ROMAN COURT.
ENTERING BY THE CENTRE ARCH FROM THE NAVE.
(Numbers commencing on the right.)
ROMAN EMPERORS.
34. Numa Pompilius. Second King of Rome.
[Born at Cures, in the country of the Sabines.]
The life of Numa Pompilius belongs to the realm of fable. “His name,” says Dr. Smith, “represents the rule of law and order, and to him are ascribed all those ecclesiastical institutions which formed the basis of the ceremonial religion of the Romans.” The legend attached to Numa describes him as the mildest, wisest, and most virtuous of men. After his election to the throne, vacated by Romulus, his first care was to ameliorate the condition of his people, and to legislate on behalf of religion. He reigned thirty-nine years in uninterrupted peace. It is suggested that as Numa was reputed chosen from amongst the Sabines, the Romans, in all probability, drew their religious institutions from that nation, rather than from the Etruscans.
[From the bust in the Vatican at Rome.]
35. Augustus. Roman Emperor, B.C. 30-A.D. 14.