Considerations on the Causes of the Grandeur and Decadence of the Romans

revision and emendation recently made — was finislied in 1876. The subject, however, is one against which time runs but slowly — if at all. It win be seen that the book is by no means a mere translation of Montesquieu's treatise; but that, beyond this, the Romans are used as a nexus for all antiquity, and the general movement of the world's civilization sought to be inferred. There must be errors ; but, in view of the nature and difficulties of the task undertaken, it seems obvious that criticism should be considerate and candid — no more is asked. The Notes which have been contributed by my- self are duly indicated as such ; those which are inclosed in 'brackets have been supplied by the French editors; aU others are Montesquieu's. Belleville, Illinois, March IS, 1882. GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE Translator's Inteoduction 9 Idea of " the Grandeur and Decadence of the Romans " — from the French of La Harpe 15 Chap. I. — The Beginnings of Rome. — Her Wara. . 19 Note by the Translator 31 II. — Art of War among the Romans 48 Note by the Translator 51 III. — How the Romans were able to aggrandize themselves. ... 61 Note by the Translator • 66 IV. — ^The Gauls. — Pyrrhus. — Comparison of Carthage and Rome. — ^War with Hannibal 76 Note by the Translator 91 V. — State of Greece, of Macedon, of Syria and Egypt, aft§r the abasement of Carthage 107 Note by the Translator 124 VI. — Policy adopted by the Romans for the conquest of all Nations 129 Note by the Translator 146 VII. — Mithridates. — How he was able to resist the Romans. . . . 165 Note by the Translator 160 VIII.…