Sf PLINY'S NATTJBAL HISTORY. [Book XXXIII. 



At all events, in the writings left by Junius, who, from his 

 affection for C. Gracchus, took the name of Gracchanus, 21 we 

 find the following words " As regards the equestrian order, 

 its members were formerly called * Trossuli/ but at 

 present day they have the name of ' Equites ;' because it is 

 not understood what the appellation ' Trossuli ' really means, 

 and many feel ashamed at being called by that name."" 2 lie 23 

 then goes on to explain the reason, as above mentioned, and 

 adds that, though much against their will, those persons are 

 still called " Trossuli." 



CHAP. 10. GIFTS FOR MILITAEY SERVICES, IN COLD AND SILVER. 



There are also some other distinctions connected with gold, 

 the mention of which ought not to be omitted. Our ancestors, 

 for instance, presented tores 24 of gold to the auxiliaries and 

 foreign troops, while to Koman citizens they only granted 

 silver 25 ones : bracelets 26 too, were given by them to citizens, 

 but never to foreigners. 



CHAP. 11. AT WHAT PERIOD THE FIRST CROWN" OF GOLD WAS 



PRESENTED. 



But, a thing that is more surprising still, crowns 27 of gold 

 were given to the citizens as well. As to the person who was 

 first presented with one, so far as I have enquired, I have not 

 been able to ascertain his name : L. Piso says, however, that 

 the Dictator 2 * A. Posthumius was the first who conferred one : 

 on taking the camp of the Latins at Lake llegillus, 29 he gave 

 a crown of gold, made from the spoil, to the soldier whose 

 valour had mainly contributed to this success. L. Lentulus, 



21 See tbe end of this Book. 



- From the ambiguous nature of the name, it being in later tinu-s an 

 expression of contempt, like our word "fop," or *'beau." In this latter 

 sense, Salmasius derives it from the Greek rpvooo^ '* effeminate." 



23 This concluding passage is omitted in most editions. 



24 See B. Tii. c. 2J. 



25 IHonysius of Ilalicarnassus is therefore probably wrong in his os- 

 sertion that tores of yold were given to. Siccius Dentatus, a Kornan citizen, 

 as the reward of valour. y> See B. vii. c. 29. 



~' On this subject, see B. xvi. c. 3, and B. xxi. c. i. 

 29 A.U.C. 323, or 431 B.C. 



23 Situate about fourteen miles from Home, and on the road to the 

 town called La Colonna. 



