(_Left-hand end of Corridor._)
FIRST ROOM.--In the centre is a vase of black basalt sculptured in
relief after the Egyptian style. Along the right wall are three panels
of peperino stone representing two dogs and a stag in an archaic
style.
Several mosaics have been recently placed here, found in the recent
excavations:--A standing male figure spinning. Hercules conquered by
Love, represented in Cupids playing with a bound lion. A group of
figures and fragments from the house of Avidius Quietus, found in
making the new Via Nazionale, notably a galley with sails set and
colours flying approaching a port which is well represented with its
lighthouse.
SECOND ROOM.--The walls are covered with inscriptions, and round the
room are sarcophagi, cippi, bases, and urns. Amongst others a
beautiful alabaster cinerary urn (5), which stands on a base inscribed
to Fabius Cilone, prefect of Rome under Septimius Severus, who had
performed the annual sacrifice to Hercules at the Ara Maxima, at the
entrance to the Circus Maximus. 7. Base to Faustina, found near the
Temple of Saturn. 9. Base erected by Nobilior, B.C. 189, to Hercules
Musarum.
THIRD ROOM.--This is decorated in a similar manner to the second. 2.
Sarcophagus, with the hunt of the Calydonian boar; on the lid are
Cupids hunting. Diana sent a boar to ravage the country of Calydon,
for the King Œneus neglecting her divinity. All the princes of the
time assembled to hunt the boar, which was killed by Meleager, the
king's son. This sarcophagus was found on the Via Appia. 4.
Sarcophagus representing deer and boar hunts, found on Via Appia. 9.
Circular base with inscription to the prefect Catius Sabinus, who had
performed the sacrifice to Hercules: interesting, with the one in the
other room, as showing that the rite instituted by Evander was kept up
till a late period. To the right of the door is the fragment recording
the cancelling of the debts of the people throughout Italy in 118 by
Hadrian. Near by is one to Aulus Septicius Alexander, a seller of
floral wreaths on the Sacred Way. At the end of the room an
inscription to S. Severus, 196. It was used by the city Conservatori
in 1676 (see rear) to record their privileges. Placed here in 1886.