Excerpt from Outlines of Ancient History From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Roman Empire in the West, A D. 476 The present volume is one of a series of three Outline Histories, projected by the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press. Of the scope and aim of the book I have written in the Introduction; but I have a few further remarks to make, which seem to belong rather to a preface. The vastness of the period which my work covers naturally precludes any claim to high originality on my part; compelled, as I have been, to rely largely on the labours of others, I have endeavoured to use my best judgment in the choice of authorities and my utmost care and conscientiousness in the use of them. Wherever my own reading has made it possible, I have exercised an independent judgment; and, on some sections, where my own knowledge fell short, I have enjoyed the invaluable assistance of friends. That I have avoided all errors and partial statements is more than I dare hope: for all such sins of omission and commission I can only ask for a merciful judgment. I must not close without discharging the pleasant duty of acknowledging obligations, both to men and books. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.