DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61277#0169
WALLS OF POMPEII.
141
Among a great number of these stones, I un-
derstand there was a monogram, formed of an H
and an E; on another a resemblance to the Greek
L, oi' cross formed two of Z’s, similar to what we
see upon paintings of ancient vases, and in the
monagrams of medals. These, probably, were
the characteristic marks of those who furnished
the materials, while the Greek and Roman names,
which are frequently met with, may have been
those of the workmen, who little thought that
they would thus be handed down to posterity.
The height of the walls of Pompeii may give
some idea of the labour which their complete
excavation would require, though it was carried
forwards for a long time with great vigour and un-
remitting zeal by the Neapolitan government. A
ditch, twelve feet in breadth, was excavated shortly
after the commencement of the work to which I
have above alluded, namely, the denudation of the
walls; and three new magnificent tombs, adorned
with sculpture, and a hall, which is supposed to
have been the court of justice, and is de-
corated with a triple row of columns, were also
discovered; for the excavations of the walls of the
city did not suspend those in other quarters.
But it were an endless task to enumerate all
141
Among a great number of these stones, I un-
derstand there was a monogram, formed of an H
and an E; on another a resemblance to the Greek
L, oi' cross formed two of Z’s, similar to what we
see upon paintings of ancient vases, and in the
monagrams of medals. These, probably, were
the characteristic marks of those who furnished
the materials, while the Greek and Roman names,
which are frequently met with, may have been
those of the workmen, who little thought that
they would thus be handed down to posterity.
The height of the walls of Pompeii may give
some idea of the labour which their complete
excavation would require, though it was carried
forwards for a long time with great vigour and un-
remitting zeal by the Neapolitan government. A
ditch, twelve feet in breadth, was excavated shortly
after the commencement of the work to which I
have above alluded, namely, the denudation of the
walls; and three new magnificent tombs, adorned
with sculpture, and a hall, which is supposed to
have been the court of justice, and is de-
corated with a triple row of columns, were also
discovered; for the excavations of the walls of the
city did not suspend those in other quarters.
But it were an endless task to enumerate all