Eustace, John Cretwode: A classical tour through Italy An. MDCCCII (Vol. 3): 3. ed., rev. and enl (London: J. Mawman, 1815)

50

CLASSICAL TOUR

Ch. II.

is even recorded that the people were surprised
and overwhelmed at once by the volcanic shower
while in the theatre *. But this opinion seems ill-
founded; the number of skeletons discovered in
Pompeii does not amount to sixty, and supposing
it to have been ten times that number, it would
still be very inconsiderable when compared to
the extent and population of the city. It may
perhaps be doubted, whether Pompeii was ever
fully restored and repeopled after the earthquake
of sixty-three; but it certainly was repaired in
part, and inhabited by a very considerable body
of citizens, as must appear from the state in
which the houses and apartments are at this day,
that is, painted and ornamented not only with
neatness, but even with elegance.
As for the circumstance of the inhabitants, of
either Herculaneum or Pompeii, being surprised
while in the theatre, it is so palpable an absurdity,
that it is difficult to conceive how the historian
above-mentioned could relate it with so much
gravity. It may be questioned whether even
one skeleton was found in or near the theatres at
either place. The first agitation, and the threat-
ening aspect of the mountain, must have banished

Dio Ixvi.