NOVEMVIRI, nine magistrates of Athens, whose government lasted but for one year. The first of them was called archon, or prince; the second basileus, or king; the third polemarchus, or general of the army; the other six were called thesmothetae, or lawgivers. They took an oath to observe the laws, and, in case of failure, obliged themselves to bestow upon the commonwealth a statue of gold as large as themselves. Those who discharged their office with honour were received into the number of the senators of Areopagus.
NOVI, a city of the duchy of Genoa, in Italy, now belonging to Sardinia. It is situated on the great road to Piedmont, has a strong castle, several churches, and 5572 inhabitants, who prepare some of the best silk in the district, in which they have a brisk trade, as well as in colonial productions.