IV

PAEFACE.

In an Archaeological work of this description, it wasdifficult to fix upon any general term, by which the natureof it would be readily understood ; and hence it will befound to comprehend many subjects, which might otherwiseappear foreign to the title.

Each article has been compiled from the writings of dif-ferent authors of established reputation : and every attentionhas been paid to settle the chronology according to the mostapproved authorities.

Without any design of soliciting unmerited indulgence,it is but just to observe that the present work was not com-menced upon with any view to publication, but solely for thepurpose of amusement, and of employing some portion ofthat time, which the cessation of active professional serviceshad rendered peculiarly irksome; but having in its pro-gress assumed a magnitude beyond the expectations of theAuthor, he has been induced to submit it to the public, underthe hope that its utility may be admitted as an apology forany defect in its composition.

In order to prevent the constant repetition of dates, it hasbeen thought convenient to add a list of the most celebratedauthors quoted or referred to in the work, with the periodin which they flourished.