Distribution of Pearls and Pearl-shelt. 81 
From Greece the admiration for pearls spread to Rome, 
where they were known by the Greek word margarite, 
as well as the Roman name wzzo. According to Pliny 
(bk. ix., ch. 59), the Romans used the latter name to 
distinguish a pearl of remarkable size. This celebrated 
Roman naturalist, who regarded pearls as formed by dew 
or rain falling into the gaping shells of the pearl-oyster,” 
tells us that after the surrender of Alexandria, these gems 
came into common, and indeed universal, use at Rome; 
but they first began to be used there during the Jugurthan 
wars.” 
The Romans were deeply affected by pearls, and these 
gems took precedence over all others. Roman ladies 
wore necklaces and ear-drops of pearls, and dresses were 
lavishly covered with these gems. They were worn even 
at night that in their sleep the owners might be conscious 
of the possession of such valuable jewels. Pliny gives us 
a graphic description of the pearls and other ornaments 
worn by the Roman empress Lollia Paulina at an ordi- 
nary wedding entertainment. It was not unusual for the 
Romans to adorn their horses and other favourite animals 
with splendid necklaces ; and it is said that “ Incitatus,” 
the favourite horse of the Emperor Caligula, wore a pearl 
collar. Pearls also decorated the altars in the Roman 
temples, and the furniture of the houses, while their war- 
chariots shone with them. Philo Judzus speaks of the 
couches upon which the Romans reclined at meal-times 
as being ornamented with tortoise-shell and ivory, and 
shining with gold and pearls. He also adds that upon the 
couches lay purple coverings embroidered in gold or 
pearls. Under successive emperors sumptuary laws were 
22 Pliny, °< NSE vbk-rix, che 54. 
SSe/Otd.5) DK 1k. Cha 50. 
SE 9/072...) Daisy Che 158: 
