bacchus upon that account; for being supposed to be Noah, he was the great Monarch of the World; and Bachar in He∣brew (whence the name Bacchus) signifies an Ox. His Feasts or Ceremonies were the Bac∣chanalia.

Apollo is decipher'd commonly with a Tripos or Stool over a Cave; whereon he that was to receive Answer to his Demand, sate till he was inspired; with a Harp also and Plectrum or short Instrument to strike the strings; with a Laurel also; and sometimes with a Sacrificing-Tripos, whose three feet signified the three parts of Time; with a Crow and Swan also to repre∣sent by their Colours Day and Night; for A∣pollo was the Sun, whose Motion is the mea∣sure of Time. There was also an Apollo Pala∣tinus worshipped in Mount Palatine; and is fi∣gured as representing the Senate, being the Genius of that great Council. Apollo Actius also is represented with a Sun before him, and a Quiver of Arrows, to intimate his Beams.

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Many times also he is figured as a Goddess o•…•… Muse.

§. 6. Hercules is known by his Club, Lyons Skin, bushy Beard, Bows and Arrows, a Cup to drink in; the Poplar-tree dedicated to him, because great and strong. When represented killing the Lyon, not tearing his Jaws (as Sam∣son) but breaking his Neck. There is also a young Hercules call'd Aventinus, without a Beard, yet with a Club and Lyons-Skin.

Serapis an Egyptian God with a bushy Beard, * 1.5 long Hair, and a Measure upon his Head. The Egyptians to most of their Gods, but espe∣cially to Harpocrates the God of Silence joyne•…•… the Peach-tree; the Leaf whereof they fansied like a Tongue, and the Fruit like an Heart, to shew they should go both together.

The Sun a young Head with Rays about it, tho these also are sometimes about the Heads of the young Princes, who were in their rising Glory; from whence probably came the cu∣stom of Glories of holy or Eminent Persons.

Dii Penates, two Faces, one behind another, with a Lace or narrow Ruban about their Heads: Sometimes two Figures sitting with a Vulcan's Head, because worshipped by the Fire∣side, and a Dog.

Two young Men on Horse-back, rarely on Foot, armed, sometimes their Heads only, but always covered, commonly but not always with two Stars, are Castor and Pollux, who are said to have appear'd in that manner at the La∣cus

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Juturnus after they had assisted A. Post hu∣mius fighting against the Latins at Lacus Regil∣lus. They feigned that they lived and dyed by course. They representing the two Hemi∣spheres, the one above, the other beneath us.

Triptolemus, the Son of Osyris, taught the Greeks Agriculture, as Isis did the Egyptians: and therefore known by having Ears of Corn in his Hand.

§. 7. G. P. R. is Genius Populi Romani; and they decipher him with a young Head, a little Beard, naked, and a Staff with somewhat like a Flower-de-Luce upon it. But they, in flattery to their Emperors, conceived them to be the Ge∣nius of the Commonwealth, as appears by the Coins of most of the later Heathen Emperors. But ordinarily the Genius of a City or Country was not so represented; but naked with a Mans Head, with one Tower for a City, and more for a Country or People. For they ima∣gined that all Places Countries, Cities, &c. all Persons, even the Gods themselves, had their Genius's or Angels to accompany them: † 1.6 and for Cities, the manner of adopting them is set down by Mr. Gregory out of Joan. Antioche∣nus, thus. Those who had a mind to build a City, Castle, &c. caused their Astrologers to find out a fortunate Position of the Heavens; under which the first stone might be laid. The part of Fortune found out in this first Figure, was made the Ascendent of another; the first judged of the Duration, the second of the

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Prosperity of the City. Under the influence of this second Configuration they erected a Statue of Brass, into which this Fortune or Ge∣nius of the City was to be invoked by Art, (i. e.) by certain Sacrifices and Conjurations. A pure Virgin was then sacrificed; and a Statue of her set up, and call'd by a new and secret Name; and Sacrifice done to it by the Chief-Priest of the City. Thus the Name of old Byzantium was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 when changed to Con∣stantinople, Anthusa. The Name of Rome was always kept secret, and when they went to besiege a Town, they evoked this Genius by such Ceremonies as they were accustomed. This Statue thus inspirited, was placed in a convenient part of the City; and look't upon as the only Concernment of it. Such was the Palladium, and divers others, and these were call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Vid. Cap. of the Pont. Max. Vid. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

§. 8. Diana, the Goddess of Hunters, call'd also Berecynthia, Isis, Idaea, &c. with an Hart and Dogs, Bow and Arrows as an Huntress. Her Priests Galli were Eunuchs. She is also descri∣bed as drawn by Stags, which intimate the di∣ligence and activeness necessary to that Sport. Besides, her Temples were all full of their Heads, and her self cloathed with their Skins.

Diana Ephesia, or Isis, standeth upon a Pied Stall with a Womans Face and Head, but the Body 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 multimammum, full of D•…•…gs; representing Nature that nourisheth all things.

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Isis was G. T. A. (Genius Tutelaris AEgypti, or perhaps Asiae) a Woman with Horns or Beams, in one hand a Bucket, in the other a Sistrum or obsolete Musical Egyptian Instrument of the fashion of a Racquet. Whether Isis be Diana Ephesia, see at large Menetreius in his Discourse de Diana Ephesia; this is one difference that Isis hath no Stags joyned with her; because none of those Beasts were in Egypt anciently, as Ari∣stotle and Pliny say, lib. 8. c. 33. and they never consecrated Exotick Beasts to their Gods. Diana Persica was never worshipped beyond Euphra∣tes, and had Oxen dedicated to her, which went whither they pleased, being marked with a Torch or Lamp, the Mark of the Goddess: As also in Cicilia at Castabalis, where the Vir∣gins dedicated to her Service, went upon bur∣ning Coals with their naked Feet: also in Ly∣dia at Hypaepae and Hiero Caesarea, who pretend∣ed their Temple to be built by the Great Cyrus, Tac. An. l. 4.

Vesta, Sister to Juno and Ceres, sometimes sitting, seldom standing, in one hand a Torch lighted to represent the Everlasting fire, in the other a Discus or Sacrificing Platter.

Minerva with an Helmet, Spear and Shield call'd AEgis, ordinarily with Medusa's Head in it; but sometimes also Octangular without it. It was made of the Skin of the Capra Amalthea (and therefore call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) which suckled Ju∣piter; and therefore also Jupiter is said to make use of it sometimes, as in the Wars against the Giants, as well as Minerva. The Palladium or

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little Minerva armed (almost like to, or the same, with Victory) as long as it continued in Troy, rendred the City impregnable, and was stoln away by Diomedes and Ulysses, is ap∣plied to many Gods and Goddesses: The Tem∣ples of Minerva, Mars and Hercules were Dorick Work, plain and without Ornaments.

Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, call'd then Rhea, and pictured with her Head radiant: but as she hath the Command of sublunary things call'd Ops or Divine help, is figured as a young Goddess set upon a Corn-measure with Ears of Corn in her hand, and lifting up, or opening her Veil; She is the Earth that openeth her Skirt to afford nourishment to every Creature. She hath also a Crown of Towers upon her Head, and proper to her is a Pine tree, a little Boy call'd Atys; and is drawn with Lyons, and hath in her a Crotalus, sometimes also with a Sistrum, or Triangular Musical Instrument with loose Rings, which struck with a stick, made a kind of Harmony: Sometimes also a Drum or such Instrument to make a great noise (whereby she concealed Jupiter's crying) and which is framed round according to the figure of the Earth; some∣times also she hath a Caduceus and a Plough. And the Countries that stamped her upon their Coin, would thereby intimate that they were powerful in Cities and People. The Worship of the Mother of the Gods came into Rome about the Punick Wars; they say that in Phrygia in a great Desart there is a mighty Rock call'd

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Agdus, the broken stones whereof Deucalion and Pyrrha took to replenish the World, and out of which also was formed the Image of Cybele.

Ceres the Goddess of Corn crown'd, in her hand Ears of Corn, two flaming Torches, and drawn by winged Serpents; Harvest being in the hottest Season of the Year, when Serpents also are most venemous.

Venus drawn with Doves, the most amorous * 1.7 and kissing Birds, with an Apple (or Orange) adjudged to her by Paris; the Myrtle, either because of its Effeminate smell; or because good in Womens Diseases; or because grow∣ing best by the Sea side where Venus ruleth chiefly. There were two Venus's; caelestis, which presided over lawful Procreation of Children; and vulgaris, for Bastardy, &c. She was worship∣ped at Paphos under the form as of a Pyramid cut off about the middle, and so represented in some Medals of the Emperors, of which we shall speak hereafter.

Feronia was the Goddess of Flowers and Gar∣lands, hath a Wreath of Flowers upon her Head, was worshipped by the Sabins under Mount Soracte; he that was inspired by her, went sasely upon burning Coals and hot Em∣bers; every year at her Temple a great fair.

Hermathenae were above Images * 1.8 of Miner∣va with her Helmet, Shield and Spear; below a Pillar or Terminus larger above than below.

There were also divers other Gods and God∣desses mentioned upon Medals, as H•…•…pona the

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of Horses and Cattel, Pedina of Feet, Educa o•…•… Eating, and the like; subjecting every thing•…•… to the Dominion, Care and Protection of some particular God; but of these, few upon Coins, tho many Inscriptions.

The Orgia or Procession sacrificed to Cer•…•… were in this manner performed.

1. Three Priestesses Virgins carried thei•…•… (Cist as) Chests open; in the first were flowers in the second Ears of Corn, in the third Cake•…•… and Wafers. Signifying the three States o•…•… Corn.

2. There were born the Images of four Gods First, Of Jupiter, the Creator of all things, car∣ried by the Hi•…•…rophantes. Secondly, Of th•…•… Sun by the Torch-bearers. Thirdly, Of th•…•… Moon by a Minister of the Altar. Fourthly, Of Mercury by the Fraeco Sacrorum; and as i•…•… the Orgia of Bacchus was carried a Pha•…•…us, s•…•… in these a Muliebre.

3. They made a great Noise and Howling crying continually Eva, Eva.

4. The Ministers and Women were crown'•…•… with Serpents, by which also Ceres is said to b•…•… drawn.

5. Those (C•…•…ritae as they were call'd) carrie•…•… a Stool or other Garment of Leather.

6. No Mourner was admitted to celebrate Nor any Wine to be used.

§ 9. Figured like to the Gods, and some∣times accounted for Gods, were other thing•…•… also; as the Virtues, good Fortunes, Monster•…•… &c. of which we shall speak a word or two.

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Virtue is not easily distinguished from Roma and Minerva; save that she carrieth commonly a Parazonium, or short unpointed Sword. Such as the Tribunes wore. She is usually armed (for they esteemed Valour in Battel the greatest Virtue) and sometimes joyned with another: unarmed, which is Honour. Who (when by her self) hath a Womans Face, her Hair wrea∣thed up, and hanging down behind, they sacri∣ficed also to her bare-headed; Honour being not to be obtained by Subtilty and secret Means, but by true and open Generosity. When Ho∣nour is coined with Virtue, Virtue is set fore∣most, according to the Conceit of Marcellus, who intending to build a Temple to Virtue and Honour, was forbidden by the Augures; where∣fore he built one for each, and so ordered, that none could pass to that of Honour but through the other of Virtue.

Pietas towards God is commonly expressed by a Womans Head dressed and veiled, which was the Habit of the Priests when sacrificing; sometimes also by a Person praying or sacri∣ficing; sometimes also with a Camillus or little Boy assistant at the Sacrificing.

Pietas towards Parents is figured by a Stork, which is said to nourish and bear about her aged and impotent Parents, as is said also of the Glis or Dormouse; or by AEneas carrying his Fa∣ther on his shoulders out of the ruine of Troy; or by the two Cataneans in Sicily, Amphinomus and Anapias, sirnamed Pii, because when their Town was set on fire with the Flames of AEt∣na,

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neglecting all their Goods, they carried the one his aged Father, the other his Mother out of the burning; after the Citizens return∣ed, and rebuilt their City, they worshipped them as their Gods, and put them upon their Coins.

Love towards Children is described by small Children.

Eternity is like a Virgin [incorruptible] with her Head covered [her beginning unknown] with a Globe [the World] under her Feet, the Sun in one Hand, the Moon in the other; (i. e.) as long as the Sun and Moon shall last: or with the Vestal Fire, i. e. till that go out. A Scepter or some other Symbol of Rule, a Cor∣nucopia [Happiness] and a very long Garment. Sometimes also a Phoenix continually renewing, or living (as Tacitus and other Authors say) 500 years; or an Elephant the longest liver of Beasts. They used Eternity or some Emblem thereof many times to represent their Conse∣crations, i. e. at the time it was believed they became immortal.

Concordia, a young Woman veiled; and that is used many times for Adoptions; sometimes expressed by two or more right Hands joyned together; or by a sacrificing Platter; Concord having a Temple and Sacrifices proper to her, and to her it seems they sacrificed when two or more Augustus's, i. e. with equal Authority; that they might agree well together; common∣ly also with one or more Cornucopias's joyned together; for Concordiâ parvae res crescunt.

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Fides is commonly two Hands joyned (ac∣cipe da{que} fidem.) Sometimes the Military En∣signs, intimating the Soldiers swearing Fidelity to the Emperor. When they sacrificed to Fi∣des, it was their custom to wrap their right Hand in a white Linnen Cloth.

Peace ordinarily in one Hand a Caduceus [Mercury's Staff, wherewith he quiets even the Ghosts and Inhabitants of Hell] or an Olive-branch; in the other Hand a Cornucopia, and on her Breast a Jewel call'd Bulla.

Hope is ordinarily a chearful-aspected young Damsel, in a long transparent Robe, which she holds up in one Hand, to shew her readi∣ness to protect; in the other an Herb or Flo∣wer with three Leaves, which some say is no more but a young Plant (adhuc tua Messis in herbâ); others say it is the Flower-de-lys or Lil∣ly, which was in Heathen Authors the Em∣blem of Hope. She is also walking on Tip∣toe.

Justice is a grave young Virgin sitting (as they fansied) next to Jupiter's Throne; in one hand a sacrificing Platter, for to do Justice is the best Sacrifice; in the other a Staff or Sce∣pter, that being the great Foundation of Au∣thority.

Clemency, a Woman holding in one hand a Laurel or Platter, in the other a Staff, like Justice that can hurt but will not.

Equity is frequently with a Balance in one hand, and a Spear in the other. They con∣ceived that Rome was built under L•…•…a, and

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that therefore the Romans had a greater incli∣nation, or desired to be thought to have it, to Equity than other Nations.

Constancy, either like a Soldier, or a Wo∣man sitting and holding out the right hand, as affirming somewhat.

Security is a Woman leaning or reposing on one hand, in the other a Scepter or Staff, pro∣bably of Laurel: which they counted a Preser∣vative against many dangers; so that to say, I carry a Staff of Laurel, was as much as, I fear nothing.

Providentia, sometimes a Globe, a Building, Ears of Corn, or such Provision as the Coin signified to be made by the Emperor.

Fe- (and sometimes ee, never ae) licitas like to Peace. The Caduceus was the Rod whereby Mercury slew the Quick, revived the Dead, and in summ, did what he pleased; Felicity is the obtaining our desires.

