It appears, from an inscription found in it, to have been erected, or much improved, by one Holconius Rufus. Upon the first step of the orchestra was another inscription, composed of bronze letters let into the marble. The metal has been carried away, but the cavities in the marble still remain. They were placed so as partly to encompass a statue, and run thus: M. HOLCONIO. M. F. RVFO. II. V.I.D. QVINQVIENS. ITER. QVINQ. TRIB. MIL. A. P. FLAMEN. AVG. PATR. COLON. D.D. signifying, that the colony dedicated this to its patron, M. Holconius Rufus, son of Marcus: then follow his titles. In the middle of this inscription is a vacant space, where probably stood the statue of Holconius, as the cramps, by which something was fastened, still remain. Or possibly it may have been an altar, as it was the custom among the ancients to sacrifice to Bacchus in the theatre. [Page Decoration] [Page Decoration] ROMAN BATHS. After the excavations at Pompeii had been carried on to a considerable extent, it was matter of surprise that no public baths were discovered, particularly as they were sure almost to be placed in the most frequented situation, and therefore probably somewhere close to the Forum. The wonder was increased by the small number of baths found in private houses. That public baths existed, was long ago ascertained from an inscription discovered in 1749, purporting that one Januarius, an enfranchised slave, supplied the baths of Marcus Crassus Frugi with water, both fresh and salt. At length an excavation in the vicinity of the Forum brought to light a suite of public baths, admirably arranged, spacious, highly decorated, and superior to any even in the most considerable of our modern cities. They are fortunately in good preservation, and throw much light on what the ancients, and especially Vitruvius, have written on the subject. Inscription in the Court of the Baths. DEDICATIONE. THERMARUM. MUNERIS. CNÆI. ALLEI. NIGIDII. MAII. VENATIO. ATHLETÆ. SPARSIONES. VELA. ERUNT. MAIO. PRINCIPI. COLONIÆ. FELICITER. "On occasion of the dedication of the baths, at the expense of Cnæus Alleius Nigidius Maius, there will be the chase of wild beasts, athletic contests, sprinkling of perfumes, and an awning. Prosperity to Maius, chief of the colony." This announcement of a public entertainment is written on a wall of the court of the baths, to the right hand on entering.