CHAP. 8.—COUCHES OF BRASS.

We learn from L. Piso,[1] that Cneius Manlius was the first who introduced brazen banquetting-couches, buffets, and tables with single feet,[2] when he entered the City in triumph, in the year of Rome 567, after his conquests in Asia. We also learn from Antias,[3] that the heirs of L. Crassus, the orator, sold a number of banquetting-couches adorned with brass. The tripods,[4] which were called Delphian, because they were devoted more particularly to receiving the offerings that were presented to the Delphian Apollo, were usually made of brass: also the pendant lamps,[5] so much admired, which were placed in the temples, or gave their light in the form of trees loaded with fruit; such as the one, for instance, in the Temple of the Palatine Apollo,[6] which Alexander the Great, at the sacking of Thebes, brought to Cyme,[7] and dedicated to that god.

1. See end of B. ii.

2. "Triclinia," "abaci," and "monopodia;" these appear to have been couches for dining-tables, tables furnished with cupboards, and tables standing on a single foot. Livy, B. xxxix. c. 6, informs us, that Cneius Manlius, in his triumphal procession, introduced into Rome various articles of Asiatic luxury; "Lectos æratos, vestem stragulam preciosam, monopodia, et abacos." We are not to suppose that the whole of these articles were made of brass, but that certain parts of them were formed of this metal, or else were ornamented with brass.—B.

3. See end of B. ii.

4. "Cortinas tripodum." These articles of furniture consisted of a table or slab, supported by three feet, which was employed, like our sideboards, for the display of plate, at the Roman entertainments.—B.

5. "Lychnuchi pensiles," this term is applied by Suetonius, Julius, s. 37; we may conceive that they were similar to the modern chandeliers.—B

6. This temple was dedicated by Augustus A.U.C. 726. The lamps in it, resembling trees laden with fruit, are mentioned by Victor in his description of the Tenth Quarter of the City.—B.

7. See B. v. c. 32.