city of Asia, in Syria, anciently called Heliopolis, and by the Arabians the wonder of Syria. It is now, however, remarkable only for its ruins.*

Balbinus (Decimus Coelius), the Roman emperor, being chosen by the senate in 237, was maligned by the soldiers, who had a dislike to such emperors as were elected only by the senators. This prince was eloquent, and wrote pretty good verses.

Balboa (Valco Nugnes de), a Castilian; a celebrated navigator, and one of the first discoverers of South America. He was beheaded by the Spanish governor of St Mary, through jealousy of his growing reputation, in 1517, aged 42.

Balbus (Lucius Cornelius Theophanes) was born at Cadiz, and distinguished himself by his valour in the war carried on by the Romans in Spain against Sertorius and the Lusitanians, on which account Pompey gave him the privileges of a Roman citizen. He was consul in the 714th year of Rome, and was the first foreigner on whom that dignity was conferred. He was the friend of Pompey, Caesar, Crassus, and Cicero.—There were many other illustrious Romans of the name of Balbus.