The Romane historie vvritten by T. Livius of Padua. Also, the Breviaries of L. Florus: with a chronologie to the whole historie: and the Topographie of Rome in old time. Translated out of Latine into English, by Philemon Holland, Doctor in Physicke

THE FIFTH BOOKE. (Book 5)

CHAP. I. The aetymologie of the mount Aventine.

THe Aventine is of the Romane hils the fourth in order. The compasse and forme whereof, because wee have alreadie described in the first booke, needlesse here it is to repeat. But it remaineth to declare, how it came so called, what temples of the gods, and what other edifices be therein. The Aventine therfore, some think, tooke the name of birds which were wont to flie unto this hill, there to nestle : others, of a* 1.1 king of the Albanes, slaine and buried there. There bee againe who suppose, that the Sabines, who being by the Romans enfranchised citizens, there settled and made abode, gave the name to this hill, of Avantes, a river in their province. Varro affir∣meth that it was so called of a ferriage: For as it hath been said a little before, this mount was divided from the rest, and from the citie by certaine lakes and the Tyber, whereupon, they that would goe to it, used to ferrie over in small punts or whirries. Some guesse, that it came to have that name of resort unto it, for that the Latines used in great frequencie to repaire unto the holie temple of Diana there. Remurius also it was named of Remus who chose a place in the top thereof to sit, for to take the flight of birds for Augurie, and in the end was there enterred: Romulus therfore commaunded that it should not be inhabited, because hee would have had it wholly consecrated to his brother. This hill, Ancus Martius afterward compassed with a wall, and granted leave to as many as would, there to dwel: how∣soever there be some that thinke it stood void untill the time of Claudius the emperour of happie me∣morie, as being an ominous place and unfortunat, by reason of foule birds that haunted it, and there∣fore not to bee received within the walls. But the truth is, when the Romanes grew populous, they joined this mountaine also to the rest of the citie.

CHAP. II. The temples of Diana, Dea bona, Hercules Victor, queene Iuno, Moneta, Luna, Victorie, Mi∣nerva, and Libertie. The altar of Iupiter Elicius.

IN the top of mount Aventine toward the Tyber, there standeth the church of S. Sabina, that very place where aforetime was the holy chappell of Diana. The feast and holiday of bond∣slaves was wont to bee kept at Rome the thirteenth day of August, for upon that day, Servius Tullius, whose mother was a bond-woman, consecrated a temple to Diana in Aventine, and ordained it to be a feastivall day for bondservants, as who were patronised by Diana. Some think that this chap∣pell was built by K. Ancus of that mony which the citizens conferred and contributed, who lately had been translated thither from Politorium. This temple was common unto all the Latines, whereupon oftentimes they resorted thereunto.

Very neere unto that place stood the church of Saint Marie, called Aventina. But in times past the place was consecrated to the goddesse Bona, i. good. For Claudia a vestall virgine or Nun, built a chap∣pell pell unto her in the honour of Fatua,* 1.2 sister of Faunus, a most chast maid.

Vpon the same banke and brow of the hill, where at this day S. Alexius church standeth, was some∣time time the temple of Hercules Conquerour. And neere unto it, another of Iuno Regina, built by Camillus with the pillage gotten in Veij. In the ruinate place of Decius the emperours baines, there was a temple al∣so of Hercules, where the Christians afterwards consecrated a church to Saint Prisca.

On the side of the Aventine hill, stood the chappell likewise of the Moone, as Ovid dooth witnesse.

Thus much of those buildings in the Aventine, which had a certain place thereupon in our know∣ledge: the rest following were doubtlesse in the Aventine, but in what part there of they stood, it is unknowne after so long time, and namely the temple of Victorie built by the Arcadians, and in honor of whom they offer sacrifice yeerely. Minerva and Iuno had their temples there in the same hill, by the testimonie of approoved authours. To Libertie a temple was built and dedicated by the father of Tib. Gracchus, with the money taken for fines and forfeitures. The cloister belonging to that temple, was by Aelius Patus and Cornelius Cethegus Censors, repaired and enlarged, and last of all by Pollio also re-edi∣fied. Now this Saint Libertie the Romanes honored above all others, and in defence and maintenance thereof, they ever shewed themselves most resolute and constant.

Vpon the same hill, Numa reared the altar of Iupiter Elicius, so called ab eliciendo, i. of fetching out secrets and hidden mysteries.

In like manner there stood an old altar of Murcea in that hill. Now they named Venus Murcea, of the Myrtle tree consecrated unto her: or as some interprete, because Venus, immoderate and excessive, maketh a man to be Murcus or Murcidus, i. sluggish, slothfull, idle, and good for nothing.

The temple of Iuno Moneta was likewise built and dedicated upon that hill.

Camillus in the same mount consecrated a chappell to dame Matuta.

The wood or grove also called Laurentum or Laurentina, consecrated unto Iupiter, was there: in which, emperor Valentinian [the second] son of Constantine, & Galla Placidia was slain, as Plinie witnesseth.

CHAP. III. Cacus, and his hole or cave.

C Acus, by report of the poets, was the son of Vulcane, whom they beleeved in old time to breath out of his mouth fire and smoke. This Cacus infelted the places neere unto him with robbing and spoiling. But more probable it is, that he was a most leaud and the evish servant of Evan∣der, and therefore the Arcadians called him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. naught. A cave he haunted, as by very good conje∣ctures is certainely gathered, in Aventine toward Tyber, overagainst the church of S. Marie Aventine, whereas the river runneth neerest to the hill, and whereas there hangeth over, a vast and huge crag∣gie rocke, as fit a place as might be, to make a starting hole and cave for such an one, and neere it is to the gate Trigemina. Him when Hercules had killed and sacrificed, he reared an altar unto Iupiter Inven∣tor, neere to the said cave or denne.

CHAP. IIII. The Armilustrium, and some other things in generall.

ARmilustrium was a place where soldiors shewed themselves and their armour, and where they used to muster; where also in their armes they sacrificed and did service to their gods, with re∣sounding lowd trumpets. Some would have it to be in the Aventine, others in the Cirque Ma∣ximus: but that matters not much. Hither the souldiors used to repair when they were returned from warre, and here they laid up their harnish and weapons. For armour of their owne and in their privat custodie the Romanes had not, to use in the warres: but delivered all up to be kept safe either in the Armilustrium, or the tower and castle upon the rocke Tarpcia.

In Aventine, neere the temple of Iuno Regina, were the Scalae Gemoniae, that is to say, a steep place with a downefall; where wicked malefactours, drawne with a crooke, were most miserably executed and killed.

There stood sometime upon this hill, neere the temple of Diana, the house of Phyllis.

A part of this mountaine was called Remuria; which Remus chose to dwell in: and being there by his brother Romulus committed to earth, he gave it his name.

The Senate and people of Rome built in this mountaine, to the honor of Decius the emperour, the bathes called Decianae, and others also neere them, named Varianae. Moreover, the baines of Trajane were in this place, where now the vineyard of Frauncis Albertinus is.

The caves of Faunus and Picus also, were in the Aventine, as fables report. Italus likewise dwelt in the Aventine, as M. Cato recordeth.

The temples and edifices of this hill all in generall, were (by report) burnt in the daies of Tyberius, sometime emperour.

CHAP. V. The sheard hill, and other things within that compasse.

THe plaine and levell ground betweene Aventine, Tyber, and the citie wall, hath foure sides, but uneven; in which there riseth a little hill, commonly called Testaceus. The whole compasse here∣of will hardly bee measured with two thousand pases; the height is about 160 foot. It resembleth in shew the forme of a gourd; and the one side of it which regardeth the Tyber, is broader than the other. Neere to this hill, was the glassemakers street (and the potters) also the carpenters habitation. And no man doubteth, but hereupon arose and grew the mount called Testaceus. For in old time, at Rome and elsewhere, as also in some places now adaies, much use there was commonly of earthen ves∣sels made by potters: which even by this may bee certainely collected, for that in Numaes daies, there were foure colledges or societies of potters: and these made of clay, not only vessels, but also the ima∣ges of the gods, and ornaments to beautifie and set out their temples: pillars and wals were by potters worke seeled in the outside, nay, the very dead bodies were bestowed in cophins of baked clay. Since

then, in so great store of earthen vessels and potters worke, much of necessitie must needs be broken, which if they had been cast abroad in the corne field and pasture grounds, would have made all bar∣ren and unfruitfull; againe, if they had been throwne into the water, would in time have choked up the channell of the current, and forced the river to swell and overflow the bankes: Numa therefore commaunded this kind of workmen to dwell in one place, and gave order to sling all that was good for nothing, as filth, rifferaffe, and broken sheards, into one place: wherupon, in processe of time arose a mount which they called Testaceus. Among these potters there was a place hallowed to Venus Myr∣tea, as we find in some records.

CHAP. VI. The Pyramides: the sepulchre of C. Ceslius, and the garners of the people of Rome.

