Greek Texts & Translations

Argyrusci and the Preferni, ^note being subdued, the whole of their different countries were included under the name of Latium. To the Volsci pertained the pomentine plain, bordering on the territory of the Latini, and the city of Apiola, levelled to the ground ^note by Tarquinius Priscus. The Aequi principally were neighbours to the Quirites, whose cities Tarquinius Priscus likewise devastated. His son took Suessa, ^note the metropolis of the Volsci. The Hernici dwelt near to Lanuvium, Alba, and to Rome itself; neither were Aricia, ^note the Tellenae, and Antium ^note at any great distance. The Albani were at first friendly with the Romans, speaking as they did the same language, and being likewise of the Latin stock; and though they were under separate governments, this did not prevent them from marrying together, nor from performing in common the sacred ceremonies at Alba, and other civil rites. In after-time, however, war having sprung up, Alba was entirely destroyed with the exception of the temple, and the Albani were declared citizens of Rome. Of the other surrounding cities, those which resisted were either destroyed or enfeebled, while others, which were friendly to the Romans, flourished. At the present day the coast from Ostia to the city of Sinuessa ^note is denominated the Latin coast; formerly the country thus designated extended only so far as Circaeum. ^note The interior also [of Latium] was formerly small; but it afterwards extended to Campania, the Samnitae, the Peligni, ^note and other nations dwelling around the Apennines. 5

The whole [of Latium] is fertile, and abounding in every production, with the exception of a few districts along the coast, which are marshy and unhealthy; such as the country of Ardea, the lands between Antium and Lanuvium as far as Pometia, and certain of the districts of Setia, ^note Terracina, and Circaeum. Some parts may also be too moun-