Gell, William: Pompeiana: the topography, edifices and ornaments of Pompeii ; the result of excavations since 1819 ; in two volumes (Band 1) (London, 1832)

POMPEIANA. 63

tainly have been supposed, though too nar-
row, a sort of triclinium, or the elevation
on which cushions or beds were laid for a
banquet; but, from the proximity of the
wall, it is only on the south side that tables
could be placed, and the head must neces-
sarily have been higher than the feet. The
other benches, or triclinia, would have been
useless according to this theory, which must
consequently be abandoned. It is there-
fore probable that the table has been used
for cutting up the victims for the Gods, or
for carving different viands for the feast, or
possibly for both purposes, and the slope
might have been calculated for the better
exposition of whatever was sold or offered.
The whole being coloured with red paint
gives an air of probability to this conjec-
ture.

It is impossible, however, to observe the
whole without being strongly reminded of
the tables of refreshments at a modern enter-
tainment, which are often placed round three
sides of the room, and afford, as these may
have done at Pompeii, every species of
warm and iced beverage, as well as a variety