These arcade dens were called "fornices," from which comes our generic fornication.

The taverns, inns, lodging houses, cook shops, bakeries, spelt-mills and like institutions all played a prominent part in the underworld of Rome.

Let us take them in order: Lupanaria--Wolf Dens, from lupa, a wolf.

The derivation, according to Lactantius, is as follows: "for she (Lupa, i.e., Acca Laurentia) was the wife of Faustulus, and because of the easy rate at which her person was held at the disposal of all, was called, among the shepherds, 'Lupa,' that is, harlot, whence also 'lupanar,' a brothel, is so called." It may be added, however, that there is some diversity of opinion upon this matter.

It will be discussed more fully under the word "lupa." Fornix--An arch.