THe Pyramides were huge towers foure square, rising up in height, sharpe like to a flambe, whereof they have the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. of fire. But Stephanus supposeth they were so called, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. of wheat, because into that place where they were erected, wheat was brought out of all Aegypt, which made a great dearth of corne. These at the beginning were reared by the kings of Aegypt, thereby to spend and consume their superfluous wealth and substance, whereof they had no use; for feare least if they had gathered good, and heaped up a deale of gold, silver, and other ri∣ches, they should therby have given occasion unto some for to lie in await to take their lives away: al∣so, that the common people should not live in idlenesse. Afterwards, at Rome likewise they bestowed their money thereupon, for to make the world wonder, and to shew their vaine-glorie. There is yet one of them to bee seene, standing upright at the gate Hostiensis, enclosed within a wall. And com∣monly it is said, that it was the monument or sepulchre of C. Cestius, one of the seven Septemvirs, cal∣led Epulones. But Blondus would seeme to prove, that it was the place for burial of the whole colledge and societie of those Septemvirs Epulones. Now were they called Epulones, who had the power to ordaine and make feasts and solemne bankets to the gods.

It is writtē, that there were 140 garners of the people of R. between the mount Testaceus & Tybre.

In the same compasse of ground neere Tyber, was the lake or poole Hylerna.

Some also affirme that there stood sometime in that quarter a little towne called Capena.

CHAP. VII. The sweating steeple, and the image of Iupiter.

BY course, the Esquiliae should next follow: but because it lieth between the way Labicana on the Southeast side, and the valley (which for the breath of 400 foot encloseth that way) on the VVest; wee will rehearse what memorable things soever there bee in the Labicane way and the valey aforesaid, before we come to the mount Esquiliae. In our returne therfore to the triumphall arch of Constantine, whereof we spake before, we will as we go, discourse of the rest. Neer then unto this arch, there appeareth the halfe rundle or circumference, of an old steeple made of bricke, which Victor calleth the sweating steeple: for that the report goeth, how sometime there gushed water out of it; whereby the common people standing to behold the games and plaies in the next seaffolds of the Theatre untill they were a thirst, quenched their drought.

In the top hereof stood the brasen image of Iupiter, because their auncestours in old time were wont when they made solemne leagues to use the image of Iupiter. But for that it was a trouble either to carie with them or to send for the said image, especially if they were to contract and establish any accords in farre remote countries, therefore in steed of the complete image they took the seepter on∣ly; which might betoken Iupiter the K. of the gods, as wel as if he had been there present fall & whole.

CHAP. VIII. The Amphitheatre of Titus Vespasianus. The temples of Fortune and Quies.

BEtween the two hils Coelius and Esquilioe was there an Amphitheatre. This, Vespasian built first, and afterward Titus his sonne dedicated and beautified it with the baines, built neere unto it with right great celeritie and speed. This Amphitheatre was commonly called Colosseum, of Neroes Colossus, which was set up in the porch of Neroes house. In the same place of the Theatre were the pooles beforetime of Nero, whereof we will speake hereafter in this very book. This Amphi∣theatrum they called also Arena, i. the Sand-floore, because the ground was spread over and laid with sand, that the wrestlers might fall softer & take lesse hurt, also that the bloud should be drunk up, to the end that the sword-fencers in combate might not bee afraid upon the sight thereof, and so with lesse cheerefulnesse and courage set upon their concurrent: and last of all, that the champions, whose bodies were annointed with oyle, being bestrewed with the sand, might with more case take hold one of another. The whole Theatre and place it selfe within, (which during those daies of the games was covered over with tent cloth) would receive eightie thousand men. But here of see more in Plinie, Pomponius Latus, and other writers of the Romane acts.

Fulrius Flaccus built unto Fortune (fast by this Amphitheatre) so goodly a temple, as for state and magnificence there was hardly another in all Rome comparable unto it. Besides it, there were many other chappels at Rome consecrated to Fortune.

Likewise a chappell of Quietnesse and rest, was built in the broad street Labicana.

CHAP. IX. Of Esquiliae.

THe mount Esquiliae, as well by Vairo as others, is devided into many parts, and each part ther∣of tooke name of those captaines who in times past before the cittie of Rome was built, there inhabited. For one was called Cispius, another Oppius, and a third, Septius. But hereof Vairo writeth at large. The posteritie following chaunged those names, as we shall hereafter heare. Some thinke that Esquiliae tooke the name of Excubiae, i. watch and ward. For when Romulus had no very great trust in Tatius, he used to have a standing watch by night, for feare hee should bee secretly for∣laied and killed, or els turned out of his kingdome. Others suppose it was so named of foulers, who there used to cast forth chasse and such refuse of light corne, to beguile and catch the poore birds.

