POZZUOLI, piit's)-6-16 (Lat. Puteoli). A port in the Province of Naples, Italy, situated on the gulf of the same name, 6 miles west of Naples, with which it is connected by rail and by tramway (Map: Italy, J 7). It lies on a hill in a volcanic district, which is exceptionally rich in old Roman ruins of every description, in cluding ancient piers and a few fragments of Cicero's famous villa. The Roman amphi theatre rises on three rows of arches, around which extends an exterior court. The arena is 369 feet long and 216 feet broad, and could be flooded with water for naval contests. Nero entertained guests here with gladiatorial com bats, and here Saint Januarius was in vain east before wild beasts. The curious temple (or per haps market hall) of Serapis was a square court with numerous small apartments surrounding it. It had 4S columns and its portico was a graced by frieze. In the court rose a round temple, with columns. The lower sections of the ruin are below sea level. The purpose and his tory of the building are in doubt. The famous Solfatara in the immediate vicinity is the ob long crater of a semi-extinct volcano. Sulphur ous gases rise in it constantly, and the ground is hollow. Pozzuoli has mineral baths. An ex cellent cement is made from a peculiar puzzolana earth found about the town. Near Pozzuoli is
an important branch of the manufacturing firm of Armstrong & Co. It manufactures cannon and armor plate for the Italian navy and is fostered by the Government. The harbor has of late been improved by the Government. The population in 1901 (commune) was 22.907.
The foundation of Pozzuoli is ascribed to fugitives from Samos in u.c. 52S, who called their new town Dicrearchia, which Greek name later gave place to the Latin name Puteoli. At first under the sway of C'untx, and later of Capua, it fell into the hands of the Romans, along with the latter city, in B.C. 338, and was fortified and held by them against Han nibal. After the conclusion of the Second Punic War, the Romans planted a colony there, and the great prosperity of the city began, and continued throughout the Empire. A mole was built. and Puteoli became the great emporium of trade with the Orient. It was also one of the most impor tant cities of Italy for manufactures, and the beauty of its coast and the healing qualities of its sulphur springs enabled it to vie with its neighbors, Baia; and Cunne, as a fashionable watering place.