Fortune with the Stern of a Ship, and a Cor∣nucopia. Sometimes standing on a Globe or Wheel; shewing, as they thought, her Domi∣nion over the World, yet that Dominion incon∣stant. Sometimes lying on a Bed with a Crown of Towers upon her Head. Sometimes also sit∣ting. Fortunae Reduci signifies a Sacrifice com∣monly made by the Senate with great Solemni∣ty to Fortune for a prosperous Journey when the Prince went to War, or any other necessa∣ry and publick Employment.

Sors, a Womans Head, &c. Vid. Fulv. Ursin. in familia Plaetoria. Seguinus hath another, a

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young Goddesses Head with C. S. which he interprets Casus and Sors. On the ℞ four An∣kle-bones (Cockals) tali with this Inscription: Qui ludit arram det quod satis sit, which inti∣mates, that their Custom also was to stake be∣fore they play'd.

Ubertas, a Woman having money or other things out of an Horn, the Purse of the An∣cients, whence Cornucopia.

Laetitia, Gaudium, a Child (the merriest Age) with a Crown. Sometimes a Goddess with a Crown in one Hand, and Spear in the other; call'd Vitula from Vitulari, and Euthymia; it signifies commonly a publick Rejoycing for some notable good Success; and was celebrated with Vows, Prayers, Sacrifices, Congiaries, Gifts, &c.

Juventus, a very solemn Sacrifice, when they first cut their Beards; and did excedere ex Ephebis.

Libertas, ordinarily a Woman holding in one hand a Pileum, or such a Cap as was given to those that were made free, to hide the ugliness of their shaven Scalps; in the other a Rod cal∣led Vindicta; wherewith the Praetor struck them, to shew, that they were now exempt from be∣ing beaten by their Masters.

Liberalitas, the Donor sitting, and in one hand a Cornucopia, in the other a square Figure with a Handle and Marks, to shew the quantity of the Donative or Largess. The Quantities were Quadrantale of Wine, a Measure of 80 l.

Congius, the eighth part of it, or 10 l. which probably being the most usual Measure given,

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Donatives in general were call'd Congiaria.

Sextarius, the sixth part of a Congius, or 1. l. + 7/12. The Coin signifies such a Largess to be given by the Emperor, and commonly with Marks upon it, which shew how often he hath given of those Liberalities.

Annona or Provision of Corn given to the People, is figured commonly with Ears of Corn, Cornucopia, Ceres, or the like; which intimate also some Office for providing Corn. When any part of a Ship added, 'tis to signifie that provision was brought by Sea.

§. 10. There were also divers mystical Re∣presentations or Monsters, which certain Coun∣tries or Cities stamped upon their Coins, as they did their Gods and Goddesses.

Sphinx, a Womans face, Lyons feet (to shew, * 1.9 saith Bell. that Nilus overflowed when the Sun was in Leo and Virgo) Birds Wings: and was the ordinary Seal of Augustus, till he made use of his own Effigies.

Harpiiae, a Womans Face, the rest a ravenous Bird.

Sirenes, a Womans Face and Body, ending also in a Bird, tho now they falsly paint them ending in a Fish. They were three, one sung, another (Parthenope buried at Naples, thence call'd Parthenop•…•…) play'd on a Pipe, the third on a Harp.

Gryphons made up of Eagle and Lyon conse∣crated to the Sun, because of its force, swift∣ness, and governing both the Air and Earth,

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as doth the Eagle and Lyon, and as some Au∣thors say (who believe there are such Beasts) sacrificed by the Ethiopians to him.

The three Graces are also sometimes seen upon Medals, three Nymphs naked [Gratitude being to be returned with a free and open heart, without any disguise] exactly designed, he that abused their Images being held as infamous. They are three to represent, 1. the doing of a Courtesie, 2. the return of it from the Recei∣ver, 3. the Obligation the Receiver hath to acknowledge it, even to the Posterity of his Benefactor. They are joyned together com∣monly by their hands, to shew that these three should never be separated. They signifie in Medals Thankfulness for a Courtesie received from such an Emperor.

Semones, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Cabiri were the Sons of Vulcan, and Cabaera the Daughter of Proteus; cal∣led also Telchines, Idaei Dactyli from Mount Ida in Phrygia, where they were the Ministers of Cybele, Curetes in Crete where they nursed up Jupiter, and Corybantes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Galea, be∣cause in the Pyrrichian and Oenoplian Dances, invented or practised by them, armed; they also taught the use of Fire, and working in Copper and Iron; to feed Herds and Flocks, the use of Honey, manner of Hunting, and •…•…astly the practice of Civilty and Conversation. Many Temples were dedicated to them; one •…•…n Egypt, which none but Priests might come •…•…nto; and they were accounted implacable to •…•…ny that offended them.

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§. 11. We see also upon their Coins their Sa∣crificings with such things as belonged to them, which were,

Secespita, an Hatchet, probabilier a Knife, to kill the Beast.

Aspersorium, a Water sprinkle to sanctifie the Altar, Vessels and People.

Simpulum, a little Vessel to pour Wine upon the Sacrifice. Simpulum or Simpullum, and Guttu•…•… or Gutturnium, one was for Wine, the other for Oyl; call'd Guttus, because having a narrow Neck, the Ovl dropped out guttatim, saith Var∣ro. Vid. Gell. l. 17. c. 8. whilst the Entrails were a burning, they moistned them with Oyl.

Pingue super{que} Oleum sundens ardentibus Extis.

Patina or Patera, a Platter to receive the Blood of the Sacrifice.

—Tepidum{que} Cruorem Accipiunt pateris. Virg.

Acerra, a little Coffer wherein they put their Incense; sometimes also a portatile Altar, whereupon they burnt their Incense.

Capeduncula, à capiendo thure ex acerra.

Mappa, a Towel to wipe the Priests hands.

These signified such a one to be Pontifex Maximus.

To the Priests belong divers Ornaments o•…•… holy Vestments, if you so please to call them. Such were their Pilea, of which they had three sorts.

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1. Apex, call'd so from apere to bind, which was a thin Cap made of a white Victims Skin offered to Jupiter, with an Olive-tuft stuck on the top with Wool upon it. La∣nigeros Apices. Virg. AEn. 8. with an Half-Moon on the Coin of P. Stolo, and was used by all the Flamines and Priests. It had also two strings call'd Offendices (pro∣bably also of Woollen) to tye it faster or slacker as they pleased.

2. Tutulus^m belonged to the Pontifices, and was made of Wool, of the figure almost of a Sugar-loaf, but had not a Half-Moon, nor can I tell whether it had a Virga or Tuft upon the top of it: the fashion of Women gathering their hair altogether, and tying or tiring it into one knot on the top of their head, is call'd Tutulus.

3. Galerus or Albogalerus, was a Cap made of some Beast sacrificed to Jupiter; was proper to the Flamen Dialis, who never appeared in publick without that and Prae∣texta.

To the Augures belonged a crooked Staff cal∣led Lituus, wherewith they were wont to mark out the Quarters of the Sky; yet not proper to the Augurs, but that as also the Commenta∣culum or streight Staff was used sometimes by the Flamines, as appears by a Coin of Augu∣stus's,

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wherein is a Goddess holding a Shield in her left hand, her right hand over the head of a Priest who holds in one hand a Lituus, in the other a Commentaculum. L. Lentulus Flamen Martialis. Sometimes an Augur also is design∣ed by a Cock.

Ara was a small low Altar common to all sorts of Gods. Altare higher and larger for the Celestial Gods.

Tripos was of two sorts, the one to sit upon, used chiefly in the Temple of Apollo at Delphos; being set over a certain Cave, whence issued a Breath or Steam that inspired them. And to these Tripos's are joyned Crows consecrated to Gods Presidents of Divination. The other was a certain three footed Instrument, whereupon was set a little Pan for Coals to burn Incense to their Gods.

Thensae were certain Chariots which carried Exuvias Deorum, i. e. their Images and Re∣liques in their Circensian and Solemn Games to the Pulvinar or Bed prepared for them; and were so call'd, because adorned Linteis tensis, or Pavilions for the greater Ornaments and Majesty.

Supplicatio was a solemn time of praying to their Gods for assisting; or averting some Ca∣lamity that threatned; or giving Thanks for some Success of their Commonwealth. In the * 1.10 War with Philip there was a Supplication for three days, for Cesar fifteen days, for the Vi∣ctory over Antony at Modena fifty days; which had been done to Cicero before (Phil. 14 and in

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Calph. Pison.) Sometimes appointed by the Decree of XV viri; oftner by that of the Pontifices; but commonly by the Senate with the advice of the Pontifices, as it should seem; and at length they became ridiculous, as it appears by those decreed for Nero for the Murther of his Mo∣ther, for the Fecundity of Poppaea, Tac. l. 4. 15. Annal. Those Supplications were most so∣lemn which were ad omnia pulvinaria Deorum. The manner was, that Youths of about twelve years old went about crown'd, and carrying Laurels in their hands in Procession from Tem∣ple to Temple, singing certain Hymns and Prayers to their Gods.

Lectisternium began about A. V. C. 356. in a so∣lemn Supplication for deliverance from a great Plague, and sometimes signifies the Bed where∣upon the Guests or Sacrifices lay when they dined; but more commonly the Bed of the Gods, who, that they might be more at ease, had their Pulvinaria or Pillows; for at those times they lay the Statue of the God they wor∣shipped upon a Bed magnificently and curiously accoustred with Pillows, Coverings, &c. in the Temple with a Table before him, where after sacrificing they feasted as it were in the Com∣pany, and to the Honour of their God, who, by his presence amongst them, did testifie the acceptance of their Offerings, and admitted them to his Table.

Whilst the Sacrifice was consuming, they first prostrated themselves and prayed; after∣wards they sate down as it were in Meditation; as is seen upon Medals.

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An Ox ready for Sacrifice commonly signi∣fies Ludos Seculares, of which hereafter, where∣in was a most solemn and great Sacrifice of Oxen; tho in Julians Coin and some others, it rather seems to refer to the finding of Apis, the Egyptian holy Ox mentioned by Marcellinus, which being Sacred to the Moon, had a spot like her on his side, and his Tail waxed and wained as the Moon.

The Oxen to be sacrificed were bound about their Backs and Bellies with certain Rubans, and had on their Heads an Infula, which was a kind of woollen Net-work (call'd also Filamen∣ta) which covered their Heads. The Priests also had the like, and therefore the Sacrificers have always their Heads veiled or covered. Some imagine, that from thence proceeded the fa∣shion of Christian Bishops to wear Miters. But this is not probable, for Heathen Priests had not any Covering like a Miter; that Use rather seems to have been taken up in imitation of the Jewish High Priest. Condemned persons also had the like, as the condemned by the In∣quisition in Spain at this day have, the Martyrs therefore being condemned persons, had the same:

Thus much for the Roman Priests and Sacri∣fices, we find upon the Greek Coins divers Of∣ficers much differing from the Roman: Such were,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which were not the Chief of Asia, i. e. Governors of the Provinces, but Chief Priests. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,

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i. e. those Sacerdo∣tia à t••telâ praebebant immunitatem. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which I do not remember to have found men∣tioned before Augustus's time, but afterward very frequently upon Coins, not so frequently in Authors, what their Office was is obscure: Some say, they were persons devoted or con∣secrated to a Deity, but this is too large; they were indeed the AEditui (i. e.) such as had Charge of their Temples, Sacrifices, and all other holy Ceremonies, Sacristans. Sometimes whole Cities and Provinces were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. had the Charge of their solemn Games and De∣votions, wherein they made solemn Orations and Panegyricks in Honour of their Gods, and Superiors, they determined all Controversies about their Religion and Worship; they cele∣brated and presided in their solemn Games, &c. and they took it for a great Honour, tho done at their own Charge, to be often 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Of their holy Games they had three princi∣pal Officers, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Alytarcha was chiefest,* 1.11 honoured and ado¦red by the Name of Jupiter, during the Solem∣nity he never came within doors, nor lay on a Bed, but in the open Air upon stones on the ground, covered with a Rush Mat and clean Carpets; his Habit a long white Robe gilded, a Crown of Gold beset with Jewels, an Ivory Scepter and Sandals.

The Grammateus wore a long white Robe, a golden Crown after the Laureat fashion, and was adored under the Name of Apollo.

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Amphithales had a long white Robe, a Wreath of Bays, a golden Pectoral with the Image of Jupiter upon it, and honoured as Mercury.

The Grammateus probably registered the Vi∣ctors Names, the time and stile of Rewards call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Records of the holy Conquerors.

If any of the Company, whether Maids or young Men, upon the Acclamation of the ho∣ly People were crown'd, they were to spend the rest of their days in a Cloister; for imme∣diately after the Games he was consecrated a Priest, she a Nun.

Sometimes also the Emperors themselves took upon them the person of the Alytarchae, as is reported of Dioclesian, who immediately there∣upon resigned the Empire, saying, That after he had born the person of Jupiter, he would not any more be King. The like was done by Maximia∣nus.

The Celebration of these Games in this or that City of the Community (as of Asia) was by the people accounted a very holy Solemnity, and an act of extraordinary Devotion to their Gods and Emperors, and therefore required peculiar Priests, which moved the Cities very much to affect the Honour and Dignity of ha∣ving the Games celebrated there, and of taking care to provide all things necessary for so many Proxies of the Gods; consequently this gave them a great opportunity of shewing their De∣votion unto, and therefore hoping for a Bles∣sing from, their Gods; of ingratiating them∣selves

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into the Favour of the Emperor by their Panegyricks, and of having many holy Persons amongst them, and also of drawing a great concourse of people thither; at what time were also holden Fairs and general Markets, and consequently much Gain and Wealth to the place. This Favour is express'd upon their Coins how often it was done, sometimes two, three or four times; and it should seem where any Deity is mention'd, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 were of that only, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 where none, it was of the Mother of the Gods the great Deity of Asia.

How can a City be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉? Very well, for they might easily manage all the business by a select Council of the Town, and except what required personal Service, and for that they chose such persons as they thought meet for the purpose, which also redounded much to the Honour of that City.

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CHAP. VII. Of their Religion, Priests, Days, and Assemblies.

NExt to their Gods we will speak of their Religion, Priests and Sacrifices, such things especially as conduce to the understanding of their ancient Coins.

§. 1. The Religion of the ancient Romans was divided into Sacra, Sacrifices; over which the Pontifices presided; and Aruspicia or Divi∣nations; and Predictions over which were their Augurs, who also declared, if Elections and such like publick Actions were not well, i. e. authoritatively made, and foretold Successes. But in extraordinary cases they consulted the X and afterwards the XV-viri Sacris faciundis, or Interpreters of the Sybils books. The explana∣tion of Portents, Monsters, &c. was commit∣ted to the Aruspices; these were instituted by Romulus, but afterwards lost their reputation, and were commonly very mean persons (who yet were sometimes consulted even by the Se∣nate in matters of consequence, but then they sent commonly for persons out of Tuscany where this trade flourished most) till Claudius the Em∣peror restored them to their dignity (Tacit.

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Annal. l. 2.) and then their College increased so much, that it became an Order. By the way note that ordo signifies ordinarily a Dignity, Art, or Profession, as ordo Senatorius, Equestris, Pub∣licanorum, Mancipiorum, &c. Collegium was a Corporation of three at least, under the same Laws and Interest. Sodalitas (chiefly Sacerdo∣tum) fellow Officers because they sate together. Festus verbo sodalis.

