THE ROME OF OLD.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 934, 2 December 1933, Page 19

THE ROME OF OLD.

Fountain Where Gladiators Washed. MUSSOLINI S DECISION. Signor Mussolini on October 24 inspected the various public works being carried out to cope with unemployment in Rome. He promptly sealed the fate of the famous Meta Sudans, the fountain built by the Emperor Domitian in 96 A.D., in which gladiators used to wash. The Prime Minister gave orders for the cone of the fountain to be cut down and for the water to be made to flow from its marble basin. Thus ended a “ battle of the experts,” which had been raging for some time previous. The structure at one time stood 17ft high and was surmounted by a large bronze globe. Now, however, only the brick cone being left, it is regarded in some quarters as merely an unsightly obstacle on the scene of the recent restoration work. Some experts, however, fought strongly for its preservation. After walking round the fountain and through the Triumphal Arch of Titus, Signor Mussolini decided that the cone obstructed the view of the arch. Henceforth this arch will be reserved for Italians who are accorded a Roman triumph. In August, AirMarshal Balbo and his armada were the first to inarch under it since imperial days. That was on their return from the flight to Chicago. Signor Mussolini gave orders for the brick base of Nero’s golden statue, which stands near, to be allowed to remain. He may have the statue itself reproduced and put there. Sculptors suggested an equestrian statue of the Dictator instead. But Signor Mussolini would not hear of it. He is believed to have a superstitious feeling on the point.