Page:History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 1.djvu/233

 Ck. II. Ch. IV PASSARGAD^. 201 point of view can be looked for. Below these Persian ruins are probably buried the remains of long-preceding dynasties, which deeper excavations would lay bare, and Avliich would, in all probability, afford a rich harvest to the historical explorer. Passaegadje. In their present state the remains at Passargadte are, perhaps, more interesting to the antiquary than to the architect, the palaces on the plain being so ruined that their architectural arrangements cannot be understood or restored. On the side of a hill overlooking the plain is a platform of masonry (Woodcut No. 95) which originally supported either a temple or fire- altar, but this has now entirely disappeared, and the structure is only remarkable for the beauty of its masonry and the large dimensions of the stones with which it is built. These are bevelled (Woodcut No. 96), not only at their joints, but often on their faces, with the same flat ■/h^Jli'.^' 95. Plan of Platform at Passargad*. 96. Elevation of Platform at Passargadie. sinking as is found in all the Jewish works at Jerusalem, and sometimes in Greek buildings of the best age. Thus an ornament of great beauty and elegance is formed out of what would otherwise be merely a plain mass of masonry. On the plain are the foundations of several large buildings, probably palaces, temples, or basilicas, but all so completely destroyed that it is now impossible to say what their original form or destination may have been. One pillar only is now standing — a plain shaft, without cajjital or base, and more like an Indian Idt than a column destined to support a roof.