The Excelsior History Readers (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904. Excerpt: ... SUMMARY 1.--How Julius Caesar came to Britain (p. 1). 1. Two thousand years ago the Romans were the most powerful people in the world. Their chief city, Rome, they proudly called "The Mistress of the World." 2. When Julius Caesar, their best soldier of that time, had conquered Gaul, he turned his attention to Britain. He had heard stories of its riches and its people, and had admired the courage of the natives, who had assisted their kinsmen of Gaul in battle against the Romans. 3. Caesar made up his mind to conquer this land b.c. also, and punish the Britons for helping Rome's 55 enemies. With 80 ships and 10,000 soldiers he set sail for Britain. The natives crowded on the white cliffs to watch and resist their coming. 4. As the Roman ships drew near the shore, the Britons bravely rushed to meet the invaders. They looked so fierce and formidable that the Romans hesitated, till a brave standard-bearer leaped into the sea and set them a heroic example. 5. Hundreds of his comrades leaped after him, and waded boldly towards the Britons. Spears, darts, and stones were hurled upon them, but they at last got a secure footing on the shore. The Britons retreated to the woods, leaving the invaders victors. 2.--How the Early Inhabitants Lived (p. 4) 1. A sudden storm, which injured the ships, compelled Caesar to retire almost immediately to Gaul for B-c. the winter. 54 2. Next year he came back with a larger army. The natives kept up a brave resistance in the woods and marshes. They maintained the strife bravely, till at last they were convinced all resistance was useless. Their leader, Cassivellaunus, yielded to Caesar. 3. Caesar arranged the terms of peace, and shortly afterwards retired to Gaul. For one hundred years the Britons were left undisturbed. 4. Caesar, ...