THE FISH-MARKET AT ROME, AND PORTICO OF OCTAVIA.
T h e fondness of the Romans for magnificence, induced them to erect buildings in honour of
their friends on every occasion. This ostentation was more frequent under the emperors; tlie
republicans seldom erecting any thing but temples and tombs. Octavius Augustus built the
portico represented in the annexed plate, in honour of his sister Octavia; and Dion infomis
us, that he applied to this purpose part of the booty acquired iu the conquest and
plunder of Dalmatia. Antiquaries have ditFered with respect to it's exact situation in it's original
state, as many other magnificent buildings Avere to be seen near the same spot, noble
fragments of which are still remaining; but the dimensions, which have been taken according
to the rules of architecture, have convinced them that this fragment rcally belonged to the
Portico of Octavia.
It consisted of long galleries supported by double columns, and surrounded the temples of
Juno and Apollo. The beauty of the ornaments was equal to the taste of the architecture.
The fragment here seen was the principal entrance, which had two facades ; one within,
the other on the outside, as they still appear; each of them was ornamented with four pillars
and two pilasters of the Corinthian order, terminated by a regular cornice, and the whole executed
in a masterly manner. Two of these columns having been destroyed by fire, the present
arch was built in the outward front by the direction of the emperors Severus and Caracalla;
and from this circumstance it is also called the arch of Severus, according to an inscription
which is still remaining.
This is the place in which the fish-market is at present held, as may be seen by the figures
before the portico, under which they pass to the market. It is ccrti\in, likewise, that the
ancient/orii?R piscaiorium et olitorium, or fish and vegetable markets, were on this spot, or near
it.
The dress of the woman who is buying fish, is that of the poorest class of the people at Rome.
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