the remains of a fountain, erected by Titus, and repaired by Domitian
and Gordianus, which stood in the centre of a large circular basin.
Popular tradition narrates that the gladiators used to wash here after
combat: it is certainly possible, but not very probable, that they
would come outside to wash at an open fountain. The epithet Meta
Sudans, or "sweating-goal," is supposed to be taken from the perpetual
issue of foaming water, or because it contributed to satisfy the
thirst of the audience at the Colosseum; or _meta_, because it was
built in the form of a goal, and _sudans_, because the water trickled
out.
_To the right is_