in Ancient Geography, a people of Germany, formerly inhabitants of what is now called Hesse. Being dissatisfied with their situation there, they settled on the island formed by the Vahalis and Rhine, which from them took the name of Batavia, or Batavorum Insula. Their government was a mixture of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. Their chief was properly speaking, nothing more than a principal citizen, whose business was rather to advise than to command. The principal men who exercised jurisdiction, and commanded the troops, in their respective districts, were chosen, as well as the kings, in an assembly of the people. A hundred persons selected from among the people, presided over every county, and acted as chiefs in the different hamlets. The whole nation was, in some measure, an army always in readiness. Each family composed a body of militia, which served under a captain of their own choosing. See BATAVORUM Insula.