Page:Outlines of European History.djvu/302

 250 Outlines of European History learning to spell them out, and thus finally to recognize a Greek word here and there. Ere long they were scribbling memoranda of their own transactions in these Greek letters, which in this way became likewise the Roman alphabet, slightly changed of course to suit the Latin language used in Rome. It is this alphabet which descended from the Orient through Rome to tis. Map of Rome under the Emperors The Greek merchant on the dock has a sack full of copper coins and a smaller purse filled with silver ones. These too the Roman tradesman learns to use, against the day when his own city shall begin to coin them. He is obliged to accept also the measures of bulk and of length with which the Greek measures out to him the things he buys. The peasant hears the merchants