The side of the hill toward the broad way Labicana, which now lieth between the churches of the fortie martyrs, of S. Clement, S. Peter in Vinculis, and S. Martin, was called by the name of Carinae, as Livie seemeth to testifie. From that part therefore, because it was first inhabited, we shall doe well to begin our treatise.

CHAP. X. The Carinae, the old Curia and the new.

THese Carinae, according to their modell and forme were houses like to keeles of ships, standing within the temple of Tellus. Their ruines are yet to be seene neere the church of S. Peter in Vin∣culis, i. in bonds.

Neere to that place was the old Curia built by Romulus: but the new was erected neere to Compitum Fabricium, i. the Quarrefour or crosse way of Fabricius.

CHAP. XI. The baines of Titus and Philip: the statue of Laocoon: the palace of Vespasian: the houses of B••lbinus and Pompey.

THere remaine yet to be seene the tokens and prints (as it were) of Titus the emperours baines, not farre from the church of S. Martin in the hils: for there bee great cisternes to receive water, which at this day be called Septem Salae, according to the number of those cisternes: and so far reached the house of Nero, called Au••ea, i. golden.

Not farre from thence, in the yeere of our Lord 1506, one Foelix a citizen of Rome, chaunced to find in his vineyard the statue of Laocoon, made by those excellent workemen, Agesander, Polydorus and Athenodorus, Rhodians, who with wonderfull cunning portraied and cut most artificially in one entire stone, Laocoon himselfe, his children, and the admirable winding and foldings of the serpents about them. And now at this day it is to be seene at the Vaticane, in the palace of Vespasian, neere the said baines of Titus. See more of this you may in Plinie. As for the storie it selfe, most learnedly and lively it is set out by Virgill, and there to be read. Behind these baines of Titus, betweene East and North, the ruines of others besides, are thought verily to be those of Philip the emperour.

Above the baines of Titus, some set Hadrians baines; for that this place is yet called Hadrianelus.

By the testimonie of Lampridius it appeareth that Balbinus his house was in Carinae. There also was Pompeies house, in which Lenaus his freed-servant taught grammer.

CHAP. XII. The cliffe Virbius, the house of Servius Tullius, the golden one of Nero, and that of Virgil. Mecaenas his tower and hortyards: the temples of Fortune and Felicitie.

THat part of the Esquiliae which overlooketh the church of Saint Laurence in Fontana, is named Clivus Virbius: there also is the grove Fagutalis, wherein stood the mansion house of Servius Tullius.

Neroes house, called Golden, tooke up all that space, which from that quarter wherein now Saint Gregories church standeth, lay betweene Constantines arch, the Colosseum, the Carinae, Esquiliae, and Mecaenas hortyards. His house before was in his owne fire where with he burnt the citie, consumed al∣so: and when he reedified it anew, hee called it Aurea. The spatious largenesse whereof was such, that it had about it, three porches of a mile compasse apeece. It contained also a poole like another sea: walled it was about, and resembled a very citie. There were to it belonging, holts and hamlets countrey-like, vineyards, pastures, woods, and beasts both tame and wild, of all sorts. The house and the porches were double guilded all over, and set out with pretious stones. And in one word there was nothing wanting, that might serve for pleasure or prodigall riot.

In the entrie of this house there stood an huge image giant like, called a Colossus, 120 foot high. After Neroes death, dedicated it was to the Sunne, and then changed the name. Now men thinke it was called Colossus, after his name who was the first deviser of all such statues.

VVithin the same house, Nero included also the chappell of Fortune. This goddesse being made of the stone Phengites, when all the dores were shut, gave light to the whole house within; such raies of radiant brightnesse casteth this kind of stone from it. This goddesse, Servius Tullus first consecra∣ted, and of Segetes, i. standing corne, called her Seia.

At the baines of Diocletian, there is a street-way leading up to S. Antonies church in Esquiliae, where stood sometime a most noble towne of Mecaenas, within his owne hortyards: for those most pleasant hortyards were in the plaine of Esquiliae. Here-within was Priapus worshipped: upon which ill fa∣voured idoll, Virgil hath plaied much in verse.

Neere the hortyards of Mecanas stood the said Virgils house.

The temple of Felicitie, which tooke up a part of that plot where Neroes Gold-house should stand, was by him burnt.

Above those gardens or hortyards of Mecanas, was raised a wonderfull peece of worke, called Ag∣geres Tarquinij Superbi, i. Tarquinius bulwarkes.

