Page:History of Art in Sardinia, Judæa, Syria and Asia Minor Vol 1.djvu/251

 Elevation of the Temple. 229 precious metal. Some might be of insignificant height, whilst others were exceedingly tall. Lucