Peter Parley's Universal history, on the basis of geography

spirit has been crushed by ages of servitude and superstition, and it is now only partially rebelling against the longcontinued oppressions.

14. But these ruins and relics are not the only remains of ancient Rome. There are a good many works still existing, written by the old Roman authors. These are in the Latin language, which, as I have before said, was spoken by the Romans. Many of them are very interesting, and modern nations have derived from these a large part of their most valuable laws and institutions.

QUESTIONS.-1. What of the popes in early times? 2. What of Gregory III? When was the pope's title to rule over Rome established? What of the popes in the year 760? Their pride and power? 3. What did the popes claim? What did they call themselves? What of their tyranny? 4. What of the crowns of the popes? What title did they assume? 5. How did their pride manifest itself? 6. What of pope Clement? What was done to those who resisted the pope? 7. What did pope Gregory do in 1077? What of another pope in 1191? 8. What of the power of the pope about the year 1100? When was it at its highest pitch? How long did its sway continue? 9. What was the state of the world at this time? Of Rome? 10. What took place in 1517? What of Martin Luther? What was the result of the Reformation? pope at the present day? Where are his dominions? Of what church is he the head? 12. What of the present city of Rome? 13. How are travellers affected in Rome? What of the people? How has their spirit been crushed? 14. What of old Roman works? In what language are they written? What have the moderns derived from these works?

11. What of the

CHAP. XCVII.-EUROPE continued.

ABOUT SEVERAL OTHER ITALIAN STATES.

1. You know that Italy is now divided into several distinct kingdoms, or states. Each of these has its history, and at some future day it will be well for you to read the story of these celebrated countries. In this little book I can only give you a very brief account of two or three of them.

2. The kingdom of Naples, or the kingdom of the two Sicilies, includes the island of Sicily and the southern extremity of the peninsula of Italy. It embraces the foot and part of the leg of the figure of the boot which I have before mentioned. This kingdom has a population of seven millions.

3. The history of Naples, after it was separated from the Roman empire, possesses very little interest. It passed first into the hands of one tribe of northern invaders, then into the hands of another, and then into the hands of another. After this it was subject to Spain and other countries, until at length it became an independent country, under the government of its present race of kings.

4. The history of Venice is more interesting. When the northern barbarians invaded Italy in 452, the inhabitants, living in the vicinity of the present city of Venice, settled in the marshes along the border of the sea, and supported themselves by fishing, making salt, and by commerce.

5. In the year 809, they commenced building the city of Venice on a little island called Rialto. To this place they transported their riches, and soon the new city and state increased, until at length Venice was one of the most powerful states in the world.

6. The inhabitants paid great attention to commerce, and such was the number of their ships, that in the eleventh century, Venice sent a fleet of two hundred sail to assist in the first crusade. It was on acconnt of the interest which this state had in maritime matters, that the Doge, who was the chief officer, used to be wedded to the sea with pompous ceremonies.

7. The power of Venice continued to increase, and in process of time, the proud city of Constantinople was captured by its armies, aided by the crusaders. The spoils of the captured city, consisting of gems and jewellery, books, marbles, pictures, statues, obelisks, and other costly treasures, were chiefly carried to Venice.

8. The republic prospered for many years, and its wealth and power increased, though the people were often governed in the most cruel and oppressive manner. But I have only room to add, that toward the close of the last century it fell a victim to the power of France, and since the year 1798 it has been attached to the empire of Austria.

9. I could fill a book with tales about Genoa; it was at one time the rival of Venice; about Tuscany, which is considered the most beautiful portion of Italy; and about the

kingdom of Sardinia, which lies in the northern parts of Italy. But as it is impossible to get a long story into a little book, I must let these things pass.

QUESTIONS.-1. How is Italy now divided? 2. What does the kingdom of Naples include? Population? Direction from Rome? 3. Its history? 4. What of the history of Venice? 5. When and where was Venice built? What did it become? 6. What of the commerce of Venice?

The Doge?

Fleet?
7. Power of Venice? What city was taken by
Venice and the crusaders? What of the spoils of Constantinople? 8.
What of the republic of Venice for many years? What of France?

What of Venice since 1798? 9. What of Genoa? Tuscany? Sardinia?
Direction of each of these places from Rome?