19. Sillig, however, is inclined to think that there were _two_ artists

named Scopas, and would thus account for the diversity of about seventy years between the dates. [2489] See end of B. ii. [2490] Owing to the liberality of Cæsar, he amassed great riches. He is repeatedly attacked by Catullus (Carm. xxix., xliii., lvii.), and accused of extortion, and other vices. Horace also speaks of him in terms of ridicule, I Sat. 5, 37. [2491] See B. iv. c. 21. [2492] See Chapter 4 of this Book. [2493] The black marbles, Ajasson remarks, are comparatively rare. He is of opinion that the colour of the Lucullan marble was the _noir antique_ of the French, and says that it is to be found at Bergamo, Carrara, Prato in Tuscany, and near Spa in Belgium. [2494] “Chios” is another reading. [2495] “Thundering Jupiter.” This temple was built by Augustus. [2496] Ajasson says that his remarks on the choice of the sand for this purpose, are very judicious. [2497] A recommendation worse than useless, Ajasson remarks. [2498] For this purpose, at the present day, granular corindon, or yellow emery, is used, as also a mixture composed of the oxides of lead and of tin; the substance being repeatedly moistened when applied. [2499] See Chapters 13 and 43 of this Book. [2500] A city in Crete where the stone was prepared for use. [2501] “Cotes.” [2502] Books III. IV. V. and VI. [2503] The modern Ophite, both Noble, Serpentine, and Common. [2504] From the Greek ὄφις, a “serpent.” [2505] This would appear to be a kind of Apatite, or Augustite, found in crystalline rocks. [2506] A superstition, owing solely to the name and appearance of the stone. [2507] From the Greek τέφρα, “ashes.” The _modern_ Tephroite is a silicate of manganese. [2508] Memphis, in Egypt. [2509] A variety of the modern Porphyry, possibly; a compact feldspathic base, with crystals of feldspar. Ajasson refuses to identify it with porphyry, and considers it to be the stone called _Red antique_, of a deep uniform red, and of a very fine grain; which also was a production of Egypt. [2510] “Small stone.” [2511] Of porphyrites. [2512] “Procurator.” [2513] See B. xxxvi. c. 38. See also the Lydian stone, or touchstone, mentioned in B. xxxiii. c. 43. [2514] From Βάσανος, a “touchstone.” [2515] Philostratus gives a short account of this group, and copies of it are to be seen in the Vatican, and in the grounds of the Tuilleries. [2516] See B. v. c. 10. [2517] The Egyptians called it, not Memnon, but Amenophis, and it is supposed that it represented a monarch of the second dynasty. This is probably the statue still to be seen at Medinet Abou, on the Libyan side of the Nile, in a sitting posture, and at least 60 feet in height. The legs, arms, and other parts of the body are covered with inscriptions, which attest that, in the third century of the Christian era, the priests still practised upon the credulity of the devotees, by pretending that it emitted sounds. It may possibly have been erected for astronomical purposes, or for the mystic worship of the sun. The Greek name “Memnon” is supposed to have been derived from the Egyptian _Mei Amun_, “beloved of Ammon.” [2518] Ajasson remarks that under this name the ancients meant, first, yellow calcareous Alabaster, and secondly, Chalcedony, unclassified. [2519] See end of the present Book. [2520] See B. vi. cc. 27, 28, 32. [2521] “Variatum est.” [2522] Ajasson thinks that these columns, in reality, were made, in both instances, of yellow jasper, or else yellow sardonyx, a compound of sard and chalcedony. [2523] Erected A.U.C. 741. [2524] See B. xxxiii. c. 47. [2525] The reading here is doubtful, and it is questionable whether he considers the two stones as identical. [2526] Probably calcareous Alabaster, Ajasson thinks. See B. xxxvii. c. 54. [2527] See B. xiii. c. 3. [2528] Plaster of Paris is made of gypsum or alabaster, heated and ground. [2529] A feature both of jasper and of sardonyx. [2530] By some persons it has been considered to be the same with the “lychnitis,” or white marble, mentioned in Chapter 4 of this Book. Ajasson is of opinion that it has not been