Brewer's: Golden House

This was a palace erected by Nero in Rome. It was roofed with golden tiles, and the inside walls, which were profusely gilt, were embellished with mother-of-pearl and precious stones; the ceilings were inlaid with ivory and gold. The banquet-hall had a rotatory motion, and its vaulted ceiling showered flowers and perfumes on the guests. The Farnese popes and princes used the materials of Nero's house for their palaces and villas.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content