Before the World War, Prague was the capital of Bohemia, a province of Austria-Hungary. Now it is the capital of the new country of Czechoslovakia. At the close of the war the new country of Czechoslovakia was formed of three provinces of Austria-Hungary, namely, Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia, and the Carpathian Ruthenia, all mainly populated by Slavic people. This ancient and interesting city, Prague, has many historical buildings and memorials. Above the river there is an old fortified citadel. There are medieval palaces and fine old churches. The Teyn Church (Old Hussite) always interests travelers. You can see it in this view. Prague is also a very modern city. It is in the center of a very fertile and very densely

paths, but for the most part the houses are built squarely up from the water's edge. How would you like to live in a city where your front yard is water? Venice is an ancient city. During the middle ages it was the home of doges, or dukes who made the power of the city-republic felt wherever trading vessels could go. Its chief rival in those days was Genoa. In the 15th century Venice was the center of the commerce of Europe, and had a population of 200,000 people. Its fleet numbered over 3,000 craft, with 25,000 sailors aboard. It had 45 war vessels (galleys). Its trade was carried on largely with the East. From China and India by way of Constantinople it brought its heavy cargoes of spices and precious stones. Its commercial downfall dates from the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, in 1453.