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Helvetia |
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Helvetia (hĕlvĕ`shə), region of central Europe, occupying the plateau between the Alps and the Jura mts. The name is derived from the Roman term for its inhabitants, the predominantly Celtic Helvetii, who were defeated (58 B.C.) at Bibracte by Julius Caesar in the Gallic Wars Gallic Wars (găl`ĭk), campaigns in Gaul led by Julius Caesar in his two terms as proconsul of Cisalpine Gaul, Transalpine Gaul, and ..... Click the link for more information. . The Helvetii later prospered under Roman rule; their achievements are evidenced by the remains at Avenches Avenches (äväNsh`), anc. Aventicum, town, Vaud canton, W Switzerland. During the 1st and 2d cent. A.D. ..... Click the link for more information. . Helvetia corresponds roughly to the western part of modern Switzerland, and the name is still used in poetic reference to that country and on its postage stamps. Helvetia 1. the Latin name for Switzerland 2. a Roman province in central Europe (1st century bc to the 5th century ad), corresponding to part of S Germany and parts of W and N Switzerland How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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In these simultaneous observations they thought themselves justified in estimating the minimum length of the mammal at more than three hundred and fifty feet, as the Shannon and Helvetia were of smaller dimensions than it, though they measured three hundred feet over all. Well, whenever you marry don't take a wife out of Switzerland; for if you begin blaspheming Helvetia, and cursing the cantons --above all, if you mention the word ASS in the same breath with the name Tell (for ass IS baudet, I know; though Monsieur is pleased to translate it ESPRIT-FORT) your mountain maid will some night smother her Breton-bretonnant, even as your own Shakspeare's Othello smothered Desdemona. |
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