Livy (xxii. 57) tells us that this was "near the Colline Gate." We
learn from Pliny's "Letters" (iv. 11) that it was "a subterranean
cavern." Plutarch, in "Numa," gives the following interesting
details:--
"She that broke her vows of chastity was buried alive at the Colline
Gate. There, within the walls, is raised a little mound of earth,
called in Latin _agger_; near which is prepared a small cell, with
steps to descend into it. In this cell are placed a bed, a lighted
lamp, and some slight provisions, such as bread, water, milk, and
oil, as they thought it impious to take off a person consecrated with
the most awful ceremonies by such a death as that of famine. The
criminal is carried to punishment through the Forum in a litter well
covered without, and bound up in such a manner that her cries cannot
be heard. The people silently make way for the litter, and follow it
with marks of extreme sorrow and dejection. There is no spectacle more
dreadful than this, nor any day which the city passes in a more
melancholy manner. When the litter comes to the place appointed, the
officers loose the cords; the high priest, with hands lifted toward
heaven, offers up some private prayers just before the fatal minute,
then takes out the prisoner, who is covered with a veil, and places
her on the steps which lead down to the cell. After this, he retires
with the rest of the priests; and when she has gone down, the steps
are taken away, and the cell is covered with earth, so that the place
is made level with the rest of the mound. Thus were the vestals
punished who preserved not their chastity."
The remains of the Colline Gate were found in building the present
Ministry of Finance in the Via Venti Settembre. _The Via Servio
Tullio, on the left, leads to the site of_