The Roman history written in Latine by Titus Livius. With the supplements of John Freinshemius and John Dujatius from the foundation of Rome to the middle of the reign of Augustus.

THE EXPLANATORY INDEX. Though in our Translation we have occasionally interpreted several of the pecu∣liar Terms of Offices, Laws, and Usages referr'd unto by our Historian; yet for the fuller satisfaction of the English Reader, we think it not amiss to add this brief Alphabetical Catalogue, which may both enlighten him as to the understanding of Livy in several places; as also give a more ge∣neral insight into the Policy, Customs and Government of the Romans.

A. Commonly stands for Aulus, a frequent Forename amongst the Romans. Concer∣ning which, we will here (once for all) advertize the Reader, That the Romans had for the most part Three Names; the first was called Praenomen or the Forename, answering to the Christian Name among us; the second was Nomen, the proper Name of their Family; and the third, Cognomen a Sirname added upon some particular occasion, or for the better distinguishing them from others of the same Family: As L. Tarquinius Priscus, because he was the first King of that Name; L. Tarquinius Superbus, because of his Insolence and Cru∣elty. Of Forenames common to the Romans there were about thirty; all which were gene∣rally written short, only with one, two, or at the most three Letters, as follows in this Table.

• ...Agr. Agrippa.
• ...Ap. Appius.
• ...A. Aulus.
• ...Coe. Coeso.
• ...C. Caius.
• ...Cn. Cnaeus.
• ...D. Decimus.
• ...H. Hostus.
• ...L. Lucius.
• ...Mam. Mamercus.
• ...Man. Manius.
• ...M. Marcus.
• ...N. Numerius.
• ...Op. Opiter.
• ...Post. Posthumus.
• ...Pr. Proculus.
• ...P. Publius.
• ...Q. Quintus.
• ...Ser. Servius.
• ...Sex. Sextus.
• ...Sp. Spurius.
• ...Ti. Tiberius.
• ...T. Titus.
• ...Tul. Tullus.
• ...V. Vibus.
• ...Vol. Volero.
• ...Vop. Vopiscus.

Besides these, there were also some Foreign Forenames sometimes used by the Romans, as An. Ancus, Ar. Arvus, Lar, Lucunno, Metius, Numa, Petro, Pompo, Sertor, Tullus, Tur∣nus, and Volusus: And in process of time many of these Forenames came to be Sirnames, as in M. Aemilius Mamercus, C. Plautius Proculus, &c.

Aediles were Magistrates so called ab Aedibus curandis, because part of their Office was to look after the repair of the Temples and publick Buildings of the City. They were of two sorts: 1. Aediles of the Commons, which were the most ancient, being instituted A. Ʋ. C. 240. at the same time when Tribunes of the Commons were first obtained, to whom these Aediles were to be Assistants, and by their permission to determine Controversies; to look after those that held more Land than they ought to do by Law; to accuse such Matrons as lived scandalously; to chastize excessive Usurers and Extortioners; to restrain Tippling-houses and Gaming; to fine persons for lewd and uncivil words or actions; to see that the publick and private Edifices were kept in repair; that the common Sewers were cleansed, and the Aquaeducts or Conduits in good order; to correct false Weights and Measures; to provide Bread-Corn and Oyl in time of dearth, and see that the same were not hoarded up, nor the Market forestall'd, as also to take care that necessary Provisions were sent to the Army, and especially to have the Custody of all the Plebiscita, or Ordinances of the Com∣mons which were reposited in the Temple of Ceres. 2. Aediles Curules were so called from the Sella Curulis or Ivory Chair in which they sat, and were wont to be carried into the Senate. They began in the year of the City 387. for when, after a great Sedition of the Commons, the matters were accommodated between them and the Patricians, the Senate had order'd that on that account, as a Thanksgiving to the Gods, the great Games should be celebrated, and the Aediles of the Commons refused that work; divers of the young Patricians cry'd out, They would freely perform that Service to the Gods, and thereupon the Senate order'd, That the Dictator should propose a Law for chusing two Aediles out of the Nobles, which was done accordingly. Their Office was to hold the Sacred and Solemn Games, and look after the Repairs of the Temples, Theatres, Gates, Walls, and all publick Buildings. Which Games they celebrated at their own Charge, and therefore to decline an Aedileship was lookt upon as Covetousness; but most Patricians were fond of the place, because it was the

first step to greater Honours as the Consulship, &c. 'Tis said there was either a Law, or at least a Custom, That no Roman should write any thing, but he must go to these Curule Aediles, and obtain their Leave, which they granted or refused according to the Authors parts and capacity, but this is to be understood only of Comedies or Stage-plays which were publickly to be acted; but especially they had Jurisdiction to determine Controversies about frauds in buying and selling upon the Action called Redhibitory, whereby such as put off any corrupt or sophisticated Ware, or sold a Servant or Horse that was not sound, were obliged to take them again. These Magistrates, as well as those of the Commons, were Sacrosancti, that is, their persons were inviolable. And though at first none but Patricians might be advanced to this Office, yet in time Commoners also did attain thereunto.

Aerarii were such as being Citizens of Rome, were by the Censors (for some misdemea∣nour) depriv'd of giving their Voices in their Century or Tribe; but yet still were bound to pay Scot and Lot, all kind of Tribute with the rest of their Fellow-Citizens, and to serve in the Wars at their own proper Charges, and therefore were so called ab Aere, Brass-mo∣ney, either because Aera pendebant, or Aera non merebant, they pay Money without en∣joying like Priviledges with others, and receiv'd no pay when others did.

Agrarian Laws [so called ab Agro, a Field or place of Tillage] were Laws preferred by the Tribunes of the Commons, as well for dividing of Lands conquer'd and taken from the Enemies, amongst the Commons, (which the Nobles were apt to ingross to themselves) as also to restrain the Nobles from having or possessing above such a quantity of Land.

Ambitus was an inordinate desire of being in some Office of State, and the using of indi∣rect means to obtain it, against which the Romans provided divers Laws with severe Pe∣nalties.

Annales were brief Memorials, Chronicles or Commentaries, containing the Names of Consuls every year, and all memorable Occurrences happening therein, which the High-Priests, called Pontifices Maximi, were to collect and commit to Writing in Tables, and set them up in their Houses to be seen; and hence (not from their bulk) they are sometimes called Annales Maximi.

Appia Via, a notable High-way from Rome as far as Capua, so called, because the same was laid out and made in manner of a Causey by App. Claudius, and afterwards by Julius Caesar and Trajan: it was extended to Brindis in Calabria.

