Untitled - 24grammata.com

THE TRANSLATOR'S PREFACETO THE FIRST EDITION,THE volume of which a translation is here offered to the public, forms inthe original a portion of an extensive work, entitled, " B ejections on theMr.Politics, Intercourse, and Commerce of the chief Nations of Antiquity."Heerea has accomplished his design only with respect to the nations of Asiaand Africa, On those of Europe ne has published nothing further than thepresent series of essays, which relate solely to subjects connected with thepolitical institutions of the Greeks, and may be regarded as an independentcollection of historical sketches.It is on that larger work that the literary reputation of Mr. Heeren primarily depends. Wim respect to the Asiatic and African nations, lie has discussed his subject in its full extent, and furnishes a more distinct account oftheir ancient condition than has perhapsbeen given by any other writer.Early in life he was led to consider the history of the world as influenced bycolonial establishments and commerce ;and the results of his investigations,in a department of science to which he is enthusiastically attached, and towhich he has uninterruptedly devoted the most precious years of a long life,are communicated in the elaborate production which we have named.In that portion which relates to Asia, after considering the character ofthe continent itself, he first treats of the Persians, giving a geographical andstatistical account of their ancient empire, their form of government,the rightsand authority of their kings, the administration of their provinces, and tneirmilitary resources.The Phoenicians next pass in review ;and a sketch is given of their internal condition and government, their colonies and foreign possessions, theircommerce, their manufactures and inland trade.The country and nation of the Babylonians, and their commerce, form thenext subjects of consideration.The Scythians are then delineated, and a geographical survey of theirseveral tribes is naturally followed by an inquiry into the commerce and intercourse of the nations which inhabited the middle of Asia.In treating of India, it was necessary to consider with careful criticism,the knowledge which still remains to us of that distant country, and to collectsuch fragments of information as can be found respectingits earliest history,political constitution, and commerce. The Indians are the most remote Asiatic nation which had an influence on the higher culture of the ancient world,and with them the division which treats of Asia is terminated.To the lover of studies connected with antiquity, the history of the Africannations possesses the deepest interest Beside the physical peculiarities ofthis singular part of the globe, the Carthaginians present the most remarkably example of the wealtn and power which a state may acquire by commerce alone ;and at the same time, it shows most forcibly the changes towhich such a state is exposed, when the uncertainty of its resources isincreased a want of the by higher virtues, of valour, faith, and religion. InEjprpt, on the other hand, the vast antiquity of its political institutions, theveil of uncertainty which hangs over its early condition, connected with the