CHAP. XIII. The pallace of Sisiminus: the plaine and market place of Esquiliae: the grove Querquetulanus: also that of Iuno Lacinia, and of Mars: the chappell and altar of ill fortune.

THe pallace of Sisiminus in Esquiliae, stood (as they say) where the church of Saint Marie the greater now is.

The plaine or field Esquilius, neere the tower of Mecaenas (called Intermontes) i. among the hills, is betweene the foresaid bulwarkes and the citie wall. This plot of ground was in times past called Foculus; because dead bodies were therin burnt. But when the stinking steeme thereof was noisome to the citie, the citizens and Augustus Caesar by a generall consent, gave the said field un∣to Mecaenas, where he made his goodly hortyards and most daintie gardens. Of which, Cicero with other, speaketh much.

In like mauner, the market place Esquilinum, was in the same hill.

That side of the Esquiliae which looketh toward the grove Querquetulanus, had in it the grove of Iuno Lacinia.

In the same Esquiliae, was the chappell and altar of Ill fortune.

In the way which goeth to the gate Interaggeres, even in the verie bulwarks or rampiers of Tar∣quinus, stood the arch of Gordian made of marble, garnished also and set out with ornaments of tri∣umph. Of the ruines thereof, was S. Gregories church in Damasus built.

CHAP. XIIII. The cliffe Suburranus: the arch of Galienus: the shambles or flesh market of Livia, or as some would have it, Livianum: the Praenestine way, and the Trophees of Marius.

AT the top or upper end of Suburra, was the Clivus Suburranus, so called of Suburra, yeelding an easie ascent from thence up into the Esquiliae.

Anon you meet with the triumphall arch of Galien the emperour (where now standeth the church of S. Vitus) making a goodly shew of the Tiburtine stone, whereof it was made. Neere unto it was the shambles or market place called Marcellum Livia••, or Livianum. This, as some think, tooke the name of one Macellus; who being a notorious thiefe, and practising much to steale in the cittie, was in the end apprehended, and by the Censors condemned: and his house being seized as confis∣cate to the citie, was converted to a place wherein they sold meat and all other victuals; and so it kept still the name (as is said) of Macellum. Some are of opinion, that the said house was pulled

downe, and another built in the ruines thereof, which reteined the name still of the former.

From hence beginneth the port-way Praenestina, and leadeth to the gate Esquilina.

In this way you shall meet on the right hand with a huge bank of brick, halfe ruinat; upon which were erected two Trophees of marble; that is to say, certain posts [like Quintins] standing upright with spoiles of enemies hanging thereupon; and they resembled men that were taken prisoners. It is said, that these Trophees were set up by Marius in his triumph for the Cimbrian warre: which when Sylla had cast downe and overthrowne, C. Caesar (afterwards Dictator) erected againe. The place of the inhabitants thereabout, is at this day called Cimbrum. As touching Trophees, looke to read more in Plutarch, Valerius Max. and others.

CHAP. XV. The house of the Aelij: the chappell Marianum: the region or quarter called Tabernola: the baines and dwelling house of Gordian: the palace of Caius and Lucius: also the pallace Licinianum.

THe house of the Aelij stood in that place, where now be the monuments Mariana and the chappell of that name.

The plaine part of the Esquiliae, betweene it and the mount Caelius, and the Basilica La∣teranensis, is at this day called Merulana, for Mariana; and in old time, the region of Tabernola.

Neere the Church of S. Eusebius in the way Praenestina, was built the baines and habitation of Gordianus. The ruines of those hot-houses are yet to be seene, whereby a man may soone give an esti∣mate, how faire, how stately, and large they were at first.

Betweene the gates Esquilina and Naevia, not farre from the walles, there be to be seene certaine notable ruines: this they commonly call, the baines of Galutius. But in that place stood in old time, that beautifull and famous pallace which Caesar erected under the name of Caius and Lucius his ne∣phewes. Hard by the church of S. Balbina, whereas now is the Beare called Pileatus, stood some∣time the pallace Licinianum.

CHAP. XVI. The water Martia or Trajana: and the temple of Isis.

THe current of the water Martia, passing by the gate Trajana through the plaine of Esquiliae, went as farre as to the baines of Diocletian, unto the hills next adjoyning. This in old time was called Aufera. It ariseth out of the spring Piconia in the mountains of the Peligni, and passeth by the Martians country and the lake Fucinus, and so runneth to Rome; the coldest and most holesome of all other waters that run into Rome. This water, Ancus Martius began first to bring into the citie: afterward, Q. Martius surnamed Rex, tooke it in hand; and a long time after, Agrippa repai∣red the conduit thereof. Of it, read more in Plinie and Frontinus.

