which was built by Sextus Varius, father of Elagabalus. This was
afterwards turned into the Palace of Helena, near which were her
baths, remains of which exist in the adjoining vineyards; also of the
reservoir; which remains are called by some the TEMPLE OF VENUS AND
CUPID, from a statue found there. A Venus with Cupid at her feet,
supposed to be the likeness of Salustia Barbia Orbiana, the wife of
Alexander Severus, from an inscription on the pedestal saying that it
was dedicated to Venus by one Salustia.
In the "Excerpta Valesiana de Odac" (lxix.) it is mentioned as "the
palace called Sessorium." In the buildings at the _back_ of the church
remains of a large palace can be traced. It is said by tradition that
it took its name from a basilica which stood here where the cases of
the slaves were tried. Another is, that here was the Prætorium or
headquarters of the Prætorian prefect of the city. "It is said that
Maximin, the prefect, had a small cord always suspended from a remote
window of the Prætorium, the end of which had a loop which was easily
drawn tight, by means of which he received secret information"
(Marcellinus, xxviii. 7). The ruin to the left of the church has all
the appearance of a basilica.
_Returning past the Lateran, a lane by the side of Mr. Warrington
Wood's, via_ S. STEFANO ROTONDO, following the aqueduct, leads to the
remarkable