So that there were in all four summa Collegia or chief Corporations of holy Persons, who had supreme Authority in all things pertaining to Religion, tho the Senate trespassed upon their Office by making Decrees without sometimes, but commonly with, their advice. 1. Pontifici∣um. 2. Augurum. 3. X & XV virorum sacris fa∣ciundis, and these three were amplissima or most honourable. 4. Aruspicum. By those three were all matters of Religion managed, and chiefly by the Pontifices and Augures, whose Authority and Dignity was very great; insomuch that we see such as bore those Offices figured upon their Coin with their Ensigns, a Patera, Urceolus, Simpulum, or some such instrument of sacrifi∣cing, and a Lituus for the Augurs, tho the Li∣tuus was not proper only to them: and the III-viri R. P. C. tho they despised and trampled upon all Laws sacred and civil, yet retained these Honours and their Ensigns, as of great consequence, to themselves.

§. 2. The Pontifices had books containing their Rites and Ceremonies, which they never disco∣vered;

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as their Pontificales Annales, Maximos, Commentarios sacros, Fastos, libros Ceremoniarum. The Augurs had their Augurales, the XV-viri their Fatales, Fatidicos, or Sybillinos, Commenta∣rios Vaticines: the Aruspices had Aruspicinos, ri∣tuales, reconditos de fulminibus, fulgurales, histori∣as Tuscas, &c.

The Pontifices were the chiefest, so that in process of time the name Pontifex was common to all their Priests; so we read Pontifex sacro∣rum, Caesarum, Solis, Volcani, AEdium sacrarum, Coloniae, Domus Augustae, fecialis, Quinquennalis, Saliorum, Vestae, &c. and in case of necessity supplied the Offices of all the other Priests, as of the Flamen Dialis in case of his sickness, or if he was not augurated, &c. they also gave Answers out of the Sybills books, concerning Prodigies, &c. After the death of Ascanius, his son Julus was put by the Kingdom by Sil∣vius son of Lavinia, and made Priest; but af∣terwards the Kings were Priests also, till Numa, who first regulated these things, and divided the whole Sacerdotal Dignity and Employment into three parts, of which the Pontifices were one: he then elected to be Pontifex, Max. Mar∣cius M. F. a Senator, and committed to him all the Ceremonies of their Religion writ and seal∣ed up. He joyned to him also three Pontifices Patritians, Quibus solis Magistratus & Sacerdotia adipisci licebat, quare dicti Pontifices a posse & fa∣cere, saith Scaevola; tho Varro derive the word à ponte [sublicio] faciendo, or re•…•…endo: and they were all Patritii a great while, till the

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common People by their Sedition and Unquiet∣ness had got Tribunes; and then they never rest∣ed, but first they obtained by Lex Caninia that they might marry with the Nobility; then by Lex Licinia, that one of the Consuls should be a Plebeian; and that part of the XV-viri sacro∣rum should be Plebeians. Ogulnius preferred a Law that 5 Augurs and 4 Pontifices should be created out of the common People, and added to the former number; which after much con∣tention was obtained. Yet the Pontificatus Ma∣ximus remained amongst the Patritii till T. Co∣runcanius, * 1.12 who was the first Plebeian (Atilio Regu∣lo Cos) that obtained it. Afterwards it was also communicated to Foreigners, the first whereof was Corn. Balbus a Spaniard of Gades, first jure Quiritum donatus, afterwards by Pompey made Cos. & Pont. Max. After the Lex Ogulnia, Sulla the Dictator again enlarged the College of the Pontifices and Augurs; and after him Julius Caesar added one to every College; and the Senate upon occasion often added others supra numerum. But after that the Emperors assumed to them the Pontificatum Maximum; they ne∣glecting all former Laws, chose all other Priests; tho sometimes in flattery the Senate added also their Decree, as they did to Augustus after M. Antonies death. Dio l. 51. Sulla encreased the number of the Pontifices to 15, 8 Patricians and 7 Plebeians; whom Tully calls ex parte dimidi•…•… Sacerdotes, and then the Patritii were called ma∣jores, the Plebeii minores; as there were majores and minores Flaminii; and amongst the minores

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the Senior was call'd Maximus; and the Junior Minimus-minorum. But tho these at first were accounted Sacerdotes, and tho of a lower rank and in lower places, yet they sate with the Pont. Max. the Flamines, Rex Sacrorum, and other Pon∣tifices in Judgment; yet at last they came to be no better than Ministers, Scribes, &c. to the Majores. And the greatest of the Majores and the Head of them (not by Seniority but Choice) was Pontifex Maximus: (As the Flamen Dialis had the greatest Authority amongst the fifteen Flamines, Praetor Urbanus amongst the Praetors, and Maxima Vestalis amongst the Virgins.) So call'd, saith one, quod Maximus, quae ad Sacr•…•… & Religiones pertinent, Judex sit, Vindex{que} con∣tumaciae Privatorum, Magistratuum{que}. For as the Pontifices were chief of all the Sacred Order, so was the Pont. Max. the chiefest of them; o•…•… whose Jurisdictions and Power by and by. * 1.13

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§. 3. The Pontifices were after their Institu∣tution chosen by the College, and by them also was the Pont. Max. chosen out of their own Body, and were created or inaugurated in Co∣mitiis Curiatis, being they were all Patritii; but afterwards the Plebeii being made partakers of the Priesthood, they were created in Tribu∣tis, [Tributa were Councils or Convocations of the Common people, wherein the Fathers or Senators had nothing to do] which Comitia, be∣fore Lex Domitia, were holden by one of the Eminentest persons in the College. By Lex Domitia jus subrogandorum Sacerdotum was trans∣ferred from the College to the people, and then all the Pontifices were created Comitiis Tri∣butis. And it should seem, that in the Tribu∣tis the Pontifices were renunciati, but were con∣firmed and established in Curiatis, for in those Comitia only were Auguries; but Plebeii Sacer∣dotes, who to their Consecration had no need of Auguries, were made in Tributis. It should seem also, that in Comitiis Tributis the people only designed or named the person, but that the Regular and Authentick Election was in the College; and that they could not chuse any of the same Family with one of themselves; as neither any person that was a notorious Enemy to any of them. In those Comitia Tri∣buta only seventeen Tribes chosen by Lot gave their Voices for chusing the Pont. Max. The Curio Maximus, Augurs and XV-viri were also created in Comitiis Tributis; but the Rex Sacro∣rum in Centuriatis; and the Flamines in Curia∣tis;

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which were holden by the Pontifices, whom therefore Cicero calls Auctores Centuriatorum & * 1.14 Curiatorum Comitiorum.

§. 4. This Custom of Election seems to have lasted, till Julius Caesar, by a great Largess, was made Pont. Max. but he neglecting the way whereby himself attained the Pontificate, crea∣ted Pont. whom he pleased; and the Senate af∣terwards in flattery voted, That if he should have a Son, he should also be Pont. Max. M. Antony also neglecting the Comitia and all Order and Law, created Lepidus Pont. Max. surrepti∣tiously; and to confirm him the more, and collegue the better, he ordered that from thenceforth the Cooptation or Choice of the Pontifices should be transferred from the people to the College, as Sulla had order'd it before for ten years only. After Lepidus's death (which some, tho falsly, affirm that Augustus hastened for the purpose. Augustus assumed the Title and Power of Pont. Max. to himself; as did also all the succeeding Emperors, till they became Christians; not because they were Patritii, but for the greatness of the Authority and Ve∣neration; and therefore they always placed •…•…t * 1.15 the first of their Titles: Yet before Hadrian, none executed the Function. They also some∣times deffe•…•…ed to take upon them the Pontifi∣cate, as T•…•…berius was not Pont. Max. till 6 Id. Mart. tho Augustus died Kal. Septemb. and when Pontifices Max. they rarely summoned a College, but o•…•…dinarily 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all things by themselves, and to settle in them•…•…ves all the Sacred Authority

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that was possible; they were also Augurs, as appears by divers Coins of Julius, Augustus, Ve∣spasian, Verus, &c. which have the Augures En∣signs upon them. And Otho; if that reading in Tacitus be true, Hist. l. 1. Otho Pontificatus * 1.16 Auguratus{que} honoratus insignibus, cumulum, &c.

They were also sometimes of the XV-viri, that they might engross to themselves all the three summa & amplissima Sacerdotia. So there is a silver Coin of Vitellius, with a Tripos, Dol∣phin, and Bird, all sacred to Apollo; whose Priests the XV-viri were. If two Augustus's at the same time, the one was Pont. Max. the o∣ther Pontifex only, as appears by the Coins of M. Aurelius and Lucius Verus, of Caraculla and Geta, of Dioclesian and Maximian.

§. 5. And before the Emperors times the Pont. Max. was of so great Honour, that it was very ambitiously desired even of Persons of greatest Quality, and seldom any was chosen that had not before sat in Sella Curuli. He took place also and precedence of all the other Ma∣gistrates.

The Inauguration of the Pont. Max. is de∣scribed by Prudent. Hymn. Sti. Romani, and was thus; Putting on his Pontificalia, he went down into a Hole made for that purpose, over which was thrown a wooden Bridge or Cover full of holes; then was brought an Ox ready for the Sacrifice, and slain upon the Bridge: So that the blood ran down through the h•…•…s upon the person below and his cloaths; which being

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done, the Bridge was removed, and he taken up, and acknowledged Pont. Max.

The Pont. Max. and Flamen Dialis were mar∣ried per Confarreationem, or a most solemn Sa∣crifice; some say they might have but one Wife: Si Dialis uxorem duxerit illum Flaminio decedere, & matrimonium Flaminis non nisi morte dirimi; if they were Laws, or if any other such concer∣ning the Pont. Max. it is manifest by Julius Cae∣sar's Example, they were in his time obsolete and antiquated.

The Pont. Max. had a publick House which * 1.17 was call'd Regia, because the Habitation of Rex Sacrificulus; and it was laureata: This was first given by the people to P. Scipio Nasica in viâ sacrâ, who was by the Senate sirnamed Opti∣mus, that he might be the easilier consulted in Matters of Law, which was his Profession; and it should seem that the succeeding Pontifices li∣ved in that same, even Julius Caesar himself, who remov'd out of his own house in the Sub∣urra unto this. But Augustus made his whole house publick, because built with the peoples Money.

§. 6. It should seem that the Augurs had this Privilege by Law, that they never forfeited their Augurships, no not tho condemn'd to death. The Rex Sacrorum seems also to have had the same Prerogative, but the Pontifices Maximi not so; but yet in favour to some persons their Priesthoods were made perpetual; tho Pontifices perpetui doth not always signifie such as were to enjoy their Honours as long as

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they lived; but such also as were employ'd continually and assiduously about Matters of their Religion.

The Maxima Vestalis and the Rex Sacrorum were also legibus soluti, unquestionable by Law, but the Pontifices not.

It was unlawful for the Pont. Max. to go out of Italy till P. Licin. Crassus broke that, whe∣ther Law or Custom; and he was imitated by divers of his Successors, particularly by Julius Caesar; yet against the gré of the Senate, who voted that Julius Caesar should therefore be gi∣ven up to the Enemies.

Hereupon some have doubted, whether the Pont. Max. could have any Command in their Armies, and consequently be Consul, &c. And 'tis true indeed, that the Flamen Dialis was sel∣dom chosen Consul, because it was forbidden him to be General. Exercitum armatum videre Flaminis Dialis religio est, A. Gel. l. 10. c. 15. Yet both the Flamines and Sal•…•…i might have Ci∣vil Power, both Consulates, tho rarely, and other Magistracies. But the Pont. Max. were capable of any Power Civil or Military. So we see the Emperors were always Pont. Maximi. So M. AEmilius was Censor, Liv. l. 40. Tacit. Annal. l. 4. P. Licinius was first AEdile, then Censor, then Cos. Liv. l. 27. and afterwards Master of the Horse to Q. Fulvius the Dictator. P. Scaevola also was Tribunus plebis, tho Tully ac∣counted it dangerous to join those two Offices.

The Charge and Employment of the Ponti∣fices was very great and various. At first they judg'd all points of Law, and decided all Con∣troversies:

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and before the twelve Tables all the Law was contain'd in their Books: of which af∣terwards Cn. Fulvius discover'd and publish'd so much as concern'd Civil Matters; but what touch∣ed the Rites and Ceremonies of their Religion, was always kept secret: but they had always supreme Authority in judging all Sacred Causes, whether between private persons, Magistrates, or persons Sacred. They ma•…•…e inquisition into the Lives and Carriages of all •…•…uch Officers and Magistrates that had oversight over the Sacri∣fices and Worship of the Gods; as likewise all Priests, whether of their own or other Order; also any person that belonged to Religion in any case, and all other persons in religious Ca∣ses: and for some Crimes they could mulctam & poenam ponere; and the Vestal Virgins they could judge to f•…•…agellation and loss of life. They declared and interpreted the true Worship of the Gods to the Common people; and took care to prevent all heterodox Opinions in Re∣ligion. They also interpreted the Minds of the Gods when-ever demanded, resolving all Cases of Conscience, as I may call them, and * 1.18 absolving from such faults as were pardonable. They had Charge over Religion and all other Ceremonies; taking notice also of what con∣cern'd the Commonwealth in Election of Ma∣gistrates, undertaking Wars, &c. which were no otherwise rata & firma, but as by them judged consentaneous to the Ceremonies of their Religion. They decreed concerning Sa∣crifices, Vows, Holy-days, and in general kept the Kalender for all the distinction of their

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days: which because it is somewhat intricate, you will pardon me, if by a small digression I try to clear it.

§. 7. Their days then were, 1. either atri, unlucky days, wherein it was not lawful to fight a Battel, consult the People, nor do any solemn Action, not so much as to bury their deceased Parents; such were the days imme∣diately following the Calends, Nones, and Ides; and the fourth day before the Calends, Nones, and Ides; on the fourth day before the Nones of August was the great Defeat at Cannae.

2. Other days were not atri, and they were

1̄ Festi, Holy-days consecrated to the Gods, in them were Sacrifices to be offer'd, Religious Banquets made, and Games celebrated. Some of them also were Feriae, which were pro∣faned if any labour was performed in them, but what concerned either the Worship of the Gods, or some urgent commodity of life, as if an Ox fell into a pit; or a Beam of the house broken; or War brought sud∣denly upon them: and those Feriae were,

α Publick, and those, 1. Stativae, common to all the people upon certain set Days and Months, and were marked in their Fasti; on such were celebrated their Ago∣nalia, Carmentalia, Lupercalia.

2. Conceptivae, which were every Year bid∣den or denounced by the Priests or Magi∣strates, such were Latinae, Paganalia, Se∣mentinae, Compitalia.

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3. Imperativae, which the Consuls or Praetors commanded upon occasion.

4. Nundinae, which were Fairs, wherein the Country-people came to sell and buy.

βPrivatae, and those, 1. of certain Families, as of the Claudia, AEmilia, Julia, Cornelia, &c.

