Page:Three Years in Europe.djvu/364

322 the Via Sacra, we have on our right the remains of the Basilica Julia begun by Julius Cæsar and finished by Augustus, who dedicated it in honor of his daughter. It comprised the Law Courts and the Exchange of ancient Rome, and the pavement and the bases of the long lines of columns are all that remain of it. On our left is the famous column described by Byron as

It was erected in the seventh century, and was dedicated to Phocas whose statue adorned its top at one time.

Passing further onwards along the Via Sacra we have to our right three beautiful Corinthian pillars which are all that remain of the temple of Castor and Pollux, and to our left the remains of the Regia where Julius Cæsar lived up to the time of his death, and where his body was cremated in sight of all the gods of Rome. Near this Regia was the famous Lake of Curtius, which was probably little more than a quagmire and was afterwards turned into a fountain. Proceeding further by the winding Via Sacra, we have on our right the site of the ancient temple of Vesta where the sacred fire was kept, and adjoining it are the ruins of the spacious palace where the Vestal Virgins lived. The Vestal Virgins were honored in those days as the custodians of the sacred fire; they were allowed the place of honor in all public processions and sights; and if history speaks the truth, they attained a considerable influence with the emperors in later days, after they had ceased to have all claims to the respect which is due to purity.