The temple of Isis, is by P. Victor placed in the quarter Esquilina.

CHAP. XVII. Of Suburra: the house of Caesar and Lalia; and the street Patricius.

SVburra is a street of all other most frequented: it beginneth at the Forum Romanum, and go∣eth on forward directly by the Forum Nervae, up to the hanging or rising of the hill called Cli∣vus Suburranus, whereof wee have written before in this booke; and it endeth where the way Praenestina beginneth. Called it was Suburra, either for that it sustained and bare up the Cari∣nae and the wall under it: or because it lay under the old citie; or as Varro thinketh, of the burrough or street Succusanus. In this street Suburra, was the house of Caesar, so long as he contented himselfe with a mean estate.

In it were sometimes certaine stewes and brothell-houses, as Martial writeth.

The street Patritius windeth crooked from the hill Viminalis, and endeth at the bains of Diocletian. Of it, more hath been said in the former booke.

The house of Laelia likewise was in the same street, as Martial witnesseth.

CHAP. XVIII. Suburra in the plaine; and the temple of Sylvanus.

THe mount Viminalis on the VVest side of it, hath part of the Quirinalis opposite against it: and the vale lying betweene, was named Suburra the plaine.

In the same valley in times past, were the ten Tabernae; so called of the number.

The pit also of Saint Proba was in the same hill; which Proba her selfe made neere to the Church of S. Maries in the field.

At the foot in manner of the hill Viminalis, over-against S. Agathaes church, there stood the tem∣ple of Sylvanus, as appeareth by many good tokens.

CHAP. XIX. Of the hill Viminalis: the pallace of Decius: the laver of Agrippina: the baines of Olympias and Novatus: the dwelling houses of Q. Ca∣tulus, Crassus, and C. Aquilius.

V Arro reckoneth the hill Viminalis among the Esquiliae. Viminalis it was cleped, of Iupiter Vi∣mineus, whose altars were in that hill: or else of plentie of osiers there growing.

In the highest rising and ascent of that hill, there stood in old time, (where now is the church of S. Laurence in Panis-perna) the pallace of Decius the Emperour, as may be shewed by the ruines thereof.

Not farre from the same place, toward the church of S. Vitalis, were the lavers or washing places of Agrippina mother to Nero.

The baines of Olympias were situate toward Suburra; the tokens whereof are now found in the brow of the hill.

Likewise the baines of Novatus, were built upon the hill Viminalis, where the church of S. Pru∣dence standeth.

The hill Viminalis, had also three goodly houses of most noble personages, to wit, of M. Crassus, Quintus Catulus, and Caius Aquilius: the markes whereof are evident to be seene in the side of the said hill.

Vpon the same hill in times past, a certaine festivall sacrifice was solemnized, which the dwellers and inhabitants there, call Fagutall.

CHAP. XX. The baines of Diocletianus: the Librarie Vlpia: the plaine Viminalis: the gate Interaggeres: and the vale Quirinalis.

THe baines of Diocletian are to be seene all ruinate on the side of the hill Viminalis: and by their ruines, a man may easily gather how stately and magnificent they were somtime. These were begun by Diocletian and Maximian Herculanus: in the building whereof 40000 Christians were held to worke many yeeres togither in most slavish manner.

These were afterwards finished and dedicated by Constantine and Maximian, new emperours. Of the vaine and superfluous expences which the Romanes laid out upon Baines, read Seneca, who de∣painteth out their wastfulnesse most excellently.

In the same baines was the Librarie Vlpia, which by Hadrian, or (as some thinke) by Traiane, was thither translated; wherein were the linnen records, and those huge volumes called the Elephan∣tine bookes: in which the acts of the Emperours, and all the sanctions and ordinances of Senate, were, as Pollio witnesseth.

Behind these baines, from above the rampier or bulwarke of Tarquinius Superbus, was the plaine field Viminalis, which spreadeth out as farre as to the citie wall. There is seene as yet the gate In∣teraggeres shut; albeit it seemeth more probable and like to a truth, that it stood in the plaine Es∣quilinus.

In that verie place there was a pit or well of spring running water, which the neighbours dwel∣ling thereby, called the pit of the Vivarium, or the parke pit, within which parke they kept enclo∣sed divers and sundrie kinds of wild beasts. The harbours and dennes of these wild beasts are yet to be seene: whereupon it commeth, that those places or parkes which are set out and appointed for feeding of Deere, we use to call Vivaria.

