‹‹‹ Vitr. 2.8.15 | Table of Contents | Vitr. 2.8.17 ›››
16If therefore, kings of such great power did not despise brick buildings, those who, from their great revenue and spoils in war, can afford the expence not only of squared and rough stone, but even of marble buildings, must not despise brick structures when well executed. I shall now explain why this species of walls is not permitted in the city of Rome, and also why such walls ought not to be permitted.
16Since such very powerful kings have not disdained walls built of brick, although with their revenues and from booty they might often have had them not only of masonry or dimension stone but even of marble, I think that one ought not to reject buildings made of brick-work, provided that they are properly “topped.” But I shall explain why this kind of structure should not be used by the Roman people within the city, not omitting the reasons and the grounds for them.