Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Arcera

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

AR'CERA. A close covered cart boarded all over, so as to resemble a large chest (arca), which was used at Rome for the transport of invalids or aged and infirm persons, before the invention of litters and other more luxurious contrivances (Varro, L. L. v. 140.). The inmate reclined in it at full length, for which purpose it was furnished with cushions and pillows inside; and the exterior was usually covered over with loose drapery to give it a more sightly appearance, and conceal the rough boarding of which it was made (Gell. xx. 1. 8.). The illustration (Arcera/1.1) is from a sepulchral marble preserved in the Museum at Baden, published by Ginzrot (Wagen und Fahrwerke, tab. 19. 2.), and may be regarded as the only known example of this primitive conveyance, the great antiquity of which is authenticated by the mention of it in the Twelve Tables. (Gell. l. c.). The original also shows a bundle of drapery placed on the roof in a heap, intended to spread over the whole carriage, as mentioned above.

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  Arcera/1.1