prevailed upon the wandering tribes to fix their residences in them. He enacted laws, and introduced the deities and religious worship of the Egyptians. This was the first step towards that civilization which rendered Athens the most distinguished city on the earth. It was distinguished not only for political importance and military power, but for the eloquence, literature, and refinement of its inhabitants. Paul visited it about A.D. 52, and found the people sunk in idolatry and idleness. He preached there, and took occasion to reprove their superstitions, for which he was summoned before the Areopagus.
Thebes. The foundation of the kingdom of Thebes, was laid by the celebrated Cadmus, a Phœnician. The government was monarchical and more despotic than in any other of the Grecian States. The introduction of letters by Cadmus into Greece about B.C. 1519, was a circumstance which contributed most materially to the rapid advances which the Greeks made in knowledge and civilization.
Corinth. One of the richest cities of Greece, and capital of Achaia. Its commodious haven, and advantageous location, gave it a vast commerce, and immense wealth. During a war with Rome, L. Mummius burnt it to the ground, A.M. 3827. It was afterward re-built under the auspices of Julius Cæsar. It fell into the hands of the Turks, under Mahomet II. Paul preached here. (Acts xviii.) It is now called Corinto.
Byzantium, [now Constantinople.] built by a colony of Athenians, 658 B.C.
THE ROMAN EMPIRE.
This empire was colonized by the Phœnicians and Egyptians. The foundation of Rome by Romulus, 752 years B.C., was connected with the rise and establishment of the most powerful empire that has ever existed. He was a wise, courageous and politic prince; and was but eighteen years old. The city was peopled by run-away slaves, and criminals; and at first had neither law, nor rulers, and but few women.