identified. [2531] Ajasson is in doubt whether this stone was really a marble or a gypsic alabaster. It received its name from the river Curalius or Coural, near which it was found; and it was also known as Sangaric marble. Ajasson thinks that the ancient milk-white marble, still found in Italy, and known to the dealers in antiquities as _Palombino_, may have been the “corallitic” stone. He also mentions the fine white marble known as _Grechetto_. [2532] See B. v. c. 29. Sulphuret of manganese is now known as Alabandine; it is black, but becomes of a tarnished brown on exposure to the air. It is not improbable that this manganese was used for colouring glass, and that in Chapter 66 of this Book Pliny again refers to manganese when speaking of a kind of “magnet” or load-stone. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. pp. 237-8, _Bohn’s Edition_; who thinks, that in the present passage Pliny is speaking of a kind of marble. It is the fact, however, that Pyrolusite, or grey ore of manganese, is used, at a red heat, for discharging the brown and green tints of glass. See also B. xxxiv. c. 42, and the Note. [2533] Syenite is the name still given to feldspar, hornblende, and quartz, passing into each other by insensible gradations, and resembling granite. [2534] “Varied with red spots,” similar to our red granite. [2535] “Obelisci.” So called from ὀβελισκὸς, a “small spit,” in consequence of their tapering form. [2536] Meaning, probably, that in the Egyptian language, the same word is used as signifying a “spit” and a “ray” of light; for it is generally agreed that the word “obeliscus” is of Greek origin. [2537] He does not appear to have been identified; and the correct reading is doubtful. [2538] Heliopolis, or On. See B. v. c. 11. [2539] These figures or hieroglyphics did not denote the _phonetic language_ of Egypt, but only formed a symbolical writing. [2540] Perhaps the same as “Sesostris.” The former reading is “Sothis.” [2541] Ajasson identifies him with Rameses III., a king of the eighteenth dynasty, who reigned B.C. 1561. This was also one of the names of Sesostris the Great. [2542] The name of the bull divinity worshipped by the people of On, or Heliopolis; while by the people of Memphis it was known as Apis. [2543] This, Hardouin says, was the same obelisk that was afterwards erected by Constantius, son of Constantine the Great, in the Circus Maximus at Rome; whence it was removed by Pope Sextus V., in the year 1588, to the Basilica of the Lateran. [2544] This name is probably mutilated: there are about twenty different readings of it. [2545] This name is also very doubtful. One reading is “Eraph,” and Hardouin attempts to identify him with the Pharaoh Hophra of Jeremiah, xliv. 30, the Ouafres of the Chronicle of Eusebius, and the Apries of Herodotus. [2546] The Nectanabis, probably, of Plutarch, in his Life of Agesilaüs, and the Nectanebus of Nepos, in the Life of Chabrias. [2547] Callixenus of Rhodes was a contemporary of Ptolemy Philadelphus, and was the author of a description of Alexandria, and of a catalogue of painters and sculptors. [2548] Egyptian talents, probably. See. B. xxxiii. c. 15. [2549] Evidently a stupendous monument, or rather aggregate of buildings, erected by Ptolemy II., Philadelphus, in memory of his wife and sister, Arsinoë. See B. xxxiv. c. 42. [2550] Caligula. [2551] See B. xvi. c. 76, and B. xxxv. c. 47. [2552] Or Circus Maximus; in the Eleventh Region of the City. According to Kircher, it was this obelisk that Pope Sextus V. had disinterred, and placed before the church of the Madonna del Popolo. [2553] There are sixteen various readings to this name. [2554] Diogenes Laertius says that he arrived in Egypt in the reign of King Amasis. [2555] Boscovich and Brotero would read here “_eighty-two_ feet and three quarters,” which is more in accordance with its height, as measured by Kircher. [2556] After being long buried in ruins, it was disinterred, but not re-erected, by Pope Benedict XIV. When thus brought to light, it was found to be broken asunder. On it there was an inscription stating that the Emperor Augustus had “presented it to the Sun”—“Soli donum dedit.” [2557] Twelve o’clock in the day. [2558] After the summer solstice. [2559] The one that is mentioned above as having been removed from Alexandria by Caligula. [2560] This obelisk was transferred by Pope Sextus V. from the Circus Vaticanus to the place of the Cathedral of St. Peter. [2561] So called because it was laid out on some gardens which had belonged to one Vaticanus. [2562] Caligula. [2563] There are nine or ten readings of this name. Bunsen suggests “Menophtheus,” the Egyptian king Meneph-Pthah. [2564] In Egypt, probably. [2565] Ajasson thinks that they were intended as places of sepulture for the kings, but for the concealment, also, of their treasures. [2566] See B. v. c. 9. [2567] In Chapter 19 of this Book. [2568] See B. v. c. 9. Herodotus says that these pyramids were built by King Mœris, in the middle of the lake, towering fifty paces above the surface of the water. Diodorus Siculus says that they were built by him in honour of himself and his wife. [2569] Or left-hand side to those coming down the stream. He alludes to the three great Pyramids of Ghizeh, not far from Cairo. There are numerous other pyramids to be seen in Egypt. [2570] In B. v. c. 9. [2571] It still exists, though the face is mutilated. It was disinterred from the sand by Belzoni, but is now again nearly covered. According to Cavaglia, the signature of the Historian Arrian was found inscribed on one of the fore-paws, when it was disinterred. [2572] This reading is, perhaps, preferable to the LXI. s, (61½) of the Bamberg MS. The head and neck, when uncovered, were found to be 27 feet in height. [2573] Built by King Cheops, according to Herodotus, B. ii. [2574] All these writers are mentioned in the list of authors at the end of the present Book. [2575] For the use of the workmen. There is, probably, no foundation for a statement so exact as this; as it would be very singular that such a fact should continue to be known, and the names of the builders be buried in oblivion. [2576] According to modern measurement, the sides of its base measure at the foundation 763 feet 4 inches, and it occupies a space of more than 13 acres. Its perpendicular height is 480 feet. [2577] Other readings are 883, and 783. [2578] Differing very considerably from the modern measurement. These variations may possibly arise, however, from a large portion of the base being covered with sand. [2579] It was entirely coated with marble from the Thebaid; which, however, was removed by the Arabs in the middle ages. In the vicinity there is a fourth pyramid, but of such small dimensions that some of the Egyptian obelisks exceed it in height. [2580] “Nitrum.” See B. xxxi. c. 46. [2581] From this reason being given, it would almost appear that these “bridges” in reality were aqueducts, for conveying the water, in order to melt the mounds of salt and nitre. [2582] A very improbable story, as Ajasson remarks; as if the method of ascertaining the heights of edifices was unknown to the sages of Egypt, and the constructors of the Pyramids! [2583] Herodotus, B. ii. cc. 134, 5, takes great pains to prove the absurdity of this story; and there is little doubt that the beautiful courtesan has been confounded with the equally beautiful Egyptian Queen, Nitocris, who is said by Julius Africanus and Eusebius to have built the third pyramid. As to the courtesan having been a fellow-slave of the fabulist, Æsop, it is extremely doubtful. [2584] The greater harbour, there being two at Alexandria. [2585] Ptolemy Lagus. [2586] Supposed by Thiersch to have been the same person as the statuary mentioned in B. xxxiv. c. 19. [2587] A risk that is now obviated, if, indeed, there is such a risk, by the use of revolving lights and coloured lights. [2588] See B. v. c. 9. [2589] The site of this labyrinth has not been traced, but Sir G. Wilkinson is inclined to think that it was at Howarah el Soghaïr in the Faiöum. [2590] Similar, probably, to the one at Hampton Court. [2591] Most modern writers, and some of the ancients, have altogether denied the existence of the Cretan Labyrinth; but, judging