Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1887 — A Street of Tombs. [ARTICLE]

A Street of Tombs.

An interesting discovery has lately been made in the direct line between Pompeii and Nocera. The digging oi a well in a vineyard revealed the existence of a street of tombs, about one thousand feet east of the amphiteater of Pompeii. If the whole street is as closely lined with tombs as is the portion laid bare, it will be one of the most important discoveries lately made in that part of the world, but unfortunately money is wanting, so that the excavation is going on very slowly. Most of the tombs are covered with rude inscriptions painted in red, many of them being in the nature of advertisements, the tombs thus serving the purpose of a newspaper along the much frequented road. The exact date has not yet been Accurately ascertained, but they probably belong to the periods of Julius Casar and Tiberius. A contrast may be drawn between the condition at Pompeii and that of Pergamon. which, although double the size of Pompeii, has, thanks to the Prussian Government, been laid clear within eight years. In the latter, beautiful, finely painted statues, votive offerings to Athena, and belonging to the sixth century, 11.'C., have been found buried in earth and literally forming the foundation of the houses above. Their style of art is one hitherto not supposed poss ble at so remote a period, and they cause the ruins of Pompeii to appear t uite modern. The discovery of an aqueduct, which probab y dates back to the time of King Solomon, is reported from Jerusalem, and it is confidently anticipated that the further excavation of it will bring to light some extremely interesting and valuable inscriptions. The minstrel show may be dead, but the people never grow tired of siting up with the corpse.— Arkansaw Traveler. _ i Jones has named his dog Wellington, because of the auimal’i? proficiency in rending a bone apart.