The space betweene Diocletians bathes and Constantines arch, is named the vale Quirinalis: in which they say, that Romulus met with Proculus.

In the same was the sacred chappell of Fortuna Publica.

CHAP. XXI. The means Caballus: the etymologie of Quirinalis: the tower Militiarum: the baines of Paulus: the chappell of Neptune: the baines of Constantine. the house and street of the Cornelij.

THe hill which at this day they name Caballus, was in old time called Quirinalis, as by many signes and reasons may be prooved; so as no man skilfull in the Romane storie, need to doubt thereof.

This Quirinall hill, the sixt in order of the mountaines of Rome, (as Varro testifieth) taketh that name of the temple of Quirinus: after others, of the Quirites, who comming with Tatius from Cures, there pitched their tents and lodged. This mountaine is shaped long, for it comprehendeth that little hill which is betweene the gate Collina and Collatina. Vpon it standeth the Obeliske of the Moone, engraven with Aegyptian hierogly phick characters. In breadth, from the North South∣ward, it reacheth to a tower, now called Comitium.

In the pitch and top of the hill, above the Forum of Trajanus, you shall see the tower called Mili∣tiarum; where, in old time the souldiors of Trajane kept their standing guard, and gave the tower that name.

On the sameridge were the baines of Paulus built: which place at this day by a corrupt name, is called Bagnana-Poli.

In the descent and hanging of the Quirinall hill toward Suburra, stood sometime the chappell of Neptune, which appeareth by the pictures and other reliques there found.

From hence toward the North, were the hot-houses of Constantine, as the ruines of the place doe testifie.

The house of the Cornelij was built in the street so called, and at this day the name it keepeth still. But more hereof elsewhere.

CHAP. XXII. The temples of Saturne, the Sunne, and Bacchus: Quirinus his temple and porch: the old Capitoll: the chappels of Iupiter, Iuno, and Minerva: the house of Pomponius Atticus.

IN the Cornelian street (whereof a little before wee made mention) were two gyant-like images, called Colossi, resembling two old men, naked, and holding Cornucopiae in their hand. It is common∣ly received, that these were the statues of Saturne and Mars; for that certain it is how their temples stood hard by: and many evidences there are, besides the verie ruines thereof, which testifie so much.

Over-against the hot-houses of Constantine, upon the very brow of the hill, there standeth to be seene one halfe of a marble tower, which the people dwelling therby, call * Mesa. This, men thinke, was the tower of the Sunne, by the ornaments there reared and set up by Aurelian: for this Emperor worshipped the Sunne above all other gods; and therefore you shall see stamped in his come this inscription; SOLI INVICTO, TO THE INVINCIBLE SUNNE. His mother also, a priest of the Sunne, thereupon reared a temple unto the Sunne.

In the side of the hill neere the foresaid bathes, are two horses seene standing; the handy-worke of Praxiteles and Phidias. These were (by report) Tivid•••••• the kings, and translated to Rome.

That part of the Quirinalis which boundeth upon Vallis Martia, was called the mount and tem∣ple of Clatra and Apollo.

Not farre from thence, behind this hill, there is another rising and ascent; where, by antique let∣ters it is evident, that the old Capitoll stood, togither with the chappell of Iupiter, Iuno, and Minerva.

Over-against these places, enclining toward the right hand, where now standeth the church of Saint Vestalis, Pomponius Atticus dwelt in an house which came to him by inheritance from his grand∣sire, and was called Pamphiliana. They write, that this was a most sweete and pleasant seat, by rea∣son of a wood neere unto it.

In the same place was built afterwards the temple of Quirinus, kept alwaies shut, to signifie that it was an unknowne secret; whether Romulus were enterred and lay in the earth, or were translated into the number of the gods in heaven.

There was a porch or walking place there of that name; where folke used commonly to meet, to dispatch businesses and contract espousals.

CHAP. XXIII. The path way or causey called Alta; the house of Sabinus: the street and statue of Mamurrus: the court and gardens of Salust, and the field or plaine Sceleratus.

THe high causey reaching from the bathes of Constantine to the gate Viminalis along the side of Quirinalis, was paved with four esquare stone.

Vpon that causey, at a place called the Pomgranat, Flavius Sabinus had an house, wherein by report Domitian was borne.

It is avouched that in old time ther was a street of Mamurrus: and that his statue there stood, where now is S. Susans church.

