nation of Germany, who afterwards came to settle in Italy, where they occupied the territory in the environs of the Fucine lake. They at first proved very inimical to Rome, but in process of time they became its firmest supporters. They were allowed by the Romans to be the most intrepid soldiers of their legions when in friendship, and the most formidable of their enemies when at variance; and it was a common saying, that Rome could neither triumph over the Mars nor without them. They are particularly celebrated for the civil war in which they were engaged, and which from them has received the name of the Marfian war. The large contributions they made to support the interest of Rome, and the number of men which they continually supplied to the republic, rendered them bold and aspiring; and they claimed, with the rest of the Italian states, a share of the honour and privileges which were enjoyed by the citizens of Rome. This petition, though supported by the interest, the eloquence, and the integrity of the tribune Drufus, was received with contempt by the Roman senate; upon which, in the 662d year of Rome, the Mars put themselves at the head of the Social war, one of the most obstinate and dangerous oppositions ever made to the progress of the Roman power. They obtained several victories: but they were at last defeated; though the war was not terminated but by a grant of those privileges for which they contended.