APOLLODORUS, a famous architect under Trajan and Adrian, was born at Damascus. He had the direction of the bridge of stone which Trajan ordered to be built over the Danube in the year 104, which was esteemed the most magnificent of all the works of that emperor. Adrian, one day as Trajan was discoursing with this architect upon the buildings he had raised at Rome, would needs give his judgment, and showed he understood nothing of the matter. Apollodorus turned upon him bluntly, and said to him, "Go paint gourds, for you are very ignorant of the subject we are talking upon." Adrian at this time boasted of his painting gourds well. The insult cost Apollodorus his life.