Gypsum[2804] has a close affinity with limestone, and there are numerous varieties of it. One kind is prepared from a calcined[2805] stone, as in Syria, and at Thurii, for example. In Cyprus and at Perrhæbia,[2806] gypsum is dug out of the earth, and at Tymphæa[2807] it is found just below the level of the soil. The stone that is calcined for this purpose, ought to be very similar to alabastrites,[2808] or else of a grain like that of marble. In Syria, they select the hardest stones for the purpose, and calcine them with cow-dung, to accelerate the process. Experience has proved, however, that the best plaster of all is that prepared from specular-stone,[2809] or any other stone that is similarly laminated. Gypsum, when moistened, must be used immediately, as it hardens with the greatest rapidity; it admits, however, of being triturated over again, and so reduced to powder. It is very useful for pargetting, and has a pleasing effect when used for ornamental figures and wreaths in buildings. There is one remarkable fact connected with this substance; Caius Proculeius,[2810] an intimate friend of the Emperor Augustus, suffering from violent pains in the stomach, swallowed gypsum, and so put an end to his existence.[2811] CHAP. 60. (25.)—PAVEMENTS. THE ASAROTOS ŒCOS. Pavements are an invention of the Greeks, who also practised the art of painting them, till they were superseded by mosaics.[2812] In this last branch of art, the highest excellence has been attained by Sosus,[2813] who laid, at Pergamus, the mosaic pavement known as the “Asarotos œcos;”[2814] from the fact that he there represented, in small squares of different colours, the remnants of a banquet lying upon the pavement, and other things which are usually swept away with the broom, they having all the appearance of being left there by accident. There is a dove also, greatly admired, in the act of drinking, and throwing the shadow of its head upon the water; while other birds are to be seen sunning and pluming themselves, on the margin of a drinking-bowl. CHAP. 61.—THE FIRST PAVEMENTS IN USE AT ROME. The first pavements, in my opinion, were those now known to us as barbaric and subtegulan[2815] pavements, a kind of work that was beaten down with the rammer: at least if we may form a judgment from the name[2816] that has been given to them. The first diamonded[2817] pavement at Rome was laid in the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, after the commencement of the Third Punic War. That pavements had come into common use before the Cimbric War, and that a taste for them was very prevalent, is evident from the line of Lucilius— “With checquered emblems like a pavement marked.”[2818] CHAP. 62.—TERRACE-ROOF PAVEMENTS.