CHAP. VIII. Of the Capitoll cliffe, Tarpeia rocke, the stone of Carmenta, and the gate Stercoraria.
IN old time, they called that place and way whereby men goe up to the Capitoll, Clivus Capitolinus: but where that place was in times past, sundrie opinions there be. Some affirme, that it lay toward that part of the hill which looketh to the Aventine, where now standeth S. Gregories Church in Velabrum: others, betweene the temples of Saturnus and Concordia, neere to the arch of Severus, and at the stalls or standings, called Senatoris stabula. Now this arch of Severus, was raised at the foot of the Capitoll hill, in the verie head and top of Forum Romanum: under which they passed, that in triumph ascended up to the Capitoll. The Capitoll cliffe then, was neere unto the Romane Forum; which by the Censors was paved with flint: who also set up a gallerie from the chappell of Saturne unto the Capitoll temple close to the Senaculum, and the Curia over it. Corn. Tacitus writeth, that in former times there were many avenues and waies up to the Capitoll, and thereupon arose so many and divers opinions concerning the Clivus Capito∣linus. In that place, the feast Floralia was in old time celebrated, whereof some tokens remaine at this day to be seene. In it stood Miloes house, which was full of shields and other armour, as Cicero maketh report.
That place was called Tarpey rocke, which standeth over the Forum Romanum: from whence in times past fellonious malefactors found guiltie, were pitched downe headlong, and wherein at this day offenders are punished.
Carmentas stone, regardeth Tyberis, just over-against the Senatours bridge.
The Dung-gate called Stercoraria, stood upon the Capitoll cliffe aforesaid; thither was thrown out all the filth rid out of the temple of Vesta, for to be carried away and soone after to be cast into the Tyberis.