The Roman Empire to the Triumph of Christianity 285 Mediterranean commerce in Roman ships. They carry Roman coins, weights, and measures throughout the Mediterranean. If he takes one of these huge Roman galleys and lands in Egypt the Nile delta, he finds this land of ancient wonders filled as of old with flocks and herds and vast stretches of luxuriant grain Fig. 120. Roman Temple at NImes, France This beautiful temple was probably built about the beginning of the Christian era. It was situated in the forum with other pubHc buildings which have now disappeared. After the break-up of the Roman Em- pire it was used as a Christian church, then as a town hall, then as a warehouse, and finally as a stable. In 1824 it was restored to its original condition, as we now find it fields. It has become the granary of Rome and a mine of wealth for the Emperor's private purse. The splendid buildings of Alexandria remind the traveler of Greece ; but as he sails up the river, he is at once in the midst of the ancient East, and all about him are buildings which were old long before Rome was founded. These attract numerous wealthy Greek and Roman tourists. Such Romans feel themselves lords of the world (Fig. 118).
