Ridpath's universal history Volume 11; an account of the origin, primitive condition, and race development of the greater divisions of mankind, and ... nations from the beginnings of the civilized

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 Excerpt: ...of his countrymen--the contest was not yet decided. In B. C. 209 an event occurred which showed that Rome as well as her assailant had as much of the contest as she could well desire. In making the demands for that year upon the Latin towns for the annual contributions of money and men twelve out of the thirty cities responded with the declaration that their resources were exhausted--they could give no more. The response of the other eighteen members of the old league was more favorable, but the ominous echo of "exhaustion" had been heard in the land, and the shadow of overthrow was still seen walking specter-like on the horizon. At length came the news that the longdelayed movement of Hasdrubal from Spain into Italy had been accomplished. That leader had succeeded in eluding his opponents in the peninsula, made his way--by what route is not certain--across the Alps, and had debouched into the valley of the Po. At first the intelligence was hardly accredited, but when it was known that the movement had actually been accomplished Rome responded with her usual vigor. Two new legions were added to the army, and every nerve strained for the great contest which was now imminent. Hannibal also learned of his brother's approach, and made the most unwearied efforts to favor his progress. To this end he broke up his own camp in Bruttium, marched to the north, and met the newly elected consul Nero on the field of Grumentum. Here a battle was fought, hotly contested, but without decisive results. Hannibal, however, was enabled to continue his progress to Canusium, where he posted himself to await his brother's arrival, or, at any rate, news of his approach. Meanwhile the other consul, MarcusLrvius Salinator, had marched to the north to confront Hasdrubal and...