Aruspices, Auspices and Augures: These were three several sorts of Soothsayers or Cun∣ning-men amongst the Romans, who by distinct ways did all pretend to divine and presage or foretel the success of matters future. The Aruspices by viewing the Entrails of Beasts, and therefore were so called ab aras inspiciendo, from beholding the Altars. As the Auspices took their name quasi Avispices, Bird-viewers, because they foretold things by beholding the flight of Birds. And thirdly, The Augures were so named ab avium garritu, from the Chir∣ping or Chattering of the Birds, by which (rather than by their flying) these Gentlemen resolved all Questions. But the latter word Augur is often used Synecdochically for all kinds of Divining, whether by observing the Entrails of Beasts, the flying, screeching and chattering of Birds, or Thunder and Lightning in the Heavens, or marking the rebounding of Crums cast unto Birds, which was called Tripudium. The Colledge of Augurs was first establisht by Romulus, there being then but three Persons therein, one for each Tribe; but Servius Tullus the sixth King, when he divided the City into four local Tribes or Quarters, added a fourth Augur, all elected out of the Patricii, but afterwards five more chosen out of the Commons were added. The manner how the Augur made his Observations was thus, He sat upon a Castle, or Tower, the Air being fair and clear, in his Soothsaying Robe called Laena, holding a crooked Staff in his hand (called Lituus) his head cover'd, and his face towards the East: being thus placed, he quarter'd out with his crooked Staff, the Hea∣vens into certain Regions which he called Templa, being to take notice in which of these Regions the Birds should appear, then he killed a Sacrifice, offered Prayers, after which he watcht for the tokens, which if lucky, he encouraged the business; but if unlucky, then he did obnunciare or gainsay it, shewing that the matter proposed was not pleasing to the Gods. Birds appearing on the left hand were commonly accounted lucky, because the Gi∣vers right hand in bestowing a benefit is opposite to the Receivers right. The Augur that did divine by the Crums cast to Chickens in a Coop was called Pullarius, or the Chicken-Prophet. When he would know the pleasure of the Gods in any matter, he was wont early in the morning to repair to the place where the Chickens were kept, where silence being commanded, and the Coop open'd, they cast Crums of Bread to them. Now if the Chickens either came slowly or not at all to the Bread, or if they walkt up and down by it, not touching it, then was it a token that the matter was displeasing to the Gods, and would have an ill end; but if the Chickens did hastily leap out of the Coop, and eat so greedily that some fell out of their mouths, and redounded on the ground, then the Cunning-man pronounced success in the matter proposed, and this was called Tripudium Solistimum. The Aruspices Craft lay in observing, whether the Beast that was to be sa∣crificed came to the Altar willingly, or dyed without much struggling or bellowing, at one blow or many; whether any unlucky object were seen or heard whilst they were sa∣crificing;

whether the Bowels, and especially the Liver, were fair and natural; for if they appear'd of an ill colour, dryed up, ulcerous, imposthumated, or the like, it was an ill O••••en. As commonly they would begin no Action of moment inauspicatò, that is, without the Counsel of some of these Augurs, so especially the same was requisite in Assembles for chu∣sing of Magistrates and making of Laws; but not to all alike. For though the Divination taken from observing the Heavens, that is, Thunder, Lightning, and the like, were ad∣mitted at all the three sorts of Comiti•• or Assemblies of the People; yet the flight of Birds, and observing the Chickens Crums were appropriate to the Comitia Curiata and Centuriata only The General of an Army being el••cted with these Ceremonies, was said to wage the War in that Province with his own Auspices, and all his inferiour Officers and Souldiers were said to fight under his Auspices; and therefore the Name of Imperator or Lord Gene∣ral was never given to any Lieutenant General, or the like, nor any Triumph allow'd him for any Victory, though obtain'd by him when the General was sick or absent; for still the matter was atchiev'd by his Auspices, not their own.

As or Assis is usually taken in Livy for a piece of Roman Money or Coin in Brass that at first weigh'd a pound or twelve ounces, and so we have in several places translated it, as fol. 71. you find mentioned 3000 l. which is not to be understood of pounds Sterling, but of so many Asses. King Servius was the first that coin'd or stampt Brass-money (for they had no Silver coin'd, till after they had vanquisht King Pyrrhus about the year of the City 485.) The Denarius of Silver when first coin'd was in value equal to ten of these Asses; but in the first Punick War, the Commonwealth being straitned for Money, it was order'd that Asses should be stampt that were but of one sixth part of the old weight, that is to say, two ounces: And afterwards they reduc'd them to one ounce, and reckon'd one Silver De∣narius equal to sixteen Asses. Hence the old Asses were called Aes grave, Money of full weight; but however it alter'd in weight, it is reputed always to have gone for three far: things or thereabouts of our money.

Auspicia or Auspices. See before Aruspices.

Balista, so called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from darting or casting out any thing, termed also some∣times Catapulta from the Greek word Peltes a Dart, was an Engine used by the Romans in besieging of Cities, somewhat like our Cross-bow for its use, but much bigger, with which they used to shoot Darts (and some Authors say Stones too, upon occasion) against their Enemies on the Wall at a great distance. It is thus described by Marcellinus, lib. 23. cap. 3. Between two planks (saith he) there is set in a frame and fast joined a large strong Iron reaching out in length like a good great Rule, out of the round body whereof (which is artificially wrought) there lieth forth further a four-square Beam, made hollow with a direct passage in manner of a nar∣row Trough, tyed fast with many Cords of Sinews twisted one within the other, and thereunto are joined two wooden Screws, near unto one of which stands the Balistarius [he that plays the Engine] and puts into the hollow passage of the Beam a wooden Shaft with a big head fastened on it. This done on both sides, two lusty young men do bend the Engine by turning about certain Wheels; and when the top of the head is drawn to the uttermost end of the Cords, the Shaft hurried out of the Balista, by the inward force thereof flies out of sight with mighty violence. Those Engines were employ'd also in the Defence of Places besieged: For so we read, That when the Capitol was besieged by the Gauls, the Romans wanting Sinews for making or repairing these Engines, the Matrons supplied them, by cutting off their hair, which served instead of Sinews, in Honour of which there was afterwards a Temple erected to Venus Calva, Venus the Bald.

Basilica, so called from the Greek word Basileus, which signifies not only a King but a Judge, were stately upper Buildings at Rome, supported with Piazza's, under which the people walkt: the use of these Halls above was principally for the Judges to sit in and de∣termine Causes, and in their absence the Merchants met there; and therefore as one part of them was furnisht with Benches and Bars like Law-Courts, so other sides had Shops for the better sorts of Wares.

Bellona the Goddess of War, whose Temple stood before the Gate Carmentalis, near which there was a Column called Bellica; from which the Romans latterward were wont to lance a Dart or Javelin towards those parts where they intended to make War; whereas in former times they sent their Heralds to the very Confines of their Enemies to perform that Ceremony.