2. Or of particular persons, such were their Birth-days, fulgurum susceptiones, Funerals, Expiations, &c.

2̄Profesti, or Working days, wherein a man might dispatch any business publick or pri∣vate; and these were,

α Fasti, wherein the Praetor might hear Causes, and give Sentence; or, as they phrase it, fari tria illa verba, Do, Dico, Ad∣dico: yet on these Days all Comitia or treating with the People were forbidden. Nefasti were such Days, wherein the Courts were not open.

β Comitiales, in which they might both plead in the Courts, and treat with the Peo∣ple.

γ Comperendini, in quibus vadimonium dicere licet.

δ Stati, Days appointed for hearing of Strangers.

ε Praeliares, wherein they might demand their own by force, and provoke the Ene∣my: which it was not lawful to do, in La∣tinarum Solenni, in diebus Saturnaliorum, nor cum mundus patet; because that was dedicated to Dis and Proserpina, and then they counted it unlawful either to raise, march, or exercise their Men, to

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charge the Enemy [but if the Enemy charged them, it was accounted lawful to fight at any time] to weigh Anchor, to go to Sea, or to marry a Wife.

3̄ Intercisi, such Days which were common both to the Gods and Men, half Holy-days, in some hours the Courts were open, in some not.

§. 8. And because frequent mention is made of their Comitia or General Assemblies, perhaps it will be acceptable to you to know somewhat concerning them also.

Of the Divisions of the People, and of their Comitia or General Assemblies.

There were two great and solemn Divisions of the People of Rome; the first according to the place they lived in, and thus they were di∣vided into Tribus and Curias; the second, ac∣cording to their Wealth, and thus they were divided into Classes and Centurias.

After the Sabins were admitted into the Ci∣ty, Romulus divided the City into three parts, which he therefore call'd Tribus, and the Go∣vernor of them Tribunos; which Name also he imposed not only upon the Places but Inhabi∣tants; for divers of the Albani (to the number of 3000 Foot and 300 Horse) coming with Romulus to his new Colony, he gave them Houses in a peculiar part of the City, and made them into one Tribe, which he call'd

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Ramnensis, then Titus Tatius the King of the Sabins coming to live at Rome, brought with him also many of his own Country, whom he placed upon Mons Capitolinus, and they were made another Tribe call'd Tatienses, the rest of the people that inhabited betwixt the Mountains Palatinus and Capitolinus, made up another Tribe, and were call'd Luceres (either because they came ad Lucum, i. e. ad Asylum, and so taken into the City, or that they were Hetruscans that came with Lu•…•…umo, or Ardeates that came with Luceres, and fixed in Rome) afterwards Servius Tullus having enlarged the City, divided it into four Regions or Tribes, giving them Names, not as Romulus from their Countries, but from their places; which were Palatina, Suburana, Esquilina, and Collina; and he forbad the Inhabitants of any one place to change their dwelling into another; and this he did probably, because he saw the Ramnenses and Tatienses to be far exceeded in number by the continual addition of new Comers, who were all joined to the Luceres; probably also he divided the Country about Rome, which be∣longed to the Romans, into 26 parts, which made up so many Tribus Rusticas, as some Au∣thors say; others, as Varro, Dionysius and Livy seem to think, that he made not so many Tri∣bus Rusticas, and perhaps no more than fifteen, and their Names were Romilia, Remonia, Pupi∣nia, Veintina, Galeria, Pollia, Voltinia, AEmilia, Cornelia, Fabia, Menenia, Papiria, Sergia, Vetu∣ria, and that which afterwards (A. U. C. 249.) was call'd Claudia. Afterwards, A. U. C. 258.

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Claudius and Servilius being Consuls, two more were added, which seem to be Crustumina and Ocriculana. Anno 369. four more were added, Stellatina, Tormentina, Sabalina, and Arniensis. Anno 395. two more, Pomptina and Poplilia, or Popillia or Poblilia. Again, An. 421. two others, Maecia and Sceptia. Anno 435. Ufentina and Fa∣larina. Anno 454. Aniensis and Terentia: and lastly, Anno 512. Uclina and Quirina, which made up the number 35, which number never alter'd. These 16 last were not in agro Ro∣mano, but either in Sabino, or in Umbria, or in Latium, or in Campania, or in Hetruria; for Ufentina was so call'd from the River Ufens near Terracina, and Arniensis from the River Arnus, and seems to have been about Florence, and they were constituted according as they recei∣ved more and more Nations to be Citizens of Rome.

It is to be noted, That tho the Tribes seem at first of all to have receiv'd their Names from the Places, yet divers of them had other Names from Persons, as the Horatia, Papia, Camilla, &c. were anciently, and Julia, Flavia, Ulpia, &c. were modernly Names of some of these Tribes.

Also in the Country he built upon the strong∣est Hills and Places certain Castles, which he call'd Pagos, whither the Country-people might resort, and be in safety, in the time of any In∣vasion; which Pagi also were dedicated to some God, to whom once in the Year all that belong'd to that Pagus, Men, Women, and Children, brought a certain piece of Money,

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which was receiv'd by him that had Charge of the Pagus, whereby he knew the number of all that belong'd to that Pagus, and defray'd the Charges of the Sacrifices and Pagus. These Feasts or Holy-days were call'd Paganalia.

Afterwards this Manner and Government was quite alter'd; and Tribus signified not any place or quantity of Ground with its Inhabi∣tants, but a Company of Citizens, Free-men, that lived where they listed; so that persons of one Tribe lived in another: and Tribus was not pars Urbis as formerly, but Civitatis. And this Change happen'd (as it should seem) first, be∣cause most men desired and counted it greater reputation to be (as of honourabler Families, so of) honorabler Tribes. The more honoura∣ble were the Rusticae: For Romulus, to encou∣rage Husbandry, committed all sedentary, me∣chanick, and sordid Arts to Slaves, Libertines, and Strangers; but Agriculture to Free-men and Citizens, whom he design'd to be the Nursery of his Militia, theirs being a life more active and laborious, and which consequently disposed them better to great Undertakings. Secondly, Because the Adopted passed as well into the Tribe as the Family of the Adopter; whence it came, that great Families remov'd sometimes from one Tribe into another. Thirdly, Because the Censors in process of time came to have power to add new Tribes, and to remove out of one into another. So that Citizens began not to be of the Tribes in which they lived, but of those which it pleased the Censors either to gratifie them withal, or

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to punish them. Hence it is probable, that all of the same great Family got into one Tribe, which perhaps gave the Name to certain Tribes, as AEmilia, Claudia, Julia, &c. And Appius thus gave leave to all Citizens to enter themselves into what Tribe they pleased; but Q. Fabius, A. U. C. 449. finding the abuse which had crept in by Appius's permission; whereby the mean∣est people (being the greatest part) put them∣selves into the Rusticae Tribus, and so carried all things in the Comitia factiously, and to the prejudice of the Commonwealth; he (I say) finding this, transferred all the meanest of the people into the Tribus Urbanae; which was ano∣ther Reason, why after him all Persons of Qua∣lity sought to avoid being in those Tribes. Fourth∣ly, Because that persons for Demerits were pu∣nished by being placed in a lower Tribe, and for Reward advanced to an higher; where, by the way, it seems that one Rustica was more ho∣nourable than another. Cic. pro Balbo saith, that Balbus was rewarded for accusing and con∣victing N. N. of Ambitûs (unlawfully seeking Preferment) with a removal into Tribus Crustu∣mina; whether that was the general Recom∣pence for such Actions; or that the Accuser had the Tribe of the convicted, if nobler than his own, I know not.

§. 9. Servius Tullus divided all the people into six Classes according to their Wealth, and these again into 193 or 194 (Centurias) the greatest part whereof were of the richest Persons; whereby it came to pass, that they

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who had the greatest Interest in the Publick, had also greatest share in the Government. The Governors of the Centuries were call'd Centu∣riones, tho they seem not to have had any Pow∣er but in War. The first Class into 80 Centurias, 40 Seniorum, and 40 Juniorum under 45 years old, the Census or Wealth whereof was not un∣der a 100 Minae (10000 Drachmae) aliàs at 333^l—10^s—0^d of our Money; they were best and compleatest armed, and commonly had aciem primam in their Armies. To these were added 18 Centuries of the noblest and richest Equites.

The second Class was divided into 20 Cen∣turies of Foot-men, and their Census or Wealth was betwixt a 100 and 80 Minae (about 276 l.) they had all the Arms of the former, except a Breast-plate, and they constituted aciem secun∣dam. To these were added two unarmed Cen∣turies of Handy-crafts men (Opificum.)

The third Class was divided into 20 Centu∣ries of Foot-Soldiers. Their Wealth was be∣wixt 7000 and 5000 Drachmae, or as others, about 167 l. and had all the Arms of the for∣mer, except Greaves. These constituted aciem tertiam.

The fourth was divided into 20 Centuries of Foot-Soldiers, and their Wealth was betwixt 5000 and 2500 Drachms (about 24 l) their Arms were Spears, Shields, and Swords; and they constituted the last Battel or Acies. To which were added two unarmed Centuries, Cornicinum and Tibicinum.

The fifth was divided into 20 Centuries of

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Foot-Soldiers, whose Wealth was under 25 Mi∣nae, and above 12 and ½ (39^l—1^s—3^d) These were Velites, and had Slings and Darts, and the like Missilia.

The sixth was the rest of the People, Prole∣tariorum and Capite Censorum, whose Wealth was not regarded, and made but one Century, freed from all Tribute and Militia.

In giving their Suffrages therefore in their Comitia Centuriata or by Centuries, wherein most of the great Businesses were dispatched; the best and wealthiest Citizens (who had the most Centuries) had the greatest Power.

§. 10. The Comitia Centuriata (call'd by Ci∣cero Maxima) were, 1. for the Creation of the greater ordinary Magistrates, as Consuls, Proconsuls, Censors, Reges Sacrorum, Praetors, Tribuni Militum Consulari potestate, and XV∣viri legibus ferendis, where the Candidates had no Voices; and these Assemblies were held only by the Consuls, Dictators, Interreges, Trib. Milit. Cons. potestate & X-viri Leg. Scrib. and were call'd per Cornicinem, and were held in Cam∣po Martio, where all the people met, and gave their Voices each in their own Century.

2. For making Laws of greater Consequence, and such as were made by the greater Magi∣strates, Senatus-consulta, by the Authority of the Senate; and in these presided the Consuls and Dictators.

3. For Judgments in Case of Rebellion and Treason, and these were held by the Consuls, Dictators, or Praetors.

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They were only call'd by the greater Magi∣strates, and all admitted into Centuries, had Voices, whether they lived in the City or Ita∣ly; and they had their Diribitores (such as mar∣shalled them, and received their Suffrages) Rogatores, Custodes, and Praecones; and were in the Campo Martio extra Pomerium; were proclai∣med a competent time before by the Authority of the Senate (27 days; in which time were kept tria Nundina, or three Fairs, and tha•…•… space of time was call'd Trinundinum) and they were always post Capta auspicia, both by obser∣vation of the Heavens, the Auguries of the Birds, and the Inspection of Sacrifices.

§. 11. Tributa Comitia were, wherein the People gave their Suffrages according to their Tribes, and were

1. First for the Creation of some of their Priests.

2. For Creation of lesser Magistrates, whe∣ther Provincial, as Proconsuls, Propraetors, and Proquaestors. Or Urbani, and these were ei∣ther ordinary, such were Tribuni plebis, AEdiles Plebis, Tribuni Militum, AEdiles Curules, Qu•…•…∣stores, Triumviri, 1. Nocturni, 2. Capitales, 3. Au∣ro, Argento, AEre flando, feriundo. Or extraordi∣nary, as Praefecti Annonae, Duumviri Navales, Quaestores Parricidii, Duumviri AEdium Sacra∣rum, &c.

3. For making such Laws as were call'd Ple∣biscita; concerning making Peace, solutionem à legibus, Triumphs; Publicas Quaestiones de Ci∣vitate.

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4. For such Judgments wherein the Faulty persons were only mulcted.

There were to be present, according to the oc∣casion, Candidati, Accusers, Accused (and they Sordidati) with their Advocates or Patrons. They had Diribitores, Custodes, Rogatores, and Prae∣cones. They were held without an Auspicati∣on, and in any place within or without the City, but only upon Dies Comitiales, and they were proclaim'd ordinarily 27 days before.

Romulus divided the People into three Tribes or Wards, and every Ward into 10 Curias, like our Parishes, and (as these) each Curia had their proper Temples and Sacrifices. So that Curia signifies, 1. those 30 parts into which the people were divided, 2. the Temples proper to every one of these Curiae, 3. because the Senate ordinarily met in one of these Curiae; it signi∣fies any place wherein the Senate met.

Comitia Curiata were those wherein the Peo∣ple was asked their Sentence by Curias, and what the major part of the Curiae agreed upon was firm, and call'd jussum Populi, in these Comitia the people met not together in one place, but all in their several Curia's, and there voted.

1. They made Laws concerning, 1. the Confirmation of certain Magistrates, which were in other Comitia chosen, 2. the giving Military Charges to the Magistrates, 3. Revo∣cation from Exile, 4. Adoptions, 5. and Te∣staments.

2. They created certain Priests.

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They were convoked by certain Magistrates, as Kings, Interreges, Consuls, Praetors, Dicta∣tors, and Pontifices; and that by 30 Lictores, and upon certain days, within the City in Comitio, a place near the Forum. They only had Voices who were in Curias Scripti, i. e. that lived in the City.

The manner of holding them was this: the President of the Comitia proposed the business; and then said, Si ita vobis videtur, discedite in Curias, & suffragium inite: but if the Rogation (or thing proposed) seem'd not to be for the benefit of the People, the Trib. plebis interce∣ded and cryed, Veto; and then the Comitia were Dissolved.

But if it was thought fit to be passed, the Cu∣riae were call'd forth by Lot to give their Suf∣frages, and were call'd forth so often, till 16 of them agreed. They voted first by word of Mouth, afterwards by Tables. And they ob∣serv'd, that the Curia first call'd out, was to be boni Ominis, or else the Comitia were put oft till another day.

Of the Curiae.

§. 12. Curia signifies sometimes the Place or Meeting-house of the People, secondly, the People or Company that met in that one place, thirdly, the Jus or Rights wherewith they were endued. To understand this the better, this is the History of the Curiae.

Romulus having divided the whole City into three Tribes (or Wards) subdivided every Tribe into 10 Curiae (or Parishes) constituting in all 30

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and their Governors Curiones; which number was never increased, and to every Curia he as∣sign'd two publick places for their Meetings, which places were also call'd Curiae; one for their Sacrifices and Assemblings, for the Exercise of their Religion, the other for Consultations about Secular businesses. Curia locus est ubi publicas curas gerebant. But because in process of time the City became greatly augmented; so that these places, built by Romulus, were not sufficient to contain the multitudes, they built new ones much larger, into which they did evocare Sacra (transfer their God, their Altars, Ceremonies, &c.) only four there were left, out of which it was not lawful to transfer their Sacra: which were Foriensis, Rapta, Veliensis, and Velitia; which were there∣fore call'd Veteres Curiae, the rest Novae: Be∣sides these, we find three ancient Names of the Curiae, Saucia, Titia, and Tifata; and I know not whether any more.

