Those of an historian generally regarded as an authority from whom there is no appeal could not be so lightly treated.
The author begs to acknowledge his great obligations, especially, to the following living writers: M.Patkanian, M.Jules Mohl, Dr.Haug, Herr Spiegel, Herr Windischmann, Herr Mordtmann, Canon Tristram, Mr.James Fergusson, and Mr.E.Thomas.

He is also largely beholden to the works of M.Texier and of MM.

Flandin and Coste for the illustrations, which he has been able to give, of Sassanian sculpture and architecture.

The photographic illustrations of the newly-discovered palace at Mashita are due to the liberality of Mr.R.C.Johnson (the amateur artist who accompanied Canon Tristram in his exploration of the "Land of Moab"), who, with Canon Tristram's kind consent, has allowed them to appear in the present volume.

The numismatic illustrations are chiefly derived from Longperier; but one or two have been borrowed from other sources.
For his frontispiece the author is indebted to his brother, Sir Henry Rawlinson, who has permitted it to be taken from an original drawing in his possession, which he believed to be a truthful representation of the great Sassanian building.
CANTERBURY: December 1875.
THE FIRST MONARCHY.
CHALDAEA..