Titus Liviu's Roman History from the Building of the City (Volume 5) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1761. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... ing, "That Hiero's kingdom was ravaged by a "Carthaginian fleet, and that when he was pre "paring to go to his assistance, advice had been "brought him, that another squadron lay at AE "gates ready to make a descent at Lilybaeum and "another Roman province, as foon as they should perceive that he was gone to desend the coast of "Syracuse. It was therefore necessary to send a new fleet, if they intended to desend Sicily, and the king their ally." Chap. LVIL After the consul's and propraetor's letters were read, the senate were of opinion, that M. Claudius, who commanded the fleet at Ostia, should be sent to the army at Canusium, and the consul should be wrote to to repair to Rome, after delivering the army to the praetor, as foon as he could, or the good of the republic would admit. The terror with which fo great calamities struck them, was augmented by other prodigies, but in particular by two Vestals, Opimia and Floronia, being convicted of incontinence. One of them, according to custom, was buried alive at the Colline gate; the other laid violent hands on herself. L, . Cantilius, secretary to the pontiffs, now called the minor pontiffs, who debauched Floronia, was by the pontisex maximus whipped with rods in the comitium to that degree, that he expired during the punishment. As this enormous crime was committed during fo many calamities, it was turned into a portentous event, and the decemvirs were ordered to consult the Sibylline books. Fabius Pictor was likewise sent to Delphos, to inquire of the oracle what prayers and sacrifices would appease the iitresised gods, and when these unspeakable calamities would be at an end. In the mean time, several extraordinary sacrifices were offered as prescribed in the books of their fates. Among