DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1083#0156
POMPEIANA. 249
of one end, is the figure of a soldier, or gladiator,
scratched with a nail; and about are idly scrawled,
in the same manner, names in Latin or Greek.
In the rooms around skeletons were found, the decayed
bones of the legs and arms retained by iron fetters.
Pieces of armour, for the legs, thighs, and arms,
"were discovered in the exedra, in the middle of the
east end, as well as helmets, ornamented with dol-
phins and tridents, in relievo, some incrusted in
silver. On one was represented the principal events
in the taking of Troy; others had vizors, gratings,
or round holes to see through. From their size
and weight it has been disputed whether they were
ever worn, or only intended for ornament or tro-
phies. Sir W. Hamilton, who was present at their
discovery, saw their linings, which have since fallen
out, or decayed: they were probably used in the
theatre. Amongst other matters was a curious
trumpet of brass, with six ivory flutes, all commu-
nicating with one mouth-piece. The flutes were
without holes for the fingers. A chain of brass
hung to this instrument, for the apparent purpose
of securing it to the trumpeter's shoulder1. It is
now in the Museum.
24 Above the theatre is the temple of Isis, to which
1 Ennius expresses its sound:
At tuba terribili sonitu turatantara (licit.
of one end, is the figure of a soldier, or gladiator,
scratched with a nail; and about are idly scrawled,
in the same manner, names in Latin or Greek.
In the rooms around skeletons were found, the decayed
bones of the legs and arms retained by iron fetters.
Pieces of armour, for the legs, thighs, and arms,
"were discovered in the exedra, in the middle of the
east end, as well as helmets, ornamented with dol-
phins and tridents, in relievo, some incrusted in
silver. On one was represented the principal events
in the taking of Troy; others had vizors, gratings,
or round holes to see through. From their size
and weight it has been disputed whether they were
ever worn, or only intended for ornament or tro-
phies. Sir W. Hamilton, who was present at their
discovery, saw their linings, which have since fallen
out, or decayed: they were probably used in the
theatre. Amongst other matters was a curious
trumpet of brass, with six ivory flutes, all commu-
nicating with one mouth-piece. The flutes were
without holes for the fingers. A chain of brass
hung to this instrument, for the apparent purpose
of securing it to the trumpeter's shoulder1. It is
now in the Museum.
24 Above the theatre is the temple of Isis, to which
1 Ennius expresses its sound:
At tuba terribili sonitu turatantara (licit.