Bigati were the Roman Denarii, having the stamp of a Chariot drawn with two Horses called Biga.

Calends was amongst the Romans the first day of every Month, so named à Calando to Call; because the petty Pontiff in old time was wont then to call the People to the Court Calabra, and there to pronounce to them how many Nones there were in that Month. For the Ro∣mans divided their Months into Calends, Nones, and Ides, and some Months had two Nones more than others, which difference and their manner of Counting is intimated in these me∣morial Rhymes:

Each Month's first day we do its Calends call. In March, May, July and October fall Six following Nones, the rest but four in all. But every Month eight Ides doth thence take in; Which done, th' account from next Calends begin.

That is, as the first day of every Month is called the Calends of that Month, so the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7. of those four Months, March, &c. were called the Nones of that Month, but in all other Months the Nones contained but the 2, 3, 4, & 5. days; so that for Example the fifth day of January was called Nonae Januarii, but the seventh day of March the Nones of March, and the second of March was the sixth Nones (for they always reckon'd back∣ward so) but the second of January the fourth Nones. After the Nones followed the Ides which contained eight days in every Month, so that the 15. day of March (or any of those four Months) was called Idus Martii, but the 13. of January, and consequently as the 8. of March is its eighth Ide, so the eighth Ide of January is January the sixth. After the Ides were past, they always reckon'd the number of the days backwards from the next Month following, as the 14. of January was the 19. Calends of Febr. the 15. the 18. Ca∣lends of Febr. &c.

Campus Martius was a Field without the Walls of Rome; so called, because it was dedi∣cated to Mars, and employ'd as a place to exercise the Youth in Feats of Arms, being gi∣ven to the People of Rome by Caia Tarratia a Vestal Virgin, or (as others affirm) ••y Acca Laurentia a noble Harlot, King Tarquin the Proud converted it to his own use, and sowed Corn there, which upon his Expulsion was thrown into the River Tiber, as having grown on a place Sacred, and the Field restored to its ancient use. Here at first were the Ki••gs and Magistrates chosen, and in after-times the Comitia Centuriata were constantly holden. It was beautified with abundance of Statues, and was all along the place where the Roman Youth learned their Martial Exercises, as Wrastling, Fencing, Vaulting, and the like.

Candidati, Candidates were those that put in, and stood in Election for Dignities of Ma∣gistracy; so called, because such did then wear whiter and brighter Gowns than ordinary, that they might be the more conspicuous, and better discern'd afar off in the Crowd.

Cataphracti were those Souldiers, as well Horse as Foot, that were arm'd at all points, or (as we say) Cap-a-pe, with compleat Harness.

Catapults. See before Balista.

Census was a Review, Polling, or Valuation of all mens Names, Qualities and Estates. It was first instituted by Servius Tullius, who (somewhat like our William the Conquerour in his Doomsday Book) caused a general Account to be taken upon Record of every Citi∣zens Estate throughout Rome, together with their Age. And according to their Estates and Age he divided all the Romans into six Ranks or Classes. The first of those worth (as to the value of our money, about) 200 l. or upwards; the second 140 l. or upwards; the third not under 100 l. the fourth not less than 40 l. the fifth of such as were worth above 25 l. the sixth of all others whose Estates amounted not to so much as the last Summ, who were only registred amongst the Citizens, but paid little or nothing towards Subsidies, and therefore were oft-times called Proletarii à prole edenda, as if all the good they did the Publick were their getting of Children. And each of these Classes were subdivided into several Centuries, as we shall have occasion to shew by and by in the word Comitia. This general View was regularly taken every five years, and at the end thereof Sacrifices were offer'd to purge, cleanse, or make Atonement for all the People, which was called Lustrum, and thence the word Lustrum is used for the space of five years, though sometimes by means of Wars abroad, or Dissentions at home, it was not held so often. After the Kings ejected, the Consuls were to perform it; but they being otherwise busied, and there having no Cense or Lustrum been held for seventeen years together, in the year of the City 310. it was thought fit to institute particular Magistrates for that work, which therefore were called

Censors, who were two Persons eminent for their Vertue and Authority, at first Patricians, and for the most part such as had already born the Office of Consuls: To whom, besides ma∣king the said Survey of the People and purging them, was also committed the Inspection into the Lives and Manners of all persons whatsoever, and to brand any one that deserv'd it, with Disgrace, as by turning out a Senator, taking away from a Knight his Horse and Ring, and make Commoners Aerarii, whence they were called Magistri Morum, the Masters of Man∣ners. There lay no Appeal from them, nor was it usual for any man to serve this Office (which was reckon'd amongst the greater Magistracies) twice. At first they were ordain'd for five years, but Anno Ʋ. C. 319. Mamercinus the Dictator reduc'd it to a year and an half, and in the year 402. this Office was first communicated with the Commons.

Centuries and Centuriata. See Comitia.

Centum-viri, the Hundred-men, were certain Commissioners chosen, three out of each Tribe, so that properly there were an hundred and five of them, but in round reckoning

they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for and were called an Hundred. Their bann•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Decemviri, to be Judges and decide Controversies 〈…〉〈…〉 called ••••••••peratores (being especially concern'd in Actions of Re•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Court Hasta Centumviralis, because they had always a Sp•• 〈…〉〈…〉.

Circu•••• a place in Rome between the Palatine and Aventine H•• 〈…〉〈…〉 and S••ows 〈…〉〈…〉 to be exhibited to the People, first erected by Ki•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••s••us with Gal∣•••••• ••••ou••d, whence it was called Circus, because there in 〈…〉〈…〉 a d Gen•••• m•••• of the City to behold the running of the great 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 B••••sts, Fire-works, &c. the Seats being able to con•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 and fifty t••ou∣s••••d people. This was called Circus Maximus to distinguish it from some other lesser places of the same name afterwards erected.

Cohors, a Cohort. See Legion.

Comitia, there is nothing more frequent in Livy, and indeed all R••m•••• 〈…〉〈…〉, than mention of Comitia and the Acts therein done, and not without reason, 〈…〉〈…〉 con∣sisted and was transacted the main part of their Policy and Civil 〈◊〉〈◊〉. We must therefore crave leave to be the more copious in the Explanation thereof.

Comitia (so called à Coeundo or Comeundo (as the Ancients sp••k••) from 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••••ther) were general Conventions of the People to give their Suffrages or Voices 〈…〉〈…〉, as the Choice of Magistrates, the passing of a Law, or the like: and were o•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••orts, Curia∣ta, Centuriata, and Tributa.

