20 



its appurteiiaaces, with acconunodatioiis for the mere husband- 

 man* ; but Cicero, in the period of the Ejnpires most flourish- 

 ing state, implies bj- the same title, all that is magnificent and 

 luxurious for the lodging of an opulent Roman family. It was 

 here they were seen in all their splendour.f Pliny is still more 

 particular, describing the dwelling of the Proprietor as the Villa 

 lirbana ; that of the mere farming establishment as Villa ru«tica. 



This magnificence was soon displayed, being introduced by 

 L, L, LucuUus, a contemporary of Cato. Paterculus laments 

 so expensive and luxurious a style of living, as tending to vitiate 

 the manners, and enervate the character of his countrymen. 

 The example of LucuUus was soon followed by others perhaps 

 less capable of bearing the expense, for in excuse for his pro- 

 fuseness he pleaded that a Roman Knight, and even a Free-man 

 who were his country neighbours had magnificent Villas ; 

 but retorts the Historian "Non videbat ab ipso natum esse, ut 

 illi talia cuperent — Primus auctor fuit."+ 



The Pleasure grounds of LucuUus are immortalized by Plu- 

 tarch. They were situated near Neapolis, on the lofty promon- 

 tory of Misenum, commanding the most extensive views both 

 inland and maritime. Phoedrus says of thera, 



— — monte suramo posita Luculli manu 



Prospectat Siculum et prospicit Tuscum raare-H 



From Plutarch we learn that they were formed at an unbound- 

 ed expense. They contained artificial elevations of ground of 

 great height, buildings projecting into the Sea, and vast pieces 

 of Water formed upon land. Passages were dug under the hills 

 of the Campanian shore, and by their means the Sea Water 

 conducted round his house and grounds. From the style 



• Van-o De. Re Rus. i. 2. 14. + Cioero de Leg. iR. 13. ^ Pater- 

 culus b. ii. c. 33. II Phoeclius ii. 5. 