Not far from that church, was the court of Salust, and his most neat and fine hortyards, where the field called Sceleratus lay, and reached neere the gate Collina. Of those hort-yards, as also of the hamlet Tiburtina, there yet continue some markes and remnants in the bottome of the valley, be∣tweene the very hill and the way which bringeth to the gate Salaria. On that little hill is seene the very house of Salust, which the people there inhabiting call Salustrium. Of this matter, see more in Cicero and others.

Beyond the hort-yards of Salust, neere the gate Collina, there is an high place like a mount: where in times past the vestal votarie Nuns, such as were condemned for incontinencie and incest, were bu∣ried quicke; and thereupon all the plaine about it was called Sceleratus, together with the way that leadeth thereto.

CHAP. XXIIII. The temples of Salus, of Dius, Fidius, of Fortuna Primeginia, of Honor, Hercules, and Quirinus: also the Senate house of women.

THe mount Quirinalis had very many temples and chappels, although the certaine place where they stood is not so well knowne at this day, namely, one of Apis. That of Salus was painted by Fa∣bius Pictor, and burnt in the time of Claudius. By Iunius Bubulcus Dictator when he triumphed over the Aequians, it was vowed: by him (Censor) put out to making, and in his second Dictatourship dedicated.

* 1.3 Sanctus, Dius, and Fidius, were the Sabines gods, which, when they left their native countrey and home, with all their other houshold gods, they carried with them into mount Quirinalis. This god (forsooth) was in words and name three, in deed and truth but one, as they said. These three therfore had one temple built them upon this hil, and were called by one name Sanctus. The opinion received of which godhead, was such, that an oth was thought to carie a great power of sanctitie and holines, whereby a man in that threefold name and one D••itie, avowed and sware thus, Me-Dius-Fidius.

Domitianus a Pretour or lord cheefe justice within the citie of Rome, built a temple upon that hill, to Fortuna Primigenia.

Besides, in that mount were the temples of Honor and Hercules.

Likewise the counsell house of women was in the mount Quirinalis, at which in former times the wives and dames of the citie met yeerely upon certaine solemne set daies.

Moreover it is recorded that the feast Agonalia was celebrated in Quirinalis.

CHAP. XXV. The court or Forum Archimonium: the pillar Tiburtina: the house of Martial: the Cirque of Floralia: the temple of Flora: the shops of Minium, and the com∣mon ascent called Clivus Publicus.

BEtweene the hill Hortulorum (where of yee may read before in the first booke and the chap∣ter next following) and Quirinalis, there is a valley fouresquare, but lying out somewhat in length. In that part thereof which lieth under the mount of Clatra and Apollo, was the court cal∣led Archimonium. For the very church of S. Nicholas, which at this day standeth upon that place, is named De Archimonijs.

Not far from it there is another place, to wit, Pila Tiburtina: There stood the house of Martiall, as hee himselfe witnesseth.

Next to it followeth the round Cirque (Floralium) where yeerly to the honor of the goddesse Flora,

the feastivall Floralia is celebrated. Now this Flora was a famous courtizan or strumpet at Rome, who having by her whorish trade gathered a mightie deale of goods together, in her last will made the people of Rome her heire, with this condition, That every yeer they should celebrate the memo∣riall of her birth day. But the Senate thinking this a ridiculous mockerie, to honour and dignifie so filthie a thing with such a remembrance, they devised a goddesse of floures forsooth, called Flora, and her upon those holydaies they seemed to please and content, that shee would be good to the growth of trees and corne, and that they might doe well in their flouring and blouming time. To this god∣desse, wee read that a temple likewise was consecrated. Anon you meet with the workehouses where they make Minium, i. Vermilion. Neere unto which was the Clivus Publicus.

CHAP. XXVI The hill Hortulorum, the temple of the Sun, and the sepulchre of Nero.

THis little hill (Hortulorum) containeth but a few things worth the writing. Among which is the house of Pincius a Senatour, who gave the name both to a gate and a mountaine, which in these daies are called, Mount Pincius, and gate Pinciana.

The reliques and markes of his house are seene in that very place, neere the old wall. And about the same walls we meet with an huge building in forme of an hemisphere or halfe circle, which men imagine, was the temple of the Sunne.

Vpon the same hill over-against the tombe of Marcellus in the very port way Flaminia, fast by the monument of Domitian, stood Neroes sepulchre also.

Now this hill Hortulorum tooke the name of certain hortyards and gardens under it, which in old time, by reason they were continually so well watered, were most fruitfull. Downe this hill, all they were wont (in times past) to descend into Campus Martius, who meant to sue and stand for any ma∣gistracie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Aventinus.
• * 1.2

  or rather daughter.
• * 1.3

  Deus Trino∣minis Sabi∣norum.