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.