was a crown given by the ancient Romans to any soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in an engagement.

The civic crown was reckoned more honourable than any other crown, though composed of no better materials than oak boughs. Plutarch, in the life of C. M. Coriolanus, accounts as follows for using on this occasion the branches of this tree before all others: because, says he, the oaken wreath being sacred to Jupiter, the great guardian of their city, they thought it the most proper ornament for him who had preserved the life of a citizen. Pliny *, speaking of the honour and privileges conferred on those who had merited this crown, says, "They who had once obtained it, might wear it always." When they appeared at the public spectacles, the senate and people rose to do them honour, and they took their seats on these occasions among the senators. They were not only personally excused from all troublesome offices, but procured the same immunity for their father and grandfather by the father's side.