[2227] The “Opus Signinum” was a plaster or cement much used for making pavements. It took its name from Signia, in Italy, celebrated for its tiles. See B. iii. c. 9.
[2228] The floors of the Roman houses were seldom boarded.
[2229] “Pulvis.” See B. iii. c. 9, B. xvi. c. 76, and B. xxxvi. c. [14]. He alludes to the cement made of volcanic ashes, now known as “Pozzuolane.”
[2230] See B. iv. c. 17.
[2231] It being the practice to rub the bodies of the athletes with sand.
[2232] This circumstance is mentioned also by Suetonius, in his life of Nero. Patrobius was slain by order of the Emperor Galba.
[2233] Ajasson says that they are called tapias at the present day in Spain.
[2234] See B. ii. c. 73.
[2235] “Rubrica.”
[2236] See B. xxxi. c. 28.