So that according to Romulus's Institution, four of the ancient numerically remained, and the number of 30 Curiae was never alter'd; but they were not (as he made them) parts of the Tribus's; for when there were made four Tribes, there were but 30 Curiae; nor were there any Curiae in the Rustical Tribes; but they had their Pagi, where they perform'd their Devotions and Paganalia, as the City-Inhabitants did their Com∣pitalia in the Curiae. For every Curia had his God, and Sacrifices, &c. peculiar to it self, the Expences whereof were by Romulus allow'd out of the Treasury, and every Curia had his Curio (or Parish Priest) that minister'd and officiated

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in that Curia; both in their Worship, Sacrifices, holy Feasts, and the like.

Quest. Whether all that were number'd in the Tribus Rustica were referr'd or listed in some Curia? It seems that all that did enjoy the full and compleat Liberties and Privileges of Roman Citizens, were referr'd to some Curia; else they wanted a great part of the Government in the Commonwealth, many things being passed in Comitiis Curiatis; but many were Citizens (as Municipes, &c.) who were of some Tribe, but not of any Curia.

The Curiae were subdivided again into ten parts each, call'd Decuriae and their Chief was call'd Decurio; but these seem not to have been used in the City: but in the Municipia and C•…•…∣liniae, we find frequent mention of them.

§. 13. But to return from this Digression. The Pontifices also Decreed concerning Games, Ceremonies of all the Gods, that especially which made pro Salute Pop. Romani. They ap∣peased the Wrath of the Gods when denounced by Prodigies or any other way discover'd; tho procurare prodigia they commonly referr'd to the Aruspices. They did also expiare Piacula, i e. if any thing done against Religion, to make a∣tonement for it, as if a Vestal Virgin was got with Child, any great Sacrilege committed, any Games wrong performed; and many times they order'd Sacrifices, Games, &c. to be done over again. They presided in all sacred publick So∣lemnities, and were consulted also in such as * 1.19 concern'd private Persons or Families. And

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what three of them decreed was accounted firm and holy. Hence that Saying of Neratius Priscus: Tres faciunt Collegium. They also with the Ve∣stal Virgins might go into the Penus Vestae (which they call'd opening and shutting Pene∣trale Vestae) which was an inner secret Room in the Temple of Vesta, wherein were kept the Fortune of the Commonwealth. They did al∣so Deos indigitare (i. e.) call them by their pro∣per Names, which it was not lawful sometimes to publish unto the people. These Dii Indigi∣tes were Dii Patrii, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 men deified, which it was their Office to do. They also took care of the Intercalation, and equalling of the Civil, with the Natural, Year; which they kept as a great Mystery and a gainful, being frequently bribed to lengthen the Year by such as were desirous to continue their Offices lon∣ger, or the Customs they farm'd. Till Julius * 1.20 Cesar being Pont. Max. took upon him to re∣form the Kalendar. The Pontifices Minores had also some Sacrifices and Functions proper to themselves; as that they sacrificed every Ka∣lends to Juno (call'd therefore Calendarii) in Curia Calabra; which was the place of meeting and treating about Matters of Religion, as Cu∣ria Hostilia was for Civil by the Senate. Besides this, they had 30 other Curia's for the People, wherein to observe their Holy-days and Cere∣monies, which were govern'd by the Curio Ma∣ximus and the Flamines Curiales.

They had also Jurisdiction in the Cognizance of divers Civil Causes; as such as concern'd A∣doptions, which were commonly perform'd be∣fore

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them in Comitiis Curiatis. Such were Cau∣ses Matrimonial, Causes Testamentary, Sepul∣chral and Funeral; for none might without their leave remove a dead Body out of its Se∣pulcher, or renew a Monument, &c.

They had anciently Immunitatem à Muneri∣bus, i. e. from Taxes, &c. which afterwards was taken from them, and restrained only to Immunity from extraordinary Taxes. They had Sellam Curulem, & Togam praetextam (the Triumphers had Togam pictam) and might not ride in the City but in a Chariot.

§. 14. The Rex Sacrorum and Flamines, tho not Pontifices, yet were so joyn'd to the Col∣lege of the Pontifices, that they commonly sate in Judgment with them; and some say in this Order, 1, Rex Sacrorum, 2. Dialis, 3. Martia∣lis, 4. Quirinalis, 5. Pontifex Maximus; but this Marshalling is very doubtful; for Livy saith expresly, that the Pont. Max. took place of the Rex Sacrorum, because they would not joyn preheminence to that Name.

As to their Sacrifices and holy Ceremonies, there was not so great difference betwixt the Pontifices Majores and Pont. Max. as in other things there was; for besides that he was Head and Chief (and as it were Dean) of the College, presiding in all their Meetings, and answering for them when ever any thing was referr'd to, or demanded of, them: and consequently Head of all that Estate of Sacred persons; whereby he had Power to convoke the People, propose to them, and ask their Suffrages, and, as some

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say, Leges ferre, especially concerning Religi∣ous * 1.21 matters; insomuch that the Comitia Centu∣riata and Curiata were in a manner wholly his, wherein were chosen all the chief Officers of their Religion; whom he also inaugurated; even the Rex Sacrorum himself, who else was the chief of them all: yet was his Priesthood under the Pont. Max. Ne additus nomini honos aliquid officeret libertati, saith Livy, l. 2.

Besides all these things, he chose the Vestal Virgins, 20 in number, and in his custody were fatale Imperii Pignus in Penu Vestae, which were * 1.22 seven in number: Acus Matris Deûm, Quadri∣ga fictilis, Veientinorum cineres, Orestis (i. e.) Pria∣mi * 1.23 Sceptrum, Ilione, Palladium, Ancilia. To the Pont. Max. also belong'd the Tensae, Curricula, Praecentio, ludi, libationes, Epulae{que} ludorum pub∣blicorum. He began all their sacred Hymns, and Processions, and all other religious Cere∣monies. He also confecit magnos Annales, i. e. writ upon whited Tables what was done every Year, and exposed it publickly at his House, that all might read it. And in what State and Splendor he lived the Proverb of Coena Ponti∣ficia shews sufficiently.

The Ministers of the Pontifices were the III∣viri, afterwards the VII-viri, Epulonum: whose Office was to take care of the Solemn Games: and, if any thing was omitted or wrong done, to advertise the Pontifices of it; and to provide for the Epulare Sacrificium or holy Feast made of the Sacrifices at those Games; their Ensign up∣on a Coin of L. Plancus is Urceolus or an Ewer. Virgines saliae who assisted at the Sacrifices in

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the Regiâ. Camilli were Youths (ingenui) that served the Priest at Sacrificing, and are com∣monly decipher'd holding a Box of Incense in their hands. Apparitores or Kalatores, Lictores. Scribae most of them Libertini 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, à libris Pontificalibus. Decuria Curiatia. Tibicines who play'd, and Ludii that danced, at their Sa∣crifices: instead of whom in their Colonies was Petreia, an Antick, that led their Ceremo∣nies in the Habit of an old drunken Woman. Popae, that slew; Victimarii that dressed, their Sa∣crifices. Incinerarius that brought the Embers, and kindled the fire. Jecorus and Aruspex Pon∣tificis that stood by, ordered the Sacrificed, and viewed the Liver. Fictores, probably such as sold Images of Flower or Wax to such as were not able, by reason of poverty, to buy living beasts. Nomenclatores Tensarum Jugares, such as assisted in ordering the Tensae.

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CHAP. VIII. Of Countries, Colonies, Places.

§. 1. SPain, upon their Coins is sometimes like a Soldier on Horse-back with a Lance, sometimes on Foot with a round Buckler and two Darts, (the Weapons of that Country) sometimes a Woman with a Rabbet, of which was so great plenty heretofore in Spain, that whole Towns have been undermined by them; and Galen thought they were proper to that Coun∣try. Deus Hispanus, or their Tutelar God, is a full Face with short curled Hair, and a Collar of Pearls about his Neck.

Africa, a Womans Head tired with the Skin of an Elephants Head: sometimes also beside her a Scorpion, Basket of Herbs, and Ears of Corn. Sometimes also a Serpent before an Elephant; who is said by his hot Breath to draw them out of their Holes, and so devour them. Sometimes with G. T. A. Genius Tute∣laris Africae.

Mauritania, and in Hadrian's Money Mau∣retania, a Woman in a Soldiers Habit leading an Horse commonly without a Bridle, (Infraenes Numidae Virg. calls them) and a Switch in the other hand.

Italy, sometimes like a Woman crowned with Towers, sitting on a Globe; to signifie

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the Command of the World; sometimes with a Cornucopia.

§. 2. Roma, owing her Name to a Wo∣man call'd Rhome; for when the Trojans lay lurking at the Mouth of Tiber, and made In∣roads into the Country, their Wives troubled at that manner of living, by the Counsel of Rhome, when the men were gone abroad to forrage, burnt the Ships; whereupon perforce they built a City, and call'd it Roma; some∣times therefore a Woman armed sitting on seven Mountains, or on an heap of Arms, with a Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, and a Bird or two call'd Picus Martius consecrated to Mars their Father. Sometimes a young Head, to shew its perpetuity and eternal Vigour, armed also for strength.

Germania, a Woman with a Lance and Shield, like a Rhombus, with the acute Angles cut off; which it seems was the defensive Arms of most Countries thereabouts.

Sicilia is figured by three Legs in a Triangle, because of the three Promontories, Pelorum, Pachorum, Lilybaeum; with Ears of Corn to shew its Fertility.

Judaea and Phoenicia with a Palm-tree.

Armenia with a Persian Quiver of Arrows.

Arabia, a Camel.

Corinth and Syracuse, her Colony, a Pegasus•…•…

Cyrene, the Plant Silphium (a gross Stem with two or three branches at the top, like a round Ball) because thence the best Laserpitium, either the Gum or the coagulated Juice of that

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Plant, which some conceive to be Benzoin.

Egypt, a Woman holding a Sistrum (a Mu∣sical Instrument like a Racket of Iron or'Brass, in the sides of it loose Wyres or Irons with thick ends, that they might not slip out of the holes, and give also a greater sound; the Si∣strum being held by the handle, and shaken to and again in a certain Measure, made such Musick as served their Turns) Sometimes with an Ibis, a great Devourer of their Serpents. Sometimes with one of their many monstrous Ass or Dog or Hawk Cat-headed Gods. Some∣times a Crocodile. Sometimes a Sphinx, which was a kind of Ape or Monkey, more ingeni∣ous than any other sort of these Animals, found amongst the Troglodites, but brought from Egypt, the Egyptians famous for their Dex∣terity and Wittiness, represented themselves by it.

Carthago, on one side a Virgins Head, on the other an Horses; they say, that at the building of Carthage, an Horses head was found in a Pit in an holy Wood; whereby was fore∣shew'd that the new City should be warlike and a great Conqueress, whence the Punick Name of it KAKKABH signifies (as they say) an Horses head: the Palm-tree shews them to be a Colony of the Phoenicians.

§. 3. Rivers are generally described like an Old man (because from the beginning; and thence Fluvius, and most of the Names of Ri∣vers are Masculines) crown'd with Reeds or Water-weeds, pouring water out of an Urne,

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and a Cornucopia; if navigable, with a Boat. Tyber with two Children sucking a Wolf. Nilus with a Crocodile, and many Children playing about him, to represent its Fertility. Tigri•…•… with a Tiger.

§. 4. A Colony is represented commonly by a Plough drawn by two Oxen, or an Ox and a Cow; which at the building of a City were yoked together; the Cow inward (the Wife being to be House-keeper) with the Plough they made a Furrow, which should be as it were the limits of the City, where the Gates were to be, they lifted up the Plough out of the Earth; so porta à portando. Some∣times also by a Banner; for at Rome, when a Colony was to be sent forth, a Banner was set up, and an inscribed Table under it, to shew who was the Conductor, and what numbers were to go, and whither; that all might have notice who were willing to give in their Names. The numbers being full, out of every hundred they chused ten, who were call'd there∣fore Decuriones, and made up the Curia or Com∣mon Council of the Colony: these out of their own Body chused their Magistrates [Duûmviri] who, as the Consuls at Rome, had Power to call together the Curia, to propose, and exe∣cute what was decreed by them; Quaestors also and AEdiles, &c. which were changed eve∣ry fifth year; and were therefore call'd Quin∣quennales; C. V. Colon. Victrix; C. I. T. Tar. Colonia Julia Togata Tarracouensis. See a Cata∣logue of all the Colonies and Municipia in

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Goltzius. There were divers sorts of Colo∣nies; the one Civium Romanorum; the other Latina, as Col. L. Jul. Cori. Colonia Latina Ju∣lia Corintbus; others Italica; others Latinorum Veterum: the differences whereof were taken from the persons that went, whether Citizens, Allies, or Associate, and may be seen in Si∣gonius and other Authors.

Municipia, were such Towns as kept their own Laws and Customs, and yet had also the Right of Roman Citizens, and were call'd Ur∣bes; in Colonies, tho they lost some of the Privileges of Roman Citizens; yet because com∣monly old Soldiers were planted in them, the Governors of the Provinces, for their Security, chused to reside, and to have their Conventus or Seat of Judicature there, whereby Colonies grew into more Esteem.

§. 5. We find also upon ancient Medals di∣vers of their Buildings, as Aquaeducts, Pillars, Arches Triumphal, Forums or Market-places, Rostra: near to which were the Pulpits where they made Orations, Temples, Theaters [half Circles or half Ovals] for acting Comedies, Amphitheaters, or as if it were two Theaters joined together, for Huntings, Gladiator-shews, &c. Circus's for Races of Chariots, Horses, &c.

Puteal Libonis, was the Cover of a certain Pit made with Lightning; which tho expia∣ted, yet was not permitted to be inhabited or used, therefore was that Building set over it. Near to, or under which was hid the Whet∣stone

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and Rasor of Actius Naevius; near to it also was the Tribunal of the Praetor, or as some say, of the AEdile.

CHAP. IX. Of their Magistrates.

Upon their Coins also are frequent Memo∣rials of their Magistrates.

§. 1. MAny Persons descending of their Kings, or deriving their Families * 1.24 from them, stamped the Effigies of those Kings upon their Coins. Kings upon Coins are di∣stinguished from other Persons by an Half-Pique they carried in their hands, which they call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and people in the rude Age of the World worshipped those Spears, and there∣fore they are put also into the hands of their Gods. Other Kings are known also by their Diademata; which was a Ruban about four fingers broad, of Scarlet, or some other illu∣strious and dear Colour and Workmanship, which was bound about their Head. The Kings of Rome also (at least some of them) have these Diademata. The Athenians wore certain Cawls (Reticula) upon their Heads, adorned with golden Grashoppers (Cicadas) because themselves, as those Insects, were born out of the Earth, as they said. The Emperors used

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them not (because not acknowledging them∣selves Kings) but of those Crowns ordinarily bestowed upon the Soldiers for their Services, or a Laurel one, such as was granted to Jul. Cesar; till Antoninus Caracalla, who assumed to himself a Diadem, probably after his perfidi∣ous Murder of the Persians, and infamous ra∣vage of their Country: after him Elagabalus, Aurelian, Carus, Dioclesian, and others, used it, but none continually till Constant. Mag. who * 1.25 seems to have had a Diadem set on each side with Pearl; but about Theodosius's time they began to wear Crowns, for his Wife AElia Flaccilla seems to be crowned. The carry∣ing Swords before Kings I do not remember to have read before Attila; who (as a small History of him, taken out of Priscus, and is put out by Canisius in Lection. Antiqu.) going a∣gainst some of his bordering Scythians, was pre∣sented with the Sword of Mars; sometimes a King of those Nations, and afterwards a God, which Attila had afterwards always carried be∣fore him. In that Author also is an accurate Description of Attila's Body, very like that which Conte Thesauro copied after Padre Qua∣glia's Original.

