Chap. IV.

ROMAN.

159

Pont du Gard. Few works have undergone less change than the Bridge of Boisseron, orretains more of the primitive character.

Fig. 175. iioisseko.n.

The Bridge of Sommieres , over the Vidourle, a short distance from Nismes, consists ofseventeen arches, ail semicircular, built with a durable stone from the quarries of Pondres,situated near the city. All the stones which form the level courses are dressed withgreat care, and their horizontal and vertical joints worked with precision, little mortarbeing used; they appear to have been first bedded, then run with a fine cement or liquidmortar.

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Fig. 176.

SOMMIKRES.

The middle arch spans 32 feet, the others 30 feet, and the piers arc 10 feet; the wholelength of this fine remain is 620 feet, and the entire width from face to face 22 feet 2inches.

The Bridge of Ambrussum , upon the Domitian Way, over the Vidourle near Nismes, wasconstructed by Augustus about four years before the commencement of the Christian era.

Fig. 177.

AMBUUSSCM.

It seems to have resembled in workmanship that at Boisseron. The arches, formed of fourcircles of voussoirs, are all destroyed excepting two, which remain in the middle of thestream.

The Triumphal Bridge of St Chamas, over the small rivers called Tolubre, has an archat each extremity, a perfect and unique example of this kind of bridge. It was builtby Augustus , or in his time, as an inscription on the frieze indicates.

L. DONNIUS. C. FLAVOS. FLAMEV. ROM.E. ET.

AUGUSTI. TESTAMENTO . FIEREI. JUSSIT. ARBITRATE*.

C. DONXEI. V.SN.E. ET. CATTEI. RUFFI.

By this inscription we learn that it was erected according to the will of Donneius Flavos,priest of Rome, and Augustus , under the direction of Donneius Vamcus and CafFeusRuffus. But it does not assert that Donneius Flavos was cotemporary with Augustus , orwhich of the emperors of that name is referred to.