DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4099#0362
RUINS OF OLYMPIA. 329
above its original level; and, no doubt, conceals many rich remains
of ancient sculpture and magnificence. The number of altars and
statues mentioned by Pausanias is truly surprising. Besides four
hundred and thirty-five statues of gods, heroes, and celebrated per-
sons, which he particularly describes, he frequently mentions others
in a mass. He also enumerates many statues of horses, lions, and
other animals, and several cars of bronze. Nero' threw many of
the finest statues into the latrince, or common sewers, which con-
ducted to the Alpheios. The Tiber, at Rome, is supposed to
contain a vast assemblage of ancient sculpture; and thoughts are
entertained of turning its course, in order to explore its hidden
treasures. The diversion of the Alpheios from its present channel
might be effected with less difficulty, and would probably be at-
tended with greater profit.
It was a favorite plan of the learned Winkehnann to raise
a subscription for the excavation of the Olympic plain. If such
a project should ever be consummated, we may confidently hope
that the finest specimens of sculpture, as well as the most curious
and valuable remains, will be brought to light. No place abounded
with such numerous offerings to the gods, and with such splendid
and beautiful representations in marble, and in bronze. Pau-
sanias,2 in his tour through this country, saw several remains of
cars, shields, and arms, which were discovered in excavating near
the column of Oenomaos. The fishermen, at this day, frequently
drag up in their nets, from the bed of the Alpheios, the remains of
ancient armour and utensils of bronze. At Phloka, I was shown the
fragments of a circular shield of bronze, which was mouldering in
decay ; and I purchased part of a helmet of the same material. My
much lamented friend, Mr. Mackenzie, was more fortunate, and
1 Suetonius, Nero, c. 24. Ac ne cujus alterius hieionicarum memoria, aut vestigium
extaret usquam, subvcrti et unco trahi abjicique in latrinas omnium statuas et imagines
imperavit.
2 B. 5. c. 20.
VOL. II. U U
above its original level; and, no doubt, conceals many rich remains
of ancient sculpture and magnificence. The number of altars and
statues mentioned by Pausanias is truly surprising. Besides four
hundred and thirty-five statues of gods, heroes, and celebrated per-
sons, which he particularly describes, he frequently mentions others
in a mass. He also enumerates many statues of horses, lions, and
other animals, and several cars of bronze. Nero' threw many of
the finest statues into the latrince, or common sewers, which con-
ducted to the Alpheios. The Tiber, at Rome, is supposed to
contain a vast assemblage of ancient sculpture; and thoughts are
entertained of turning its course, in order to explore its hidden
treasures. The diversion of the Alpheios from its present channel
might be effected with less difficulty, and would probably be at-
tended with greater profit.
It was a favorite plan of the learned Winkehnann to raise
a subscription for the excavation of the Olympic plain. If such
a project should ever be consummated, we may confidently hope
that the finest specimens of sculpture, as well as the most curious
and valuable remains, will be brought to light. No place abounded
with such numerous offerings to the gods, and with such splendid
and beautiful representations in marble, and in bronze. Pau-
sanias,2 in his tour through this country, saw several remains of
cars, shields, and arms, which were discovered in excavating near
the column of Oenomaos. The fishermen, at this day, frequently
drag up in their nets, from the bed of the Alpheios, the remains of
ancient armour and utensils of bronze. At Phloka, I was shown the
fragments of a circular shield of bronze, which was mouldering in
decay ; and I purchased part of a helmet of the same material. My
much lamented friend, Mr. Mackenzie, was more fortunate, and
1 Suetonius, Nero, c. 24. Ac ne cujus alterius hieionicarum memoria, aut vestigium
extaret usquam, subvcrti et unco trahi abjicique in latrinas omnium statuas et imagines
imperavit.
2 B. 5. c. 20.
VOL. II. U U