Page:Light and truth.djvu/188

186, an Ethiopian and once a slave, who had married the daughter of Tarquinius, secured, by his own address, and the intrigues of his mother-in-law, his election to the vacant throne in 576 B. C. His popularity originated from his acts of munificence; discharging the debts of the poor; dividing his patrimonial lands among the citizens; improving the city with useful edifices, and extending its boundaries. He reigned 44 years.

, was the seventh son, and last king of Rome. He married Tullia, the daughter of Servius, and thus secured his elevation to the throne. His disposition was haughty, and produced him the appellation of Superbus [proud,] and his government, systematical tyranny. In him the monarchical government came to an end;—the Romans thenceforward adopting a republican form of government, under Consuls annually elected.

The republican form of government continued till 31 years B. C. when Octavius, or Caesar Augustus, grand-nephew of Julius Cæsar became sole master of the Roman Empire. (Luke ii. 1.)

, the Savior of mankind was born four years before the commencement of the vulgar era.

A. D. 5. Titus Livius historian died.

Tiberius Cesar (Luke iii. 1) banished the Jews from Rome. He was the son-in-law and successor of Augustus, and though with some apparent virtues, was one of the most infamous tyrants that ever scourged the empire of Rome. He began his reign A. D. 14, reigned during the eventful period of the succeeding twenty- three years, and was finally murdered by suffocation with pillows.

A. D. 37. Caligula, Emperor of Rome.

A. D. 54. Nero, an Ethiopian, Emperor of Rome

A. D. 59, he put his mother, Agrippina, to death. And A. D. 64, raised the first persecution against the Christians—in which St. Paul was put to death. Seneca the celebrated stoic philosopher was put to death; and Rome burnt by Nero.

A. D. 70. Vespasian, Emperor.

A. D. 78. A great pestilence in Rome,—10,000 dying in one day.