The Ligurians dwelt on the rocky coast which now forms the republic of Genoa.

Venice was yet unborn; but the territories of that state, which lie to the east of the Adige, were inhabited by the Venetians.

The middle part of the peninsula, that now composes the duchy of Tuscany and the ecclesiastical state, was the ancient seat of the Etruscans and Umbrians; to the former of whom Italy was indebted for the first rudiments of civilized life.

The Tyber rolled at the foot of the seven hills of Rome, and the country of the Sabines, the Latins, and the Volsci, from that river to the frontiers of Naples, was the theatre of her infant victories.

On that celebrated ground the first consuls deserved triumphs, their successors adorned villas, and their posterity have erected convents.