Pozzuoli
the ancient Puteoh, a city and seaport of southern Italy, 6 miles W. S. W. of Naples, on the shore of the bay of Baiæ, the N. W. portion of the Bay of Naples. The coast forms a natural harbor, and a considerable trade and an active fishing is carried on.
PRÆCIPE Pozzuoli was founded by the Greeks about 520 в. c., and became under Rome a great center of commerce. St. Paul landed here in the course of his journey to Rome. Pozzuoli was destroyed by the Goths more than once, rebuilt by the Byzantine Greeks, and finally devastated by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
It abounds in ancient ruins. The cathedral stands on the site of a temple of Augustus. A ruined temple of Serapis also remains, inclosed by 48 marble and granite columns. On an eminence behind the town stands the ruined amphitheater, resting on three series of arches. In the neighborhood are Lake Avernus, the Grotto of the Sibyl, the baths of Nero, the ruins of Baiæ and Cumæ, etc.
PRÆCIPE, a writ commanding something to be done, or demanding a reason for its non-performance. The term is now only used to denote the note of instructions delivered by a plaintiff or his attorney to the officer of the court, who stamps the writ of summons.