CHAP. XVI. The Septizonium of Severus.
THere should follow by course after the great Cirque, the sixt part of the cittie, namely, the mount Coelius. But because wee meet with the Septizonium of Severus, and the arch of Constan∣tine (before wee come to Coelius) betweene it and the mount Palatine, some thing would first bee spoken of them, especially being so excellent building as they are. The Septizonium therefore is a mightie mount or terrace raised from the plaine ground foure square, compassed about with seven circles, that is to say, courses or rewes of pillers one above another, yeelding as it were as many porches or galleries: and in this order they are disposed, that the higher the pillers stand, the lesser and shorter they be. In the mids hereof, foure wals arise, conteining within them certaine holow places like cabinets. In the top thereof were bestowed and laid the ashes of kings and em∣perours deceased. Iulius Capitolinus nameth this mount Septodium, for the Greekes call places much frequented, wherunto many waies lead, Heptodia of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. seven, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. a way. Plinie calleth it Septi∣solium, of seven losts or solars. For in every course thereof the columnes meet togither in the head with marbles transomes. Other beams there be besides, reaching within forth from them to the mount it selfe, so as every such course yeelded a stage like a gallerie or walking place. Two of these Septi∣zonia we read there were at Rome, to wit, the one of Titus in the street called Via nova, of right great antiquitie, not farre from this of Severus: of which at this day there is to be seene no shew or token at all. The other of Severus, whereof there remaine still, overagainst S. Gregories church three Zones or girdles (as it were) of curious worke; for the beautie and statelinesse of the pillars worth the seeing, and pleasant to behold. Reared it was in the broad street called Appia, and built by Severus himselfe. That which now is left thereof, leaneth out so, as it seemeth ever and anone readie to fall.