which was a reservoir for the Colosseum. It consists of nine parallel
chambers, communicating with each other by arches placed obliquely, to
prevent the pressure of the water on the walls. Between this and S.
Maria Maggiore was found the Laocoon, now in the Vatican, by Felix de
Freddis, as we are informed by the inscription on his tomb in the
Church of Ara Cœli. It was found in 1506, in the same niche where
Pliny tells us it was admired in his time.
_Returning down the lane into the Via Merulana, turn right. Upon our
left were_