Gell, William; Gandy, John P. : Pompeiana: the topography, edifices and ornaments of Pompeii (Band 1) (London, 1824)

54 FOMPEIANA.

The accompanying noise was heard as far
as Capua. Dion Cassius informs us, that
the summit of the mountain had then
assumed the form of an immense amphi-
theatre, of which the present Monte di
Somma formed the north-eastern half or
wall; the rest having been thrown down
at some later period, subsequent to which
the now highest top containing the crater
was formed.

After 305 \ Diocletian.—The violence
of the eruption which occurred in the reign
of the emperor Leo2 next attracted the
notice of the historianss.—The internal fer-
mentation and unceasing convulsion which
shook the mountain, accompanied by a se-
ries of tremendous explosions during the
years 471, 472, 473, spread devastation

1 This eruption is doubtful, and was probably invented
for the purpose of introducing St. Januarius, who about this
time was put to death in the amphitheatre of Nola.

Nonnus in the 4th century calls Vesuvius, three-topped.

* Olybrius held the Western Empire.

3 Marcellinus.—Procopius de Bell. Got. lib. ii.