[716] Nursia, called ‘frigida’ from its situation in the midst of mountains, is mentioned several times both in early and later history. Shortly before the time of the composition of the Aeneid its inhabitants were punished by Octavianus for their conduct during the Perusian war (Dict. G.). There is a difficulty about ‘Hortinae classes,’ as the town of Horta stood on the Etruscan side of the Tiber, and the adj. would naturally be “Hortanus” (Dict. G. ‘Horta’). Possibly there may be some confusion with the Fortineii, who are enumerated by Dionys. 5. 61 among the cities of the Latin league, and are identified by some with the Hortenses, perhaps the people of Ortona, mentioned in Pliny's list (3. 5 &c.), of the extinct communities of Latium. Comp. “foedus,” “hoedus,” “fordus,” “hordus” &c. This would agree with the mention of the ‘populi Latini’ here, and would not be inconsistent with the occurrence of Allia in the next line. ‘Populi Latini’ seems used very loosely, as we can hardly suppose that Virg. means to introduce at one sweep all the communities which partook in the sacrifices at the Alban mount, which is apparently Serv.'s explanation. Heyne. Excursus 8, following Cluver, understands the expression either of Latin cities which had fallen under the dominion of the Sabines or Latin colonies established in the Sabine territory. It is possible, however, as has been suggested to me by Mr. Nettleship, that Virg. may be referring to some community of which the memory has perished, as certain Latinienses follow the Hortenses in Pliny's list just referred to: if so, ‘Latini’ may perhaps be the gen. of ‘Latinium.’ “Latiniensia vina,” from another region, are mentioned Pliny 14. 6 (8); so the existence of such a name is not impossible. ‘Classes’ in its ancient sense, according to which the word was applied to military as well as naval forces: see Dictt.
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John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of. Virgil. , with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. and Henry Nettleship, M.A. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane;. George Bell and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1876.
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