The archæology of Rome, Part 8

by John Henry Parker

[172] In the life of Hadrian by Spartianus (c. 20), we are told that a number of aqueducts were made in his time and called after him. But his name is not retained in the Regionary Catalogue.

[173] Frontinus, c. 88.

[174] We have seen before that Eadmer mentions the malaria in Rome as early as the twelfth century. (Historiæ Novor., lib. ii. ad calcem S. Anselmi operum, p. 51, D. Lut. Par. 1675, fol.) In the following century, the author of “Sir Bevis of Southampton” gives a strange account of the fevers arising from the Pontine Marshes into the Campagna di Roma. There were, says he, two dragons there; one having fled to Toscan [Tusculum?],—

“That other dragoun ’is flight nome (took)

To Seinte Peter ’is brige of Rome:

Thar he schel leggen ai (lay for ever)

Til hit come domesdai;

And everi seve yer ones,

Whan the dragoun moweth (moves) ’is bones,

Thanne cometh a roke (reke, smoke) & a stink