§. 2. The Kings being expelled, and the * 1.26 People brought into great hatred of their Au∣thority, there were established in their room two Consuls; which were changed every year, who were the chiefest ordinary Magistrates; convoked the Senate, proposed what was to be consulted, gathered their Suffrages, executed their Decrees, governed Provinces, &c. Their

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Ensigns were 12 Lictors, men carrying each a bundle of Rods or Birchen Switches, and an Hatchet in the midst, which all waited on each of the Consuls his Month by Course, a Sella Curulis, a Gown of many colours or Trabea, an Ivory Staff or Scepter, on the top whereof was ordinarily an Eagle; sometimes also some∣what like a Flower-de-lys. At first they were both Patritii, afterwards the people by their Obstinacy and Seditions obtained, that one of them should always be a Plebeian.

§. 3. Next to the Consuls were the Praetors; * 1.27 and indeed at first the Consuls were call'd Prae∣tors; but the multitude of Employment (espe∣cially matters of Judicature) increasing, and the Consuls, by reason of foreign Wars, many times absent. A U. C. 388. a Praetor was crea∣ted a distinct Officer; which was eagerly de∣sired by the Patritii, as proper only to them, one of the Consuls being taken from them. About A. U. C. 501. were made two Praetors, the one to judge the Causes of Citizens between themselves, call'd Urbanus; the other the Cau∣ses betwixt Citizens and Strangers, call'd Pere∣grinus. About Anno 520. were added two more to assist the Consuls in governing the Provin∣ces, and 575 two more; so that of these six, two always remain'd in the City, four went into the Provinces, as they were assign'd by Lot. A. U. C. 605. the number of Causes in∣creasing, all stay'd in the City, and at divers times their number was increased to 64, but Augustus reduced them to 12. Their Ensigns were six Lictors, Toga praetexta and Sella Curu∣lis.

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And their Office was to judge Causes, both Civil and Criminal. They made Shews also and Plays; and the Sacrifice and Worship of the Bona Dea was at their house.

§. 4. The next were the AEdiles, instituted * 1.28 A. U. C. 271. two to aid the Tribunes in some Causes remitted to them, and were Plebeians: An. 388. two of the Patritii were added to them, and call'd Curules, because they sate upon Ivo∣ry Seats, so call'd. C. Cesar added two more who might have inspection over the Corn, cal∣led therefore Cereales. Their Office was to look to the City, the Temples, Baths, publick Buildings, Streets; to order petty Funerals and Marriages, and to judge of certain Cases con∣cerning these things; likewise to look to the Corn, to the Markets, Weights and Measures, and whatever was sold. Lastly, they provided •…•…nd took care of the solemn and publick Games •…•…nd Shews.

§. 5. The Tribunes were created A. U. C. * 1.29 •…•…60. at first two, at last, Anno 297. ten: at •…•…rst all the Common people; afterwards of the Plebeian Families, but such only as were Sena∣•…•…s. Their Office at first was only to inter∣•…•…ede, interpose, or appeal from the Magistrates 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the People, upon Complaint to them of In∣•…•…y done to a Roman Citizen by any Magistrate, •…•…cept the Dictator; and their usual Form was •…•…to. Afterwards their Power increased; so that •…•…ey took upon them with the people, without •…•…e Senate, to make Laws (Plebiscita) give Sen∣•…•…nce, convoke and dismiss the Senate, and in

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summ, to oppress the Nobility by all means they could. Yet so sacred were their Persons an•…•… Office esteemed, that no man durst offer vio∣lence to, or resist, them; till Sulla, being mad•…•… Dictator perpetuus, curbed their Power, and li∣mited it much by his Laws, which notwithstand∣ing were afterwards repeal'd by Gn Pompeius an•…•… Palikanus; who therefore stamp'd upon a Co•…•… the Rostra, and Image of Liberty.

Now the Emperors, tho they govern'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 absolute Monarchs, yet pretending to reta•…•… the ancient Forms, call'd themselves Consuls &c. and whereas they could not be Tribu•…•… plebis, because the Office was annual, and noo•…•… could be chosen but Plebeii, whereas Pontific•…•… Maximi were ordinarily Patritii, they therefore assumed Tribunitiam potestatem, the which wa•…•… renew'd every year; so that Trib. Pot. IV. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commonly said to be the same as the fou•…•… year of his Reign. But this, tho the commo•…•… Opinion of Medalists, is not true. For Tiber•…•… v. g. had the Trib. Pot. long before he was Em∣peror; so had divers others. TR. Pot. is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 often without any number of years: often tim•…•… also the years of their TR. Pot. is lesser tha•…•… that of their Reign, the Emperors now an•…•… then committing that Trust to such, of who•…•… they were very confident.

§. 6. About A. U. C. 269. were the Qu•…•…∣stors fi•…•…st chosen by the Consuls, afterwards 〈◊〉〈◊〉 * 1.30 the People, to take charge of the publick Mo∣ney in the Temple of Saturn, and were cal•…•… Urbani (Q. P. is Quaestor publicus) afterwar•…•… A. U. C. 332. they created other two, wh•…•…

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should accompany the Consuls when they went to War; to take charge of the Money, sell the Prey, &c. Afterwards Anno 439. their num∣ber was doubled, and they were sent by Lot with the Pro-Cos. or Pro-Praetors into the Pro∣vinces; afterwards Sulla made them up 20, and Cesar 40. Their Office was to receive and ex∣pend the publick Money, to keep the Military Ensigns (which were commonly of Silver) to sell the Prey, to receive, entertain, lodge Am∣bassadors, and such like.

§. 7. Servius Tullus, the sixth King, was the first that ordain'd the censing or valuing of the * 1.31 People, and he did it himself in person; as did also the Consuls; till being oppressed with bu∣siness, it was for a while quite omitted; but about A. U. C. 311. the e were two Censors created of the Consular persons; and that from 5 years, to 5 years, tho their Office expired in a year and half (the Censing being usually perform'd but once in five years) and if in that time the one died, the other presently gave over his Of∣fice. The Emperors kept this Office in their own Persons; and the Flavian Family, (i. e.) Vespasian and his Sons, took a pride to be call'd Censors, and put it amongst their other Titles upon their Coin. But a•…•…ter them we hear no∣thing of it till Constantine's time: who made his Brother Delmatius Censor; who was the last we read of that enjoyed that Office. It was a place of very great Honour and Au∣thority, and had all the Ensigns of Consuls, except Lictors. Their Office was to set down in a Book all, both the publick and private,

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Wealth of all the Citizens; there-according to rank them into Centuries and Classes. They let out the Customs in the City and in the Pro∣vinces; and made Laws also concerning them. They took care of publick Buildings, and High∣ways, and taxed the Prices of the publick Sa∣crifices. They took care also of the Manners of the Citizens, especially such as were igno∣minious, yet not punishable by Law; as Celi∣bacy, Perjury, running in Debt, infamous Lusts, and the like; and according to their Demerits punished them, as by casting them out of the Senate, i. e. when the Names of the Senators were read at the beginning of the Censorship, such Names were omitted. And so for the E∣quites, if any so deserved, they took away his publick Horse (for the Equites were allow'd a∣bout an 100 Crowns to buy a Horse, which they were oblig'd always to make good, and about 20 Crowns a year to keep him, and when they had served 10 Campaigns they resto∣red him) i. e. when the Equites shew'd them∣selves, those who were approv'd the Censors commanded to pass by, and take their Horse with them; but if any so deserv'd, they com∣manded his Horse to be sold, and this was cal∣led Equi ademptio. For the Plebeians, when they so deserv'd, they remov'd from a more honourable and Country Tribe into one less honourable and a City Tribe: or else AErarios relinquebant, sive in Caeritum tabulas referebant, i. e. they took away their Right of giving Suffrages, yet left them to pay Taxes. All this was done publickly in the Campus Martius; and when all was finish'd, the Lustrum, or Muster-roll was laid

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up: Vows for the publick Wealth were con∣ceiv'd; and the Sacrifices call'd Suovetaurilia made, and the Censors ended their Offices.

§. 8. The Kingly Power being expelled, the * 1.32 Consular Power in a short time began to be despised, and the people to be very seditious: Wars also grew upon them dangerously, so that they easily perceiv'd the Government of many was not convenient; and therefore in all great Extremities they were forced to have recourse to the power of one, whom they call'd Dicta∣tor. He was always a Consular person, and named by the Consul alone in the night sea∣son. His Power was absolute and supreme without Appeal from him. All Magistrates, except the Tribunes, then resign'd their Offi∣ces. He had 24 Lictors, made Peace and War, determined Causes, punished, rewarded, as he thought good: his Power was only for half a year. L. Sulla and C. Caesar were made perpetual Dictators; but after Caesar's death a Law was made, that there should never be any more Dictator.

§. 9. We find many times on Coins Pro Cos. Pro Q. and such like, i. e. Pro Consule, Pro Quae∣store, * 1.33 Pro Praetore, &c. for whereas the Offices of Consuls, Praetors, and Quaestors were an∣nual, and yet oftentimes it was requisite to continue their Commands in the Wars (no∣thing being so detrimental to great Designs as the frequent change of the Principal Agents) they invented these Offices; that such a one should command still, for, or instead of, the Consul, Praetor, or Quaestor: and this began about A. U. C. 427. Afterwards also the Prae∣tors

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and Consuls not being enow for all Em∣ployments, Consular men were sent instead of Consuls, Praetorians for Praetor; and some Provinces were call'd Consulares, others Praeto∣riae. Some Proconsulares Provinciae also, which were such as were bestow'd by the people, and at first the Consuls commanded them, being continued as Pro-Consule, but afterwards those were put in who never had been Consuls. The Praetor being dead or absent, his place was supplied sometimes by the Quaestor, who was then Pro-Praetore; sometimes by his Legatus or Lieutenant, who had no Command or Power, but what was given him by the Consul or Prae∣tor, whose Legatus he was.

CHAP. X. Of their Wars, Victories, Rewards, &c.

§. 1. OUT of their Coins also we learn much of the Time and Discipline of their Wars: Their Armies were divided into Legions. A Legion contain'd sometimes 3, sometimes 4, sometimes 5, and at last 6000, and receiv'd the name from the order of their raising, as prima, secunda, &c. Legio. Or from the Emperors, as Augusta, Claudia, Flavia Le∣gio, &c. Or from their Quarters, Gallica, Cy∣renaica, Scythica, Italica, &c. Or from their Gods, Apollinaris, Minervia, &c. Or some other accident, as Ferrata, Fulminatrix, Victrix, Gemina, Valens, Ad•…•…utrix, Pia, &c. and was com∣manded by a Legatus or some Lieutenant, and its Ensigns was an Eagle.

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Ensigns on Medals signifie sometimes the restitution of such a Legion, or some Honour done by that Legion to the Emperor, or by the Emperor to that Legion.

A Legion was divided into ten Cohorts, eve∣ry Cohort had three Manipuli, one of the Ha∣stati, another of the Principes, a third of the Triarii (of these there were never above 600 in a Legion.) Praetoria Cohors or the Generals Life-guard, was first chosen by Scipio of the valiantest Soldiers, increasing their Pay 2½, and keeping them continually about his Per∣son. Augustus had ordinarily nine of these Co∣horts, but at first ten, saith Dion, of a 1000 men apiece. The Cohortes urbanae, for defence of the City, were 4 of 1500 men apiece.

A. Manipulus was divided into two Centu∣ries, sixty Centuries in a Legion. Every Cen∣tury had its Centurion, a Manipulus two; their Ensigns anciently an handful of Hay, or some such matter, afterwards a Spear with a cross piece of Wood on the top, under which they hung Shields, upon which were Images of their Gods, Emperors, and other great Persons (so Suetonius. Tyberius munera Syriacis legationibus dedit, quòd Solae nullam Sejani imaginem inte•…•… signa coluissent) a Hand in a Circle alluding to Manipulus, or some such other device. The Cohorts anciently had no Ensigns, but after∣wards they had Vexilla or Banners; Vexilla pro∣perly signifies the Ensigns of their Horse, and were little Veils, but are generally taken for all sorts of Ensigns, which were much like those Church-Banners carried in Processions. But Vegetius saith, in the Emperors times they were

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Dragons, Wolves, or the like, carried upon Poles; but I know not whether these before Trajan's War with the Dacians; and that Banners were for the Horse, and were call'd Cantabra. Ve∣xilla (which were like Veils of Cloth or Silk fastened above to a loose Travers on a Spear, wherein were writ the Names of their Empe∣rors. Suet. of Vespasian: Assensere cuncti, no∣men{que} ejus vexillis omnibus sine morâ inscripserunt) distinguished by the colour, as Cantabra were by the Device or Motto. Labarum was that Vexillum which was carried before the Emperor. Onu∣phrius saith, that after Rome was reduced under the Government of the Emperors, Aquila was the Ensign of the Legion, Signa those of the Cohorts, Vexilla those of the Manipuli and Horse, and Labarum that of the whole Army, which was always carried before the Emperors. But I find not Labarum before Constantine's time, and his is described by Eusebius de Vit. Const. l. 1. c. 24. yet that sort of Ensign was in use before. Prudentius also and the Fathers mention it very frequently; and how he had the Name of Christ * 1.34 ✚ wrought upon it. Afterwards Julian for∣bad that, and introduced the Pagan Vexilla, as Nazianz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

§. 2. There were sixty Centurions in a Le∣gion, and every one of them had his Optio or Lieutenant. So in a Cohort in the Manipulus Hastatorum there were two Centurions, two in the Manipulus Principum, two also in the Tria∣riorum; and the first Centurion which was o∣ver the Triarii of the first Cohort was call'd Primipilus; and had great Authority, as it were

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of a Major General, carrying the Orders of the General or Tribune: he govern'd the Ea∣gle, putting it up, and delivering it to the Bea∣rer; he was one of the Councel of War; his Pay setled by Augustus was about 300 Crowns per annum, and after the Service was accounted amongst the Equites. A Centurion was known by his Vitis or Flagellum, wherewith he chasti∣sed the Soldiers. The Tribunes wore Gold Rings, and better Cloaths, and a Sword call'd Parazonium, wanting a point, which they car∣ried in a Case like a Quiver.

§. 3. There were six Tribunes in a Legion; chosen at first by the Kings, afterwards by the Consuls and People equally, and were call'd Comitiati; most of them chosen out of the Equi∣tes, yet some also out of the Common people; it was a step to be a Senator. In the more dange∣rous Wars, Senators were often made Tribunes. They heard Causes, sentenced even to loss of life, gave the Word, look'd to the Guards, &c.

The Legatus or Lieutenant-General (as we call him, for he corresponds very much to that Officer in the French Armies) had great Power to advise, command, and in the Generals ab∣sence to be General. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Legi∣ons were by Augustus call'd Legati Praetorii; the Lieutenant-Generals were call'd Legati Consu∣lares; and were merely his Lieutenants; not having Right to triumph, since they acted on∣ly by his Commission, and under him.

