Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1845-06-12
From Sears's Magazine.
P q M P E / l..

The fate of this ancient Roman city,
which for nearly seventeen hundred
years was buried and unknown, IS pro-
badly familiar to every reader; we will
attempt short sketch of the works of
art as used for The ordinary purposes Of
life-for the adornment Of the city or the
amusement of its inhabitants, which
nave been exhumed since its first dis
covery within the previous century
The excavations still going on more
fully develop and prove the fact that
Pompeii was in all probability next in
Importance and magniicence to that of
imperial Rome, for already that portion
Of The walls which have been disinter-
red, contains six gates and twelve tow
ers. There are now excayated a num-
Der Of splendid baths, two theatres, two
basalica, eight temples, prison, the
great amphiiheatre, other public build
-ings ofless note, fountains, tonbs, etc.
The only information on record of It's
destruction is letter Of the younger
plny to Tacitus, relating to the death
Of his uncle, Pliny the elder, who per-
ished amid the general destruction;
but the numerous proofs of the sudden
ness of the calamity which almost eve
ry house yet excayated exhibite, lays
before the observer volume Of hlsto-
ry upon which he gazes with the most
intense interest. Many human skele-
tons have been found, but from their
scarcity it is supposed that most of the
inhabitants escaped by sea before the
great calamity overlook them. Some
of them have been recognised, as a Ro-
man sentinel, fearing the severity of
the laws, dared not leave his post. In
the great amphiheatre were found the
bones of lions and other beasts of prey;
and along the entrance which opened
toward the sea, We're the skeletons Of
many human beings, which leads %
ls.the supposition that giadiatorial exhibit
sklions were performing in the theatre at
the time ofthe eruption.
The house of Arius Dioinedes was
readily recognised by its magnihcence
The being the richest man in Pompeii
according TO Sallust,) and by an in
scription over the door, bearing his
name. In his wine-cellar were found
human skeletons, both male and fe-
male, supposed to have been himself and
family. Not far from this was the Fo-
rum, the house Of the Eddie, and ma
ny public buildings, by which it seem
ed to have been the wealthiest anc
most populous part Of the city. Some.
in their exertions TO save few valua-
bles, lost their lives by the delay, anc
several skeletons were found, holding
in their bony grasp, ornaments of silver
and gold, such as vases and drinking
vessels, and also purses Of money
Near the portico Of the temple Of Isis
was skeleton grasping valuablemas-
siye lamp, formed Of silver, supposed
10 have belonged to the altar, thus
committing sacrilege in the midst Of
death. In house which was Of the
first magni6cence, was found that splen.
did mosaic pavement mentioned by PHI
nv. Ii represented crumbs Of bread and
chicken bones lying upon the floor,
and mouse BY stealth partaking there
of. For the Information Of such Of oul
readers as are not acquainted with the
AT. Ne win remark thai mosaic works
formed Of separate pieces Of various CO.
ss1c,1d xfones lasd Il cement, and cut il