from the testimony of Tournefort and Cockerell, it is most probable that it really did exist, and that it was a vast natural grotto or cavern, enlarged and made additionally intricate by human ingenuity. There are many caverns of this nature in Crete, and one near Gortyna, at Hagios-Deka, is replete with galleries and intricate windings similar to those ascribed to the Labyrinth of Dædalus. [2592] See Chapter 13 of this Book. He is surprised that the people of Egypt, a country which abounded in exquisite marbles, should have used that of another country in preference to their own. [2593] As to the meaning of this word, see B. v. c. 9. [2594] See Chapter 5 of this Book. [2595] “Ulnæ.” See Introduction to Vol. III. [2596] The ἄρουρα was a Greek square measure, containing 2500 square feet. [2597] See Chapter 11 of this Book. [2598] As to the meaning of this word, see Chapter 4 of this Book, page 317, and Note 2429. [2599] “Circummon” is a more common reading. [2600] Or acacia. See B. xxiv. c. 65. [2601] Welcker remarks that it is uncertain whether this Labyrinth was erected as a temple of the Cabiri, or whether it had any connection with the art of mining. [2602] Smilis lived, probably, 200 years before Rhœcus and Theodorus, and was a native of Ægina, not Lemnos. Sillig, however, is inclined to think that there were _two_ artists of this name; the elder a contemporary of Dædalus, and the maker of several wooden statues. [2603] See B. xxxv. c. 43. [2604] See B. iii. c. 8. [2605] A round, broad-brimmed hat, such as we see represented in the statues of Mercury. [2606] Where two brazen vessels were erected on a column, adjoining to which was the statue of a boy with a whip; which, when agitated by the wind, struck the vessels, and omens were drawn from the tinkling noise produced, significant of future events, it was supposed. [2607] A building like this, as Niebuhr says, is absolutely impossible, and belongs to the “Arabian Nights.” The description in some particulars resembles that of a Chinese pagoda. [2608] Probably of Babylon, which were built on terraces raised on arches. [2609] His meaning is, that it was built upon arches. [2610] Asia Minor. [2611] The Hotel de Ville at Brussels is said to have been built upon a stratum of hides. [2612] See Chapter 4 of the present Book. Sillig, in his “Dictionary of Ancient Artists,” suggests a reading which would make the passage to mean that Scopas was jointly architect with Chersiphron. The latter, however, was _not_ the architect of the _second_ temple at Ephesus, but flourished nearly four hundred years before. [2613] Strabo says that, in conjunction with his son Metagenes, he began the _first_ Temple at Ephesus. Thiersch is of opinion that he lived about the first Olympiad, He is mentioned also in B. vii. c. 38. [2614] “Epistylia.” See B. xxxv. c. 49. [2615] Which must have been above the bags and at the summit of the inclined plane. [2616] See B. v. c. 40. [2617] “Lapis Fugitivus.” [2618] A public place where the Prytanes or chief magistrates assembled, and where the public banquets were celebrated. [2619] Or “Narrow” gate, apparently. Dion Cassius, B. 74, tells a similar story nearly, of seven towers at Byzantium, near the _Thracian Gate_; and “Thracia” is given by the Bamberg MS. It is most probable that the two accounts were derived from the same source. [2620] Ἑπτάφωνον, “seven times vocal.” Plutarch also mentions this portico. [2621] Βουλευτήριον, the “senate house” or “council-chamber.” [2622] It was the most ancient of the bridges at Rome, and was so called from its being built upon “sublices,” or wooden beams. It was originally built by Ancus Martius, and was afterwards rebuilt by the Pontifices or pontiffs. We learn from Ovid, Fasti, B. v. l. 621, that it was still a wooden bridge in the reign of Augustus. In the reign of Otho it was carried away by an inundation. In later times it was also known as the Pons Æmilius, from the name of the person probably under whose superintendence it was rebuilt. [2623] See B. xxxiv. c. 11. [2624] L. Æmilius Paulus, who was consul with C. Marcellus, A.U.C.