The General or Imperator had the Command of all, had his Lictores, his Trumpets, his Pa∣ludamentum or Scarlet upper Garment, &c.

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§. 4. The Arms of the Velites, or such, as first charged, and kept not Rank and File, nor were reckoned among the Legions, were, a Sword, seven Darts three foot long, headed with Iron, but weakly, that they might bend, and not be thrown back again; a round Buck∣ler (Parma) about three foot Diameter of Wood covered with Leather, an Head-piece of Wooll or Skin of some wild Beast.

The Arms of the Hastati, Principes, and Tria∣rii were much what the same; only the Triarii had instead of the Pilum, a Spear, as being to fight cominus only. These Arms were,

1. A Shield or Buckler, sometimes round, Oval, imbricatum or equally broad with corners two foot and half broad, and four foot long, to cover the whole Body when stooping, made of Boards, the lighter Wood the better, glued together, and covered with Ox-hide, and edg'd with Iron. Upon their Coins we see often the Ancilia, a sort of Shield like to three Ovals clapt the end of one upon another, the least in the midst. The first of these was said to have fallen down from Heaven, and it was prophe∣sied, that where that Ancile was kept, there should be the Seat of the Empire of the World; whereupon they made eleven more so like to that first, that none could know the true one: and these were born in their solemn Dances by the Salii.

2. A Sword (and in later times a Dagger) upon their right side, that it might not hinder their Shield, about two foot and half long in the Blade, and made more for thrusting than cut∣ting.

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3. Pilum, one greater about 4 fingers Diame∣ter, and long about 7 foot, with its Ironbarbed head, and one lesser like a Hunting Spear.

4. A brazen Helmet, wherein they wore Feathers or other Crests, not unlike ours, but more upright; the Soldier also sometimes had his Name and the Name of his Legion engra∣ven upon it.

5. A Breast-plate, or at least a square piece of Iron or Brass which covered the Breast, cal∣led Pectorale; but those of better Quality had Breast-plates, which were either like Coats of Mail, or plated like ours: the Sarmatae made them of Horn or Horse hoofs. Some made them of Linnen Cloth steep'd in sowre Wine and Salt, and quilted, some of Iron, &c.

6. Boots or Greaves for their Legs.

§. 5. Adlocutio was when the General had any thing to say to the Army, encourage them to fight, compose Mutinies, &c. he commonly stood upon a Bank of Turff.

Decursio was an Exercising of the Soldiers, when they were armed to run so far, to make them expedite and active,

Victory is commonly described a Womans Head with Wings on the Shoulders; some∣times a Woman winged, crowned with Lau∣rel, in one Hand a Crown, in the other a Palm; or sometimes writing upon a Shield, or standing upon a Globe (as if the Romans had conquer'd all the World) a Jewel also hanging about her Neck, which they call'd Bulla, and was worn by such as triumphed as an honorary Ornament for their Services; and was also

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given to Strangers, sometimes for Service done.

Trophaeum, was a Memorial set up in sign of Victory, which was the Arms of the Vanquish∣ed, hung upon a Tree or Perch.

Triumphus, one drawn in a Chariot with two or four Horses, behind him a small winged Vi∣ctory, holding over his Head a Crown.

If a Victory by Sea, it is expressed by a Vi∣ctory standing on the Prow of a Ship, or some∣what belonging to Maritime Affairs, as a Ne∣ptune, Trident, &c. After the Victory obtain∣ed in the River by the Romans against the An∣tiates, they set up the Prows of their Enemies Ships upon a certain place where they made their Orations to the People; which was there∣fore call'd Rostra: Sometimes also in Honour of a Naval Victory, they set up a Pillar with little Beaks of Ships carved upon it, call'd Co∣lumna rostrata.

§. 6. Upon many Coins are expressed the Rewards of such Soldiers as behaved themselves extraordinarily. Such were many times Mo∣ney, Donatives, &c. which yet was not entire∣ly left to their disposing; but half of it they were obliged to lay up, which was registred and deposited in Chests in the custody of the Ensign-bearers: by which means both their Debauches were prevented, and their Necessi∣ties supplied: besides, themselves also were ob∣liged to the Service, and the Generals knew where, in case of necessity, so much Money was ready for their use.

Such were also Crowns of divers sorts. Of Laurel, used commonly by the General after a

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Victory. Given also by the Senate to Julius Caesar, which, he being bald, willingly accepted and used, as did all his Successors, which were Augusti; or had absolute Power; but those who were only Caesares, did not use them; till Con∣stantine the Great; who chang'd it into a Ru∣band edged with Pearl, and set with Jewels, as it seems by his Coins, and this is not for Effe∣minacy, as Julian (a continual Carper against him and his Actions) reports: but more pro∣bably, because the other had its Original from Idolatry; the Laurel being even as a Crown sacred to Apollo. However the succeeding Em∣perors were so pleased with the Change, that I find not any of them, not Julian himself, returning to the ancient Custom.

A Crown of Gold seems first to have been used about Theodosius's time, and that at first as an Helmet, or some Ornament upon it; hence our Saxons call a Crown Cyne, i. e. Cinings-hel∣met, the Kings Helmet, but Crowns were of divers fashions; our Saxon Kings (as appears by King Edward's Money) used close ones, not much unlike a Miter; but Francis I. was the first that used a close or bar'd one in France.

Obsidionalis, given by those who were delive∣red from a Siege to those that reliev'd them, and was made of Grass cut up in the place where they were besieged.

Civica, given by the General to such a Sol∣dier as had saved a Citizens life, and slain an Enemy, made of Oaken leaves, set upon his Head by him that was rescued.

Muralis, given by the General to him that first scaled the Enemies Walls.

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Castrensis, to him that first entred the Enemies Trench or Rampart, and these were both gild∣ed; the first also had Battlements, the second only Nicks like Trenches.

Rostrata, of Gold, given ordinarily to the General, who had gain'd a Naval Victory with great labour and industry.

Navalis, of Gold given to such a Soldier as first boarded an Enemies Ship.

If any one killed an Enemy in any Velita∣tion or pickering when they fought man to man, he was rewarded with a Spear without a head, call'd Hasta pura. The Gods also are frequently described with such in their hands; in imitation whereof perhaps might be that cu∣stom in our Country of the Principal Court-Officers, carrying white Rods or Staves, as En∣signs of their places.

If any one had done a more valiant and singular Action; if a Foot-Soldier, he had a Bracelet given him; if an Horse-man, a Chain made with Links or Rings to wear about his Neck (whence seems to proceed the Honour of wearing Gold Chains) or Phalerae, which seem not to have been Trappings, as we call them, but rather Plates hanging down upon the Breast of the Horse.

CHAP. XI. Of their Games.

§. 1. GAMES at first were instituted as parts of Devotion and Worship of their Gods; and therefore always begun and ended with Sacrifices. And these were celebrated ei∣ther

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amongst the Graecians or Romans. Of the Graecians, under which also are comprehended the Asiatick, I have spoken somewhat before; I shall only add, that they were either Occasio∣nal, as upon the coming of the Emperor, or some other great Solemnity; or Set, they were call'd 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which was no more than a great Concourse or Meeting of People; and therefore besides their Acts of Devotion, at these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 were their great Fairs or Mar∣kets; all sorts of Contentions, as Running, Leaping, Chariot-driving, Wrestling, Disputes in Philosophy. Quinquennale certamen, more Grae∣co, triplex, Musicum, Gymnicum, Equestre. Suet. Nero. c. 12. See more also of their Hieronica or Sacred Agonists. Suet. Ner. Cc. 24, 25. and hi∣ther even banished persons had liberty to come. The Charges of the Sacrifices and publick En∣tertainments were sometimes born by one Ci∣ty, which was then 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sometimes by a whole Community.

On the Reverses of the Money of the later Emperors, we find frequently VOT. V. X. XX. &c. The meaning whereof is, That such a City or Province had vowed publick Games, if the Emperor reigned V. X. or XX years, which did not always signifie that they were fulfilled.

Votis V. mult. X. is by some interpreted Votis Quinquennalibus multiplicatis in Decennalia, i. e. the Games and Rejoycings were to be celebra∣ted both the fifth and tenth years of the Empe∣rors Reign. But in some it is plainly, as in Ju∣lian the Apostata's Coins, Votis V, multis X, which is meant, that many Cities vowed Games again at the End of the tenth year of his Reign, if it

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should continue so long. This manner of Vowing was in use amongst the Ancients, when any of their Generals went to War, &c. See the form of it in Liv. l. 36. when they undertook the War against Antiochus. Pompeius was the first, who being sick was honoured with publick Vows for his Recovery. Liv. l. 21. Dic. l. 45. [Amongst other Vows in greatest Danger was a Ver sacrum, i. e. that whatever Sheep [Pecus quodcun{que}] should be yeaned betwixt Kal. March and Kal. May, should be sacrificed. See the Form in Liv. l. 22.] At length all Vows were converted into Flattery to the Emperors; and these were conceived every new year on the Kal. Jan. and III. Non. and they were first made in the Camp by the Soldiers, then in the Capi∣tol by the Priests and Magistrates. Some again were Vota Natalium, others Decennalia, Vicenalia, &c. Of which vid. Dio. l. 53. and at last they came to that excess, that the people vowed at all times and upon all occasions; for the Em∣perors safe Journey and Return, for his Health, Family, Fecundity of his Wife, &c. and in all their Epistles to the Emperor they signified that they did Vota facere for him.

L, and sometimes, tho seldom, Λ upon their Coins, seems to signifie Lustrum, as L Ε Lustrum quintum; i. e. there being Ludi quinquennales in∣stituted in the Honour of such an Emperor, this was coined in the fifth Lustrum. I am not satisfied in this Interpretation, but know no better. I had it from Sir J. Marsham.

§. 2. But to come to the Roman Games, of which we have more certainty and knowledge;

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and of these there were divers sorts: Not to mention the Munera which were given for the Solemnization of Funerals and other occasions; and were Fightings of Gladiators, or men with Beasts, and the like. Ludi or Games, some were at the Charges of private Persons, some at the publick. Private were for the performing of such a Vow, gaining the good will of the Peo∣ple in suing for an Office, or perform'd by in∣ferior Magistrates, of such Money as they were to bring into the Treasury, and such like. Pub∣lick were either extraordinary; such as were vowed by some chief Magistrate, and by Au∣thority of the Senate (Pr. LVPF Praetor ludos votivos publicos fecit) upon Occasion of some War, for the setling or continuing of the Pro∣perity of the Commonwealth, for the averting of the Pestilence, Famine, or the like, for the happy Return of the Emperor, for the aversion of the Omen of such Prodigies, for some favor of the Gods, and many of the same sort.

Of the ordinary, some were every year, some every fifth year, some every hundreth year, as the Ludi Saeculares. Some were Circenses (in Circo) Amphitheatrales (in Amphitheatro, cavea, •…•…rena) which were Gladiators, fighting with Beasts, and the like. Theatrales (in Theatro) such were Comedies, and Tragedies, Pantomimi, Con∣•…•…entions in Musick, Fidicines, Citharoedi (Singers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Cithara) Citharistae (Players on the Citha∣•…•…) Lyristae, Tibicines. These play'd in Odeo, a •…•…articular place (the Musick-room) of the •…•…heatre.

Besides these were Circulatores, who shew'd •…•…easts of Activity, Palaestrae in Gymnasiis▪ I will

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speak only of the chiefest, and such only as are explain'd by; or set •…•…on Medals, and first of the Ludi Saeculares, which were the chiefest.

§. 3. When Tullus Hostilius was King of Rome, and Metius Suffetius Dictator of the Albani, those two Cities began a dangerous War for Superio∣rity; and as they were ready to joyn Battel, a certain Spectrum appear'd to both Armies, telling them, that Dis Pater and Proserpina commanded before they fought to sacrifice to them both, on an Altar under ground, and so vanish'd. The Romans affrighted with this Prodigy, sent into the City presently, dug a hole in the ground 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Campus Martius near the River, made an Altar sacrificed, and cover'd the hole again with the Earth, so that none, except the Romans, knew of it. The place was call'd Terentum, because the River there wore away the Earth. And hence it came, that that War was determin'd with so little slaughter, by the Fight of the To∣gemini, 3 Horatii against 3 Curiatii.

This Altar was discover'd a long time after in the Reign of Tarquinius Priscus, by one Volu∣sus Valesius, an Eminent person of the Sabines and also well known to the Romans, on this oc∣casion. When, in the time of a great Contagi∣on, a Grove he had before his House, was struc•…•… and consumed with Lightning, and three of h•…•… Children fallen sick of the Pestilence, he se•…•… for the Aruspices to know what he should do•…•… who told him, that by the manner of the bur•…•…∣ing of the Wood, they perceiv'd the Gods we•…•… angry at him; and that therefore they must 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appeased. But when he profited nothing by t•…•…

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multitude of his Sacrifices, but that his Children grew worse and worse, going one time to fetch them warm water, he kneeled down, and pray∣ed to Vesta, and his Lares to convert the Mise∣ry of his Children on his own and his Wives head: when presently rising, and looking to∣wards the Thunder-burnt Wood, he heard thence a Voice promising their Recovery, if he would carry them down the Tyber to Terentum, and there make them drink water of the River, warmed at the Altar of Dis and Proserpina; which was that water they desired. Volusus hear∣ing this, and mistaking Tarentum for Terentum (which he knew to be a great way off) despair∣ed of the Remedy; and the more when he heard of Water to be warm'd on such an Altar. But con∣sulting the Aruspices, he was told he must obey the Gods. So living at Eretum, 12 miles from Rome by the Rivers side, he presently carried his Chil∣dren to the River, and put them in a Boat, think∣ing to go to Ostia; but coming to Rome late at night, and weary with rowing, and to refresh his Children, he brought his Boat to shore at Cam∣pus Martius; and whilst he was making an Hutte, his fire being gone out, he was told there by a Boat-man, that he had better go a little further to Terentum, and there fasten his Boat, for that there he espied a Smoak. Volusus hearing of Te∣rentum, was wonderfully rejoyced; and went thither; where seeing a Smoak come out of the Earth, taking it as a good Omen, he presently fetch'd water at the River, and with great indu∣stry made of that Smoak a Flame wherewith he heated the water, and gave it to his Children, who that night recover'd. In the morning they

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tell their Father, that they had seen a certain God come to wipe their Bodies with a Spunge, who had also bid them to sacrifice (Furva) black Sacrifices to Dis and Proserpina, with the fire on that Altar wherewith their water had been heated; and that for three nights space they should make Lectisternia, Plays, Games, &c. Valesius seeing no Altar thereabouts, went into the City to buy one, whilst he set his Servants to dig a hole in the ground to place it in. They digging, found the Altar, and one of them ran and told his Master; who presently gave over buying, and return'd to the place, and perform∣ed the Sacrifices, as he was appointed. And this was the Original of Ludi Saeculares. For

Afterwards in a great Pestilence, P. Valerius Poplicola, probably the Son of this Volusus Vale∣sius. Some say in his first, others say in his fourth Consulate, following his Fathers Example, re∣new'd the same Sacrifices and Games.

