the wall of the triangular Forum as it is
called, one of the most remarkable houses in Pompeii, if not for its
size, at least for its construction.

The excavations here made were begun in April, 1769, in the presence
of the Emperor Joseph II., after whom this house has been named; but
after curiosity was satisfied, they were filled up again with rubbish,
as was then usual, and vines and poplars covered them almost entirely
at the time when Mazois examined the place, insomuch that the
underground stories were all that he could personally observe. The
emperor was accompanied in his visit by his celebrated minister, Count
Kaunitz, the King and Queen of Naples, and one or two distinguished
antiquaries. This was one of the first private dwellings excavated at
Pompeii. It appears to have been a mansion of considerable
magnificence, and, from its elevated position, must have commanded a
fine view over the Bay of Naples towards Sorrento. The "find" was so
good on the occasion of the emperor's visit, as to excite his
suspicion of some deceit. The numerous articles turned up afforded Sir
W. Hamilton an opportunity to display his antiquarian knowledge.
Joseph appears to have been rather disgusted on hearing that only
thirty men were employed on the excavations, and insisted that three
thousand were necessary. We give a cut of the house, page 119.

[Page Decoration]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Now the Street of Abundance.

[2] Nat. Hist. xxxvi. 2.

[3] Ib. xxxvi. 15.

[4] Sexagies sestertium.

[5] Nat. Hist. xxxi. 6, S. 31: Aqua in plumbo subit altitudinem
exortus sui.

[6] Rubent (vela scil.) in cavis aedium, et museum a sole defendunt. We
may conclude, then, that the impluvium was sometimes ornamented with
moss or flowers, unless the words cavis aedium may be extended to the
court of the peristyle, which was commonly laid out as a garden. [The
latter seems more likely.]

[7] xxxvi. 1.

[8] From tabula, or tabella, a picture. Another derivation is, "quasi
e tabulis compactum," because the large openings into it might be
closed by shutters.

[9] This rule, however, is seldom observed in the Pompeian houses.

[10] The best of these were made at AEgina. The more common ones cost
from $100 to $125; some sold for as much as $2000. Plin. Hist. Nat.
xxxiv. 3.

[11] These citreae mensae have given rise to considerable discussion.
Pliny says that they were made of the roots or knots of the wood, and
esteemed on account of th