Biblioteca II

The Baths of Diocletian were the biggest in Rome.  Even bigger than the Baths of Caracalla.  So big that it boasted two libraries (among many other amusements.)
In additon to parts of the structure being incorporated into the Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri…
…the complex is now the home of the National Roman Museum.    
Emperor Claudius introduced several novel additions to the Latin script including this upside down “F” representing “U” (since “V” was used for both up until that point.)  I found this carving of a lion biting a the head of a lamb particularly gory.
The representation of the lion looks vaguely Chinese to me.  These pairs of giant animal heads rising from the hedges around the central courtyard made me think of The Shining.