[2405] “Campteras.” This, which is probably the true reading, has been restored by Sillig from the Bamberg MS. The καμπτὴρ was the bend or turning, round the goal in the race-course for chariots; and as Vesta was symbolical of the earth, these figures, Sillig thinks, probably represented the poles, as goals of the sun’s course.
[2406] Figures of Virgins, carrying on their heads baskets filled with objects consecrated to Minerva.
[2407] Dedicated to Neptune by Cneius Domitius Ahenobarbus, in the Ninth Region of the City.
[2408] “Et” appears a preferable reading to the “aut” of the Bamberg MS.
[2409] “Hippocampi.” It is pretty clear that by this name he cannot mean the small fish so called in B. xxxii. cc. [20], [23], [27], [30], [35], [38], [50], and [53], and alluded to in B. ix. c. 1; the Syngnathus hippocampus of Linnæus.
[2410] A sea-divinity.
[2411] “Pistrices.” See B. ix. cc. 2, 3, 15.
[2412] Conqueror of Callæcia. See B. iv. c. 35. This temple was dedicated to Mars.
[2413] A statue of Apollo, Hardouin thinks, which was originally brought from Seleucia by C. Sosius, the quæstor of M. Lepidus. See B. xiii. c. 5.
[2414] Ajasson says that this work is identical with the group representing Niobe and her children, now at Florence. It was found in 1535, or, as some say, 1583, near the Lateran Gate at Rome; upon which, it was bought by Ferdinand de Medici, and placed in the park of one of his villas. More recently, the Emperor Leopold purchased it, and had it removed to Florence.