RHÆTIA, a country of ancient Europe, was bounded on the N. by Vindelicia, on the E. by Noricum, on the S. by Italy, and on the W. by the district of the Helvetii. It was a most romantic territory. The Alpes Rhæticeæ, and Mons Adula traversed it in all directions. Between the offshoots of these hills lay many a well-watered pastoral valley. The pastures were covered with flocks; and at intervals there appeared those vineyards out of which the favourite wine of Augustus was produced. The Rhætians, when they were invaded by the Romans, shortly before the Christian era, were chiefly composed of fierce Celtic freebooters. They struggled savagely with the legions for their mountain homes. The very women shot arrows; and when their missiles failed, threw their children in the face of their foes. Yet the Rhætians lost every vestige of independence. Their armies were completely routed in 15 B.C. by Drusus and Tiberius. Their language not long afterwards was displaced by the Latin. Their country continued to be a Roman province, at one time by itself, at another time in conjunction with Vindelicia (to which it then extended its name). Nor after the fall of the empire did they recover their liberty. The Ostrogoths kept them in subjection until the Boioarii finally settled down in their country. The chief town in Rhætia was Tridentum (Trent).
Rhamnus RHAMNUS, an ancient town of Greece, was situated on the eastern coast of Attica, about 60 stadia N. from Marathon, and received its name from the shrub rhamnus, which grew in its neighbourhood. The fame of the city was chiefly derived from its temple of Nemesis. That edifice, according to the commonly received opinion, was built shortly after the victory of Marathon, and was adorned by Phidias with a colossal image of the patron goddess. The fragments of its columns and great statue are still seen beyond the wall of the ruined city, on the same platform, with the remains of another and smaller temple.