After that, Anno 297. U. C. M. Valerio, M. F. Ma•…•…imo, and Sp. Virginio, A. F. Caelimontano Tri∣costo being Consuls, were the first Ludi Saecula∣res begun, and afterwards perform'd every 110^th year, so that the second were in 407, the third in 517, the fourth in 627, &c. tho it should seem they were celebrated extraordina∣rily at other times upon occasion of Pestilence or other great Calamity, by the Admonition of the Gods; but ordinarily the Solemnity recur∣red only every 110^th year; and that tho there was no Plague, Sedition, or other publick Ca∣lamity; and then they were esteemed a com∣mon and solemn Expiation of the Offences of the City. And perhaps they were call'd Sae∣culares

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for that very Reason, to contradistin∣guish them from those other occasional Ludi Te∣rentini, or Ditis Patris & Proserpinae.

The fifth Ludi Saeculares were celebrated by Augustus, himself and M. Agrippa being Coss. A. U. C. 737. or as others 736, which diffe∣rence seems to have risen from the changing of the Year by Julius Caesar. In these Ludi Sae∣culares was sung that Ode of Horace which be∣gins, Phoebe, Sylvarum{que} potens Diana, &c. And of these is the Memory continued by the Coins.

Augustus used great diligence to find out the exact and precise times of celebrating these Plays, but the succeeding Princes rather followed their own Fancy than any Reason or strict Com∣putation; for Claudius Caesar, A. U. C. 800. him∣self IIII, and L. Vitellio III. Coss. solemnized them; probably intending to bring them to the 100^th year of the City, as a certain Period, and beginning of a Saeculum; and none of the Em∣perors followed his Example but Philippus. But this being but the sixty third year after the last in Augustus's time, he was derided, saith Sueto∣nius, when the Crier invited the People to see those Games, quos nec spectasset quisquam nec spectaturus esset: (which was the Form in the publishing them) since several were alive who had seen them before; particularly one Stephanio a Stage Player, who had acted in them both.

The seventh Ludi Saeculares were exhibited by Domitian, A. U. C 841. himself XIIII and and L. Minutius Coss. as his Coins declare. Tacitus being then XV-vir, omits the reason of the Change of the Year.

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The eighth were Severus and Caracalla Sever. TR. Pot. XII. Cos. III. as his Coins intimate, A. U. C. 957. just 220 years after Augustus's.

The ninth were by Philippus, himself III, and his Son II Cos•…•…. A U. C. 1000. 43 years only after Severus, but with respect to Claudius's Design. The Magnificence of these Games is described both by divers Historians, and many of his Stamps with the Images of the Beasts he exhi∣bited.

In one Coin of Gallienus is mention made of the Ludi Saeculares, what is the meaning of it is uncertain.

The tenth and last were under Honorius Cos. VI. A. U. C. 1157. following the account of Augustus; (for one Centenary under Constan∣tine probably they were omitted) and it should seem permitted by Honorius, on condition there should be no Sacrifices nor Idolatry, but only Plays and Games. V. Claudian Panegyr. in VI Consulat. Honorii. After Honorius no more men∣tion of them.

The time when they were celebrated, is un∣certain; probably on the Days of the Nativity of the City, i. e. 9, 10, and 11 Kal. Mai. under the Consuls. But under the Emperors on the day when they cameto their Power, as Panvinius most ingeniously collects out of their Coins.

The manner of their Celebration was thus. A little before the time Criers were sent through all Italy, to give notice of the Games, Quos ne∣mo adhuc spectasset, nec ampliùs spectaturus esset. A fragment of the Decree is extant at the End of Ant. Augustin. de Legibus. Then a few days before the time appointed, the Emperor, Coss.

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or Quindecemviri sacris faciundis, sitting in the Temples of Jupiter Capitolinus and Apollo Pala∣tinus, distributed to the Citizens Piamina, sive Februa, i. e. Thedas, Sulfur and Bitumen. So in Domitian's Coin is Suff. P. D. i. e. Suffimenta po∣pulo data: Also in the Temple of Diana on the Aventine were given Barley, Wheat, and Pulse for them to offer to the Destinies; which is also upon Domitian's Coin, Frug. ac. à Pop. i. e. Fruges acceptae à populo. These things being di∣stributed, they went to watch ad formam Cereris. And on the first day of the Solemnity they went to Terentum, and continued three days and three nights in their Devotions. At two hours after Sun-set the first night the Coss. or Emperor with the XV-viri upon three Altars built on the Banks of Tyber, made their Sacrifices; whilst upon Scaffolds thereby erected, they sung cer∣tain Songs and Hymns composed for that pur∣pose. Afterwards they sacrificed in the Vault, and on the Altar consecrated to Dis and Proser∣pina. Next morning they went into the Capi∣tol, and there sacrificed to Jupiter, and after∣wards beheld Ludos Apollinares, &c. Next day the Matrons came and paid their Devotions in the Temple of Juno, and after them the Empe∣ror, Coss. and XV-viri. The third day in the Temple of Apollo thrice nine Youths Noblemen, and so many Noble Virgins, came and sung Verses and Hymns in Greek and Latin, re∣commending the Senate and Commonwealth to the Gods. Mean while all the three days and nights in all the Circi and Theaters there were Games and Plays celebrated, and sacrifices offered in all the Temples. It was also the

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Custom for the Emperor, Cos. or XV-viri to set up an Altar in Terentum, with the Relation of what they had then done, and the time.

§. 4. Their ordinary solemn Games were either Circenses, such as were perform'd in the Circus; or Scenici and Theatrales, such as were in the Theaters or Amphitheaters.

The Circenses were said to be instituted by Oenomaus King of Elis, but began in Rome by Romulus to insnare the Sabine Virgins. Valer. l. 2. c. 1. and therefore he call'd them Consualia, be∣cause dedicated to Consus the God of good Counsel; call'd by the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Neptunus Equestris: and it should seem by Ser∣vius and Sex. Pomp. that for want of Horses he made use of Mules; and in a place fitted up for that time, probably in the Campus Martius. Afterwards they were celebrated frequently in Honour of all the Gods and Goddesses, and upon all occasions of publick Joy or Honour as well as upon set and ordinary times.

Tarquinius Priscus, after the taking of Apiolae, exhibited these Plays more magnificently and orderly; dividing the Chariots into Bigas, Tri∣gas, and Quadrigas; and the Horses into singu∣lares and desultorios; after which follow'd the Athletae, Pugiles, &c. and those began then to be celebrated every year, and were call'd Ro∣mani, Solennes, & Magni. He design'd also for them the Circus Maximus; and at first made Seats (Foros) for the people, of Wood sustain∣ed by forked Props, the highest being 12 foot from the ground; but afterwards they were made upon Vaults of Brick, which were at the

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bottom three, the next rank two, the upper∣most one; the lowest were Shops, those above them Habitations, and between them were Stairs to go up into the Seats. The Circus with∣in was one furlong broad, and three and half long; but with the Shops and Buildings on the outside four furlongs, containing about a mile, and the Seats were capable of 150000, or as others, of 260000 persons.

The Circus at one end was semicircular, where was a large Gate under a Menianum or Podium, i. e. a fair Tower with a Loggia; on the Top whereof were the Statues of Quadrigae, the o∣ther end call'd Oppidum, because with Battle∣ments and Towers, it was straight, in the •…•…st whereof was also a large Gate or Entrance and on the other side six Doors, with Partitions, wherein the Horses were placed to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, call'd Carceres, quia Equos antequam currebant, coerce∣rent: these were shut up Cancellis, Repagulo; which was only a Rope holden by two Mer∣curies, and drawn up, or let down when the Horses were to start. Tho there were six Car∣ceres, yet till Domitian's time no more than four were used. In the Compass of the Circus were six Maeniana or Towers, wherein the Magi∣strates used to sit, and thence to give a sign of starting, which was the throwing down of a Napkin.

Julius Caesar brought the Water round about the Circus, when making a shew of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fight with Elephants, he was afraid they •…•…d do some mischief to the people, as they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 done in Pompey's time.

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In the middle of the Circus length-ways, tho at a good distance from either end, was raised up to hinder them from passing from one side to the other between the Metae, a Building a∣bout 12 foot broad, and 4 foot high, call'd pro∣bably Spinae. Upon which were placed at ei∣ther end the Metae, which were three Pyramids at first of Wood, afterwards by Claudius made of Marble, on the top of each an Egg in Ho∣nour of Castor and Pollux bred of Eggs, Presi∣dents of such Sports. The Horses and Chariots setting forth at the Carceres run about the Metae, i. e. the whole length of the Circus seven times, and he that arrived first at the seventh time was Victor. To know how often they had run a∣bout, the Officers of the Circus set upon the Metae one of those Eggs every time they came by. Every Race or Missus contain'd seven Cir∣cuitiones: and on one day they used to set out 24 or 25 Missi. Upon the Spinae was also com∣monly an Obelisk, or, as they now call them, an Aguglia, of which divers are still extant in Rome; and on the top of this a Ball call'd Pyro∣pus (made of Brass 3 p. and Gold p. 1.) because of its lustre like to a burning Coal when the Sun shined upon it; as also a Temple to the Sun, the Image of Cybele, and near the Metae the Temple of Consus; but whether these in all, or in all Circus's the same, I know not.

There were in Rome besides the Circus Ma∣ximus, Circus Flaminius in Campo Flaminio given to the City by Flaminius, beautified and repair∣ed by Augustus. Circus Sallustii in his Gardens, the Remainders whereof are yet to be seen; Circus Floralis for the Floralia. Circus Castrensis

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without Porta Maggiore, perhaps built by Aure∣lian, there being one upon his Coins. Circus Neronis in the Meadows near Castel St. Angelo. Circus Vaticanus demolished by Constant, for the building of St. Peter's Church. Circus Caracallae much of it still remaining near St. Sebastian's. Circus Agonalis (Piazza Navona) built or re∣paired by Severus Alexander, as appears by his Coins.

The Circensian Games or Sports were,

1. Races of Chariots and Horses begun by Romulus.
2. Athletica begun by Tarquin. Priscus.
3. Pompa.
4. Ludus Trojae.
5. Huntings.
6. Fightings on Horse-back and a Foot.
7. Naumachiae or Sea-Fights, and
8. Sometimes Stage-Plays.

§. 5. Chariot-Races were Bigarum, Trigarum, Quadrigarum: at first they used other Beasts, afterwards Horses only, which in their Bigae were, 1. white, the other black: in the Trigae there was another Horse joyned, whom they call'd Funalis, quia funibus vel loramentis adnexus. The Chariotiers were call'd Aurigae and Agita∣tores; and their Companies were call'd Factio∣nes: at first but two colour'd Livories, white and red, afterwards were added Prasina or green much affected by Caius, Nero, L. Verus: and Ve∣neta, blew or of the colour of the Sea-waves. Domitian added two more, Gold and Purple co∣lours; those of each Faction were call'd Greges, as Greges Prasinorum, Venetorum, &c. and were

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under the Domini factionum, who maintained and hired them out for gain.

Their Horse-Races were either of single Hor∣ses or Desultorii; when one man had two Hor∣ses unsadled, and leaped down from the one upon the other in his Course. Such the Sol∣diers also had many times in War to make use of a second, when the first was weary or woun∣ded. The Singulares also ran sometimes them∣selves for the Prize; sometimes they rid before or beside the Chariots, to encourage and direct them.

2. Next were those Exercises call'd by the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Such were Running, Wrestling, Fencing, Leaping, throwing the Discus, &c.

Running was perform'd after the Chariot and Horse-Races, and much what in the same manner.

Fencing, Pugilatus, was fighting with Fists, commonly armed with a Caestus, which was made of Thongs of Leather, studded with Iron or Lead, and fastened about their Hands and Arms. It is described in AEneid. 5.

Luctatio, Wrestling, this they did naked, and their Bodies anointed.

Leaping and Quoiting, or the Discus, were not much used in the Circus, but are rather to be reckoned amongst ordinary Sports and Ex∣ercises.

3. The next was call'd Pompa, which was ra∣ther a solemn Procession, perform'd in this manner. From the Temple of Jupiter Capito∣linus through the Forum to the Circus descended in Ranks and Order: 1. The Magistrate who began the Pompa; next all the Roman Nobility,

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and the Sons of Equites on Horse-back, the rest on Foot, marching as to War; next followed the Chariots, Horses, &c. that were to run; next the Athletae; then three Companies of Dancers, Men, Youths, and Boys, decently ar∣med and habited, imitating the Saltatio Pyrri∣chia or Military Dance. These were followed by those who danced a la Satyresca, some repre∣senting Sileni, others Satyrs, &c. then followed certain Musitians after the ancient manner. Then the Ministers of the Priests carrying all things necessary for Sacrifices. Then the Ima∣ges of their Gods, the chiefest carried upon Thensae; they were followed with the Arma∣maxi or Chariots armed after the Scythian man∣ner, adorned with divers sorts of Arms, and the Memorials of their Emperors and Generals. Next all the Colleges of the Priests with the Rex Sacrorum, and the rest of their holy Offi∣cers; and last of all the chiefest Magistrates then in the City, with the rest of the Magi∣strates.

In this Order they marched into and round about the Circus, when the chief Magistrate present commanded the Sacrifices to be made to those Gods, and upon those Altars, as was requisite; which being rightly performed, the Ludi or Games began, the Magistrates and Of∣ficers all taking their places.

4. Hunting, sometimes Fighting with wild Beasts by those they call'd Bestiarii (tho this was more properly a Munus) these Beasts were kept in Vivario.

5. Trojae ludus was a counterfeit Fighting be∣tween Troops of Noble Youths, the President

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of which was Princeps Juventutis. This Sport is exactly expressed by Virg. AEneid. 5.

6, 7. The Skirmishes and Fightings on Horse∣back, on Foot, and Naumachiae were chiefly ex∣hibited by Julius Caesar and the succeeding Em∣perors, nothing in them difficult to be under∣stood.

The Pompae and Naumachiae seem to have ceased in Constantine's time, the one being pro∣hibited as Heathenish, the other falling of it self after the Emperors resided in the East. But the others seem to have continued till Justi∣stinian's time, when the Invasion of the Goths and other Barbarous Nations gave them some∣what else to think on.

Many of these Games were also celebrated in the Amphiheatres, as Huntings; where they made sometimes artificial Mountains and Woods to represent the Hunting more lively. Martial. l. 1. Ep. 21. See in Vopiscus the notable Hunt∣ing exhibited by Probus in the Circus.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
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* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
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* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
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* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
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their Lawgiver, buried at Catana; and his Monu∣ment found not many years ago as Fazello saith. ℞ either a winged Thun∣derbolt, or Scepter, or Caduceus; between two Patera's or Sacrificing Dishes.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, All Coins with twisted Serpents were Cretan.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a young head of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 King of a Country lying upon Propontis, slain acciden∣tally by the Argonauts.

He gave name to the fa∣mous City of Cyzicum gi∣ven by Jupiter in Dowry to Proserpina who was the chief Goddess of that City.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉	* 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

About this Item

Pages

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PART I. Of COINS and MEDALS. (Book 1)

CHAP. I. Of the first Coin amongst the Romans.

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CHAP. II. Of Medals.

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CHAP. III. Of false, counterfeit, modern and rare Medals.

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CHAP. IV. Of Greek Coins.

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