[341] Impluvium. The cistern, in the floor of the atrium, intended to receive rain-water.
[342] A brazier full of burning charcoal. In ancient Rome, heat was usually supplied by means of movable stoves and iron braziers. Chimneys were also known.
[343] Feast of Saturn. The so-called Saturnalia. See note, 292, Vol. I.
[344] When I struck Allobrogus in the face. This, according to Roman views, was a mild punishment for such an offence. It sometimes happened in such cases, that slaves were instantly condemned by their angry masters “to the muraenae,” that is, to be thrown into the fish-ponds for food for the muraenae.
[345] Pons Milvius. Now Ponte Molle.
[346] The Caelian Hill. (Mons Caelius) south and south-east of the Coliseum.
[347] The Via Latina branched off to the left, on entering the Via Appia, from the north.
[348] Tomb of the Scipios. Portions of this tomb, (discovered in the Vigna Sassi in the year 1780,) still exist at the present day. Here lay buried: among others: L. Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, Consul 298 B.C.; his son. Consul 259 B.C., the poet Ennius etc. The tomb was originally above the ground.
[349] Arch of Drusus. This monument, still extant, was erected in 8 B.C. to Claudius Drusus Germanicus.
[350] The tombs that stood by the road-side. Abundant traces of these tombs on the Via Appia still exist.