The Comitia Curiata were the most ancient, being instituted by Romulus; for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 divi••ing the Multitude into three parts, which therefore he called Tribus, Thirds, subdivided ••ach Tribe into ten parts, which he called Curiae (which we may English Parishes; for as each of these thirty Curiae were a distinct Body, so they had their several Holy Rites and distinct Sacred Houses appointed for them to meet at for celebrating the same: And a proper Pri••st call••d Curio, because he was to officiate for his Curia; and over all the thirty Curio's, was an A•••• pri••st called Curio Maximus.) Into one of these Curiae every Roman that dwelt in th•• C•••• was entred, and this at first comprehended all the Tribes, that is to say, all the Roma••s, and therefore in the Assemblies of these Parishes, which were called Comitia Cu••iata, in old time passed the Elections of Kings and other Magistrates, Judgment in Ca∣p•••••••• Cases, an•• Laws. But afterwards the Republick increasing, and many neighbouring People overcome in War, being Enfranchized and made free Denizon•• by the Name; of s••veral rural Tribes, the Tribes were increased (in time) from three to thirty five, and comprehended not only those within the Walls of Rome, but multitudes in the Country too: whereas the Curiae were not increased in number, nor extended further than the City, (only if any of those Out-Freemen came to inhabit at Rome, he must be entred in some Tribe, and quitting his Country's Sacred Rites, conform to those of the Parish he liv'd in) so that now the Curiae being but a part of the Citizens, the Jurisdiction of their Assembly was retrencht, and chiefly used either for Adoptions which were there transacted, or else in making Laws to confirm or confer military Command on certain Magistrates, as Dicta∣tors, Consuls, Praetors and Consuls already chosen in the other Comitia; for though there t••ey had a Civil Authority conferr'd upon them, yet they had not, nor were to exercise military Command, as administring the Oath to their Souldiers, mustering their Army, or fighting an Enemy, till they had obtain'd a special Law empowering them therein from these Comitia Curiata: Which also were wont to confirm Wills, and to chuse ••ertain Priests, and especially the Curio Maximus, for the lesser Curio's were elected in their particular Pa∣rishes. These Comitia Curiata were held in the large Common Hall of Justice, which from th••ir Meeting was called Comitium, being part of the Forum Romanum, and were always Auspicata, that is, performed with the Solemnity of observing the Birds, and also with the Approbation of the Senate, not held on any certain day or time of the year, but whenever occasion requir'd. The Members of the Comitia Curiata gave their Voices man by man in their respective Tribes, and that which the major part of the Tribes agreed upon, was the Resolution of the whole Assembly; so that assoon as sixteen Tribes had given their Suffra∣ges for or against a thing, the matter was at an end, for then they were sure of the Ma∣jority.

Of the Comitia Centuriata. The before-mentioned Comitia Curiata dispatcht all Affairs referr'd to the general Vote of the People, in such manner as you have heard, from the days of Romulus till the time of King Servius Tullius, who (as intimated before in the word Census) finding an in∣conveniency in that Method, because the poorest Citizens (who are always the more nume∣rous) having an equal Power of Voting with the richest, were like to carry all things as they would have it: He therefore establisht a new Method; for having rang'd all the peo∣ple, not only within the Walls of Rome, but abroad also that were free Denizons, ••••to six Classes, according to their Estates subdivided each Class into Centuries, yet not equally so many Centuries in each, but to the richest Class the most Centuries (for by Centuries

was not understood just an hundred men, but a particular Rank more or less) so that the first Class contain'd more Centuries than all the other five put together, for that (reckon∣ing the Knights or Equites) had ninety eight Centuries; the second (counting the Work∣men and all) but twenty two Centuries; the third twenty; the fourth twenty two with the Trumpeters, Drummers, &c. the fifth thirty Centuries, and all the last Class (worth less than 25 l. a man) were thrown into one single Century, and by consequence had but one single Vote. For as the Comitia Centuriata was the general Assembly of these Centuries, so that which most Centuries agreed upon, carried it. Now the first, that is, the richest Class, being called first to give their Votes, if they all agreed, 'tis plain they carried what they list, for the meaner Citizens had not Centuries enow (though never so much superiour in numbers of particular men) to balance them. To remedy this in some measure, it was afterwards agreed, that Lots should be cast which Centuries should vote first, and that which voted first of all, was called the Prerogative Century, and the rest Jure vocatae. The matters transacted in these Comitia Centuriata were of three sorts. 1. Chusing of greater Magistrates, viz. Consuls, Praetors, Proconsuls, Tribunes military with Consular Power, and the Decemviri for drawing up of Laws. 2. Passing of Laws, for generally all Laws that were propounded by a Senatorian Magistrate were here establisht, and thereby the Leges Centuriatae were differenced from the Plebiscita; and particularly this Assembly resolved upon any War that was thought by the Senate fit to be undertaken. 3. The same did pass Judgment in Cases of Treason, or the like grand Offence against the State. The place where this Assembly met was in the Campus Martius without the City, where at first the Custom was, that all the Centuries should appear in Arms; but this being thought of dangerous consequence to leave the City naked, they left it off, and appointed a Flag to be hung out on the Mount Janiculum, and a competent Guard to be placed there; and assoon as that Flag was taken down, the Assembly was dissolv'd.

Of the Comitia Tributa. This Assembly was first brought up by the Tribunes of the People, and particularly by Volero Publilius, Anno Ʋ. C. 282. establishing a Law, that all Plebeian Magistrates should be chosen that way, which was, that all the Free Romans should give their Votes according to their Tribes, and the Suffrages of the most Tribes to stand good; thus as in the Curiata Comitia none could Vote but Inhabitants of Rome, and in the Centuriata the rich men had always the advantage for the reasons before-mentioned. In these Comitia Tributa there was no respect of either of those Qualifications, but all Romans in or out of the City, poor or rich, might have Voices. The matters they dealt in were the chusing of the lesser Magi∣strates, as Tribunes of the Commons, Plebeian Aediles, and Aediles Curule, the Triumviri Capitales, &c. and of Priests, the Pontifex Maximus; also the making of those Laws called Plebiscita or Ordinances of the Commons, which at first bound only themselves, but after∣wards all Romans whatsoever particularly, the Power of making of Peace (for declaring War lay in the Centuriata) of granting of Triumphs, and granting to Foreigners the Free∣dom of the City, was in this Assembly: As also Judgments of Misdemeanours, for which they might impose what Mulcts or Fines they pleased; but as for Cases of Life and Death, they were tryed elsewhere. This Assembly was not tyed to any one place within or with∣out the City, nor had they need of any Augural Ceremonies, unless it should happen to thunder or lighten whilst they were met, and then they must all depart. Sometimes they were called together in the Campus Martius, sometimes in the Comitium, sometimes in the Capitol, sometimes in the Flaminian Meadows, and sometimes in the Flaminian Circus, (a place in the City given by one of that Name for publick Plays and Shows) The common time of holding these Comitia Tributa for creating ordinary Magistrates was the latter end of July or beginning of August; for the Tribunes and Aediles of the Commons were chosen some time before the Consuls, and after them the Curule Aediles, Questors, &c. But it is to be noted, That neither Children under seventeen years of Age, nor Old people above sixty were allowed to have Voices in any of these Assemblies. And so much for Comitia. The manner of their Voting shall be declared in the word Suffrages.

Conscript Fathers. See Senators.

Consuls, were two Persons yearly chosen, who after the expulsion of Kings, had the Su∣preme place and Authority amongst any ordinary Magistrates of the Romans; to which none could be admitted, unless he were above forty two years of Age, and usually were persons eminent for their Prudence and Valour, who had gradually passed through the Officers of Questors, Aediles and Praetors; nor could any be chosen thereunto unless he were present, nor regularly until the second year after he had served Praetor, as none could be Praetor till two years after he had been Aedile: They were first both Patricians; but in the year of the City 387. one Commoner was admitted, and in the year 581. both were Commoners, but usually they were one Patrician and one Commoner. Their Insignia or Badges of Authority were first to have twelve Lictors marching before them where-ever they went, that is to say, before one of them one month, and before the other the next,

and he of the two had this Honour first, either because he had more Children than the other, or was elder, or was first chosen; secondly, they rode in Ivory Chairs; and third∣ly, they wore certain peculiar Gowns to distinguish them, which from the great embroider'd Works, were called Trabeae. The Romans as at first they dated all their Deeds and Trans∣actions from the Building of Rome, so afterwards (omitting that) their manner of Dating was by subscribing the Names of the Consuls when such a thing was done: But if one or both Consuls dyed in their year, and others were surrogated in their places, yet the whole year was dated by the Name of the first elected Consuls, and those only who had actually served the Office of Consuls, were called Viri Consulares, Consular Men; out of whom (upon occasion) were elected Dictators, Magistri Equitum, and Censors.

Coronae, Crowns or Chaplets, were frequently as Badges of Honour for performing some signal Service; and they were of several sorts, according to the Quality of the Person and Nature of the S••rvice, as Corona Triumphalis which at first was made of Laurel, but after∣wards of Gold, and was sent by the Senate unto the Lord General to adorn his Triumph, Corona Obsidionalis, a Wreath made of Cuich Grass, presented by those that were besieged or encompassed by the Enemy, to that General that relieved them, and therefore it was to be made of Grass that grew in the very same place wherein they were so shut up and endan∣ger'd. Corona Civica was made of Oak, and bestow'd on him that in a dangerous Battel saved the life of a Fellow-Citizen: But Masurius saith, That it was then wont to be given, when he that saved a Citizen had at the same time killed an Enemy, nor was during the whole Fight repulsed from that place, for otherwise (saith he) the Right of a Civic Crown was not granted him; yet Tiberius Caesar being consulted, whether a person ought to have it, who had saved a Citizen in a certain Battel, and slain two Enemies, but had not retain'd the ground on which he did it, but the same was gain'd by the Enemy? resolved the Case, That he should have a Civic Crown, because it appeared, that he had saved a Citizen in a place so disa••vantageous, that it could not be maintain'd by fighting never so valiantly. L Gellius, one that had been Censor, gave his Opinion in the Senate, That Tully when he was Consul, ought to be presented with this sort of Crown in the Name of the whole Com∣monwealth, as having saved it from ruine by discovering and crushing Cataline's Conspi∣racy; for t••e same was given not only to him that saved a Citizen, but likewise to him that killed the first Enemy that mounted the Walls: But in the case of preserving a Citizen, the party saved must acknowledge it, for no Witnesses would be admitted, and it must be a Citizen, for if it were one of the Allies (though a King) that was preserved, he that did it was allowed no such Honour, which was not small; for he that had once a Civic Crown conferr'd upon him, might wear it ever after, and when he came into the Theatre it was the Custom for all the People and Senators themselves to rise up and salute him; and he was allow'd to sit there next to the Senators, and both himself, his Father and his Grand∣father were thenceforth discharged of all publick Services. Corona Muralis resembled the Battlements of Walls, for it was given by the General to him that first scaled the Walls and mounted over in the Assault of Cities. Corona Castrensis or Vallaris in its form resem∣bled a Rampier, being bestow'd on him that first broke into the Enemies Camp; Corona Navalis had the Portraicture of Stems or Beaks of Ships, and belong'd to him that in an Engagement at Sea first boarded the Enemy. As for the Corona Ovalis, see Ovation.

Curiae and Curio. See before in Comitia.

Decemviri signifies a Committee of Ten men, Magistrates or Officers appointed for some certain purpose, as Decemviri Legibus scribendis were ten persons chosen with Supreme Au∣thority for a years time to draw up Laws. Decemviri Sacrorum were a kind of Priests who had the custody and perusal of the Fatal or Prophetick Books of Sibylla, and from thence gave directions what means and Sacrifices were to be used for expiating of Prodigies. De∣cemviri Stlitibus judicandis (that is, super Lites) were ten Judges, assistant to the Praetor or Lord Chief Justice, who either might judicare, give Judgment themselves, or else Judicium dare, appoint others from amongst the Centumviri to hear and determine Causes.

Dictator, was an extraordinary Magistrate chosen by the Romans on some very urgent occasion, as when they labour'd under more dangerous Wars abroad, or some eminent Dissentions at home. He was created but for six months, and many times, if he had setled the business he was created for, would voluntarily resign his Office before that time. Whilst he continued in his Office he had all the twenty four Lictors to attend him, and the Power of all other Magistrates was as it were superseded, (except that of the Tribunes of the Peo∣ple.) His Authority was absolute as to War or Peace: No Appeal lay from him to the Peo∣ple, whence he was called Magister Populi, the Master of the People: He had Power of Life and Death over any Roman, and might without any formal hearing of the Cause or con∣sulting the People, determine in any matter whatsoever as he list; only he was never to appear on Horse-back, but when he was marching to a War; nor could he take any Mo∣ney out of the Treasury without a Decree of the Senate or Ordinance of the People: He was not chosen in any Comitia, nor by the Senate, but by one of the Consuls. And as the first Dictator T. Lartius created Anno Ʋrbis 255. behaving himself in this Sovereign Power

with so much modesty, that after he had finisht the Latine War, and elected new Consuls, he freely resign'd his Office, having not caused any one Citizen to be put to death, ba∣nisht or outragiously fined, so all his Successors in that Office for about four hundred years observ'd the like Moderation, not one of them abusing his Authority until the time of Sylla, and afterwards of Julius Caesar, who against the Laws, made himself perpetual Di∣ctator. But although Dictators were first and principally chose in great streights, yet in time they were made upon smaller occasions, as to perform the religious Ceremony of driving a Nail into a certain place of Jupiter's Temple ov••r aga••••st ••••at of Mi••erva, which they thought in a time of Pestilence or Sedition, would app••ase the Anger of the Gods; to celebrate the Latine Holy-days, or Roman G••mes, or hold the C••••••iti•• for Ele∣ctions of Magistrates, when the Consuls that ought to hold the same were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Wars, and could not be conveniently recall'd. None could be nominated Dictator but one that had serv'd the Office of Consul, and at first he was always a Patrician, but in time Commoners did also obtain it: the first of that Rank that held it was C. Mart••u•• Rutilus, A. Ʋ. C. 397. The Dictator always chose his Lieutenant, who was called Magister Equi∣tum, the General or Master of the Horse, who had the Command in the Dictator's absence, but yet was to act nothing against his Order, as appears by the Exampl••s of Q. Fabius and M. Minucius, who for fighting against the Dictator's Command in his absence, were like to have been executed, and very hardly escap'd. This Office was most times conferr'd upon them that had been Consuls.

Duumviri, Magistrates two in number of several sorts, as Duumviri Capitales, Ju•••••••• of Life and Death, from whom an Appeal lay to the People; Duumviri Navales, two ••••••∣missioners of the Navy; Duumviri Sacrorum, two Patricians ordain'd fi••st for k••••p•••••• o•• Sibylla's Books, dedicating of Temples, &c. which were increased first to five and a•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••s to ten. See Decemviri.

Equestris Ordo, the Equestrian Order was next to the Senatorian, and above the Pl••••••••, it consisted of Knights or Gentlemen called Equites in Latine (not only for serving in ••he Wars on Horse-back, for so did the ordinary Troopers, and were also called Equites, but yet had nothing to do with this Order, but also) because when they were muster'd by the Censors, or elected into that Order, they receiv'd an Horse from them which was called Equus Publicus, because they had an allowance from the State to keep him as well in Peace as War. They also had a Ring given them, by which they were distinguisht from the Po∣pulacy, for none but of the Senatorian or Equestrian degree might wear a gold Ring. From the Senators the Equestrians were distinguisht by the formers wearing the Laticlavium or a Robe bestudded with flourishings of Purple Silk in manner of broad Nail-heads, whereas the latter wore Angusticlavium, a Garment that differ'd from the other only in this, that the Purple Studds, wherewith it was embroider'd, were narrower. The Estate requisite to qualifie a Person of this Order was, that he must be worth four hundred thousand Sester∣ces, [that is, of our money about 3000 l.] Which Estate, if he had consumed, or com∣mitted any misdemeanour for which the Censors took away his publick Horse, and forbad him the use of his Ring, then he was lookt upon as degraded, and no longer a Gentleman, but one of the Populace.

Epulones were certain Priests whose Office was to prepare and set forth the solemn Feast for Jupiter and other Gods, called Epulum; of whom there were first three, and afterwards seven, called Triumviri and Septemviri Epulones.

Faeciales were Heralds or Officers at Arms, whose business was to perform the Ceremonies of denouncing of War, and making Peace or Leagues; the principal of them, who was as their Dean, was called Pater Patratus, and He, Plutarch says, ought to be a man that both had Children of his own, and his Father living.

Fasti is used sometimes for Festi Dies or Holy-days, and in this sense Ovid intituled those Books of his, Fasti, wherein he sets down the ordinary Feasts of every Month. At other times it signifies Law-days, whereon the Praetor was allow'd to administer Justice, and try Causes: But besides it is put for certain Books or Registries, wherein the Names of the Chief Magistrates of the Romans were every year recorded. And hence the Fasti Consulares before recited.

Flamines were Roman Priests, so called of Filamen, a Fillet of woolen Yarn they wore about their Heads: three of them were Patricians, and called the greater Flamens, viz. Dialis for the Service of Jupiter; Martialis the Priest of Mars, and Quirinalis that look after the Worship of Romulus after he was deified; twelve more were Commoners deputed to the Rites of minor Deities, and the meanest of them attended the Service of Pomona the God∣dess of Apples.

Fors Fortuna was that Goddess Fortune in Rome, whose Temple stood beyond the Tiber, worshipt of such idle people as follow'd no Trade nor Calling, but lived wholly on their Rents, who were especially obliged to her, because she came unlookt for, undeserved. Besides which there was Fortis Fortuna, honour'd for her Power in Battel; Fortuna Mulicuris that was

propitious to the Women, Seia Fortuna, sought unto for the kind and seasonable ripening of Corn and Fruit, &c.

Forum (à ferendo, from bringing of Wares or Causes thither) signifies either a Market, and then commonly with some Epithet to signify of what kind, as Forum Boarium, the Beast-Market, Forum olitorium, the Herb Market, &c. Or else for the common Hall or place where people assemble for pleading of Causes, and having Justice administred; but most times used for that great and most notable part of Rome reaching from the Foot of the Capitol to the bottom of the Palatine Hill; built round with stately Edifices; here were the Basilicae, and the Comitium, here were also the Rostra or common Pleading place, where they made Orations to the People; Saturn's Sanctuary, wherein was kept the Romans Ex∣chequer or Treasury. There were also other Forums afterwards built, as Forum Julium, Au∣gustus's Forum, Trajan's Forum, which we may english magnificent Squares, with Statues in the middle of them, and other rarities.

H. S. This Character stands for a certain silver Coin of the Romans called Sestertius, not compounded of two I I^s. signifying two, but mistaken for two L L^s. signifying duas Li∣bras, two pounds, and the S. for Semis half; for the Sestertius contained two Asses (which were at first two pounds of brass, as is mentioned before) and an half, and was in value of our money three half pence farthing half farthing; a thousand of these Sestertii do make one Sestertium in the Neuter Gender.

Laws of the Romans were never made but when proposed by some Magistrate, and agreed upon by the People, in some of their respective Comitia; The only Magistrates that had power to propose Laws, were Consuls, Praetors, the Dictator, the Inter-regent, and the Tribunes of the Commons; If any of these Magistrates thought fit to prefer a new Law, he first drew it up, wherein he took the advice of some Lawyer, and some would have the approbation of the whole Senate, though that was often omitted; then was the intended Law publickly hung out, or exposed, in the Market place, for the space of twenty seven dayes, that is, for three Market dayes, which was call'd the Promulgation of a Law, being designed that in the mean time all the people might consult of the conveniency thereof, and every one have free liberty to admonish him that prefer'd it, of any just reason, ei∣ther to amend it, or wholly surcease the proposal; after the third Market day (for unless it were upon an extraordinary occasion, no Assembly might be called upon a Market day, be∣cause of the Country Folks business, they also having most times a right of Suffraging) the Magistrate did Convocate the people to that place where the Law was proper to be propo∣sed; there the Town Clerk or Notary reading the Law, the common Cryer Proclaimed it, which done, he that promulgated it, made an Oration of the reasonableness thereof, per∣swading the people to pass it, which usually was seconded by his Friends, as also others that disliked it, would make Speeches to shew its ill conveniencies, which Harangues being ended, an Urn or Pitcher was brought to certain Priests there present, into which was cast the names of the Tribes, or Centuries, or Curiae (according as it was prefer'd in the respective Comitia) and that Tribe, Century, or Curiae, whose name was first drawn, did first give their Votes, by the majority of which, the Law was either pass'd or rejected; if approved, then it was inscribed (as a Record) in Tables of brass, and hung up in their Market place and Doors of their Temples for publick notice. Each Law was commonly called, known, or cited by the name of that Magistrate who first prefer'd it, as Lex Vale∣ria is the Law proposed by the Consul P. Valerius Poplicola; and so of the rest.

Legio, a Legion, so call'd ab eligendo, because they were choice select men; the number in Romulus's time was three thousand Foot and three hundred Horse; but afterwards it was increased and various, sometimes four thousand, or four thousand two hundred, or five thousand, nay sometimes six thousand foot, and now and then four hundred Horse, and sometimes but two hundred. The Romans seldom (unless on extraordinary occasions) en∣roll'd above four Legions (besides Auxiliaries) into an Army; and this was call'd a Consu∣lar Army. The Legion was divided into Foot and Horse (being commonly a hundred Horse for every thousand Foot.) The Foot were divided into ten Cohorts, each Cohort into three Maniples, each Maniple into two Centuries, and each Century into ten Contubernia.

Magister Equitum. See Dictator.

Nones. See Calends.

Ovation was a petty or lesser sort of Triumph, allow'd to those whose Victories were over Enemies of a meaner rank, as rebellious Slaves, or Pyrates, or gotten with little ha∣zard or bloodshed, and therefore the General then wore a Myrtle Crown, not Laurel, went on foot through the City, and in a plain purple Gown, and sacrific'd only a Sheep (whereas he that Triumpht offer'd a Bull) and therefore it is thought to be call'd Ovatio ab Ove, from a Sheep, or else because the Souldiers following him redoubled the sound of O, O, whereas in Triumphs, they cry'd out, Io Triumphe!

Patres and Patricians. The Roman Senators were usually called Patres from their Age and Gravity, yet neither were all Patricians Senators, nor all Senators (especially in latter times) Patricians; but the first Institution is referr'd to Romulus who divided his People into two sorts. Those that were well descended, and had Estates and Children he called Pa∣tricians, the rest Plebeians. To the first he committed Offices and Magistracies: To the se∣cond not; particularly out of the Patricians he chose his hundred Counsellors of State call'd Senators, to which he afterwards added another hundred, and Tarquinius Priscus made them up three hundred, and so they continued, whose posterity were call'd Patricii, or Nobles; yet it must be understood, that there were many Patricians besides Senators, and in time Plebeians were admitted into the Senate, yet still they had respect to their Pedigrees, and by reason of the Envy between these two Ranks, many Dissentions and Seditions happen'd amongst the Romans, nor could the one intermarry with the other until the year of the City 309.

Praetors were one of the greater sort of Magistrates of Rome; for the Consuls, who at first exerted Civil Judicature, being not able sufficiently to perform it, by reason of their military Employments, it was in the year of the City 386. thought fit to create a parti∣cular Magistrate for administring Justice; but in process of time multiplicity of Causes ari∣sing out of the Country, it was sound necessary to add him a Partner: And thenceforth one was call'd the City, the other the Country-Praetor; and sometimes they were Generals in the Field, as well as the Consuls.

Praetexta Toga, a Gown or Robe of Honour allowed but to six sorts of people, viz. First, The Children of the Patricii till seventeen years of Age. Secondly, All Senators upon Festival days. Thirdly, The Wardens or Overseers of certain publick Plays or Games. Fourthly, All Magistrates as well in the City of Rome as Colonies and other Towns Cor∣porate, and all Masters of Confraternities or Companies. Fifthly, All Priests, and amongst them the Augurs. Lastly, Those that triumpht; and this differed from the rest, in being embroider'd with Gold and Damask.

Quaestors took their Name à quaerendo pecuniam, inquiring after money, being the publick Treasurers to receive and issue out the City-money.

Quirites, the Name appropriated to the Citizens of Rome, and so they loved to be call'd within the City; but in the Camp, if the General gave them that term, it was taken for a great disgrace unto Souldiers and men of Arms.

Rostra was a goodly fair Edifice in the Forum Romanum that stood next to the Comitium, in manner of a Cathedral Church, in which was an Orator's Pulpit, adorned with the gild∣ed Stems of many Ships, which the Romans took from the people of Antium in a memorable Fight at Sea; and from those Ships-beaks called in Latine Rostra, this place took its Name.

Sella Curulis, a Seat or Chair of State, which was one of the chief Ornaments of Magi∣strates at Rome, belonging first to the Kings, and afterwards during the Free-State used by Dictators, Consuls, Proconsuls, Praetors and Propraetors, Censors and Aediles (I mean those Aediles call'd Curules, to distinguish them from the Plebeian Aediles) and last of all by the Emperours in the time of the Monarchy. On this Seat they usually sat not only in the Senate-House when they consulted or gave Audience, or when they beheld the pub∣lick Games and Plays, and rode either in Triumph or otherwise through the streets, but also at home within their private Houses, and wheresoever else they pleased. And this Badge or Ensign of Honour they had not only during their Magistracy but afterwards, and were thence call'd Curule Senators or Magistrates (for the rest who had not attained to those Dignities they named Pedanei, because they went on foot to the Senate and other places. This Chair was called Curulis, either from Currus a Chariot, for that they sat thereupon within their Chariots, or else quasi curva, because it was made crooked or curb∣wise like our folding Chairs.

Senators were so called quasi Senes from their Age, because at the first Institution they were persons of considerable Age, though afterwards young men were frequently admitted. Romulus first establisht the number of them an hundred; but afterwards either he, or (as some Authors say) Tarquinius Priscus added another hundred, and that Brutus added the last hundred and made them up three hundred, at which time they began to be call'd Patres conscripti. The value of a Senator's Estate was to be eight hundred thousand Sesterces, which is above 6000 l. of our money. None were ordinarily admitted into the place of a Senator under twenty five years of Age. Every solemn Meeting of these Senators was called Senatus, and the Chair-man or Speaker (who could be no other than such an one as had been either Consul or Censor) was call'd Princeps Senatûs, their Decree or Vote was call'd Senatûs Consultum, and is many times written only with these two Letters S. C. They gave their Votes sometimes by departing down from their Benches, and dividing

themselves into sides, and if the major part were easie to be discerned, they rested there, and such a thing was said to be decreed per discessionem, by going apart; but if both Com∣panies were almost equal, then did they proceed to give their Voices, and that which passed so was said to be decreed per singulorum sententias exquisitas. This Office of Senator was not Annual, but for their Lives, only in cases of misdemeanour the Censor might turn them out, which was done by his leaving out their Names when he call'd over the List of the House. If any Senator were absent without a lawful Excuse, he was fined; yet was not their sitting constant, but summon'd occasionally by the Magistrates. The Tribunes of the Commons had power intercedere, that is, to put a stop to or quash any Act of the Se∣nates.

Sibyls Books, the story of them is thus. There came one day a strange Woman to King Tarquin the proud, offering nine Books full of the Sibylline Oracles, to be sold, who thinking she askt too much, refused to buy them, whereupon she burnt six of them before his face, and then askt him as much for the remaining three as for all the nine. This startled the King, and consulting with his Augurs, they found by their Art that he had refused some special favour sent from the Gods, and by all means advised him to buy the rest, which he did; and for the safe keeping of them, two Officers at first and afterwards ten were chosen, the Books being laid up under ground in the Capitol in a Stone-Chest, where they remained till the burning of the Capitol, when L. Scipio and C. Norbanus were Consuls, and then they perished; yet afterwards several of the Sibylline Prophecies were gathered together from divers parts, Embassadours being sent for that purpose, for there went ten of these famous Sibyls who dwelt at several places, but these Books seem probably to have been the Works of Sibylla Cumana; and the use of them was thus: If there happen'd any astonish∣ing Prodigy, Mortality or great streight that they were in, then did the Decemviri consult these Books (for no body else might look into them) where they found or pretended to find what it was which offended the Gods, and by what means they might be pacified.

Suffrages, the peoples Votes given pro or con in any Assembly, which at first were given by word of mouth, but a great inconvenience was found in that way, because the poorer sort were forced to Vote as the rich would have them, or else they would be their Enemies, therefore a course was invented, that every one should Vote freely, and none know who in particular it was that Voted for or against him. Which was thus: In the Field of Mars where the Comitia Centuriata were held (in which most Affairs of moment were transacted) there was a place at first rail'd like a Sheep-pen, and therefore call'd Ovilia or Septa, but afterwards it was built very stately with Marble-stone in Walks and Galleries, and also with a Tribunal or Seat of Justice, and here the people most times met to give their Suffra∣ges for Election of Magistrates. Now the means of ascending up unto these Ovilia was not by Stairs, but by many things like Bridges (though over the dry Land) made or laid there only for that time, one for every Tribe or Century. At the lower end of these Bridges stood certain Officers call'd Diribitores, Distributers, who gave to every one of the Mem∣bers of each Tribe little Tables of Wood, wherein if it were Election for Magistrates, the Names of the Candidates were severally written; but if it were touching a Law, then they had but two Tables, in one of which were written these two great Letters V. R. signifying uti rogas, Be it as you would have it, whereby they consented to the Law proposed; in the other a great Roman A. standing for the word Antiquo, I like the old Laws that we have already, whereby they rejected the new Law then preferr'd. At the other end of the B••idge were placed certain little Chests or Coffers into which each of the Suffragers cast in which Table he had a mind to. Which after they were all passed, were taken out and counted by some Officers for that purpose, and that of which there was most, was the sense of the Tribe or Century, and the most Centuries was the Vote of the whole Assembly.

Signa was the general Name of all the Ensigns in the Field, but Aquila, the Eagle, more particularly was the main Standard to a whole Legion: For upon the top of a Spear was reared and fastened the Portraicture in Silver of an Eagle at full Relief, and the same some∣times was gilded, standing upon a Base or Pedestal of the same Metal. The other Ensigns, as well of Cohorts (which were Bands of about five hundred men usually) as of Centuries (that is, Companies of an hundred) were more especially called Vexilla, and had the figures of Minotaurs, Horses, Dragons, Wolves, &c. according to every Commanders fancy, but with the Name of the Century, Cohort and Legion to which they belonged.

Tribunes of the Commons were certain Magistrates whose Office was to be Protectors of the Commons. They were first instituted after a long Sedition between the Commonalty and Nobility, in the year of the City 260. by the Law call'd Lex Sacrata, the Sacred Law, because confirm'd by the general Oath of the people. At first they were but five in num∣ber, but in the year 297. increased to ten. Their persons were Sacrosancti not to be vio∣lated either by word or deed. They had a negative Voice or Power of Inhibition call'd Intercession, whereby they might stop the proceedings of the Senate or Consuls, or any other Magistrates (except the Dictator) which they did by one or more of them coming in person, and pronouncing aloud this word Veto, or Vetamus, I (or, We) forbid what you

are about, and then they could not go on any further. And as they had this Power against others, so also amongst themselves, any one could stop the proceedings of his Fellows, of which the Senate made good Advantage, drawing some of them usually to their side. These Tribunes preferr'd such Laws as they thought expedient for the Commons in the Comitia Tributa, which were call'd Plebiscita. Acts of the Senate were sent to them to peruse, and if they approved them, they subscribed a great Roman T. They could not be elected to this Office until they were above thirty years of Age. Their Houses stood open night and day as a common Refuge or place of Succour to all that would come, neither was it lawful for them to be out of the City one whole day throughout the year. The word Tribune properly signifies a Colonel or Commander of a thousand men, and because the first Pro∣tectors of the Commons that were chosen, were all five such Officers of the Army, there∣fore they still retain'd the Name of Tribunes, adding thereto, of the Commons, to distin∣guish them from ordinary Tribunes Military. There were also Tribunes Military with Consular Authority who ruled the Commonwealth divers years instead of Consuls, and indeed were in effect the same, bating only the Name and the Number.

Triumph, a Solemnity in Honour of such chief Commanders as had won some notable Victory, wherein they rode into the City in all the State imaginable; but none was to have this Honour, if he had not slain at least five thousand Enemies in one Battel, and not lost near so many of his own Souldiers. And that the Senate might have a true Account of both, it was provided, That they should be punisht that made false Returns of their own loss, or the Enemies. Nor was a Triumph granted for recovering any Territory, but only in cases whereby the Empire was enlarged, and if the Commander did never such Exploits, if he were not in Magistracy he could claim no Triumph; and for that reason it was, that neither P. Scipio for recovering Spain, nor Marcellus for taking Syracuse, did triumph. He that had once triumpht might always after come to the publick Shows crown'd with Laurel. And when they dyed, after their bodies were burnt without the City, their Bones and Ashes might be brought in and reposited within the City, which others might not be.