LĂBỸRINTHUS (λαβύρινθος), a labyrinth, a large and complicated
subterraneous cavern with numerous and intricate passages, similar
to those of a mine. The earliest and most renowned labyrinth was
that of Egypt, which lay beyond lake Moeris. It had 3000 apartments,
1500 under ground, and the same number above it, and the whole was
surrounded by a wall. It was divided into courts, each of which
was surrounded by colonnades of white marble. The second labyrinth
mentioned by the ancients was that of Crete, in the neighbourhood
of Cnossus, where the Minotaur is said to have dwelt. Although the
Cretan labyrinth is very frequently mentioned by ancient authors,
yet none of them speaks of it as an eyewitness. It was probably some
natural cavern in the neighbourhood of Cnossus. A third labyrinth,
the construction of which belongs to a more historical age, was
that in the island of Lemnos. A fabulous edifice in Etruria is also
mentioned, to which Pliny applies the name of labyrinth. It is
described as being in the neighbourhood of Clusium, and as the tomb
of Lar Porsena; but no writer says that he ever saw it, or remains of
it.
LĂCERNA (μανδύας, μανδύη), a cloak worn by the Romans over the toga.
It differed from the paenula in being an open garment like the Greek
pallium, and fastened on the right shoulder by means of a buckle
(_fibula_), whereas the paenula was what is called a _vestimentum
clausum_ with an opening for the head. The Lacerna appears to have
been commonly used in the army. In the time of Cicero it was not
usually worn in the city, but it soon afterwards became quite common
at Rome. The lacerna was sometimes thrown over the head for the
purpose of concealment; but a _cucullus_ or cowl was generally used
for that purpose, which appears to have been frequently attached to
the lacerna, and to have formed a part of the dress.
LĂCĬNĬAE, the angular extremities of the toga, one of which was
brought round over the left shoulder. It was generally tucked into
the girdle, but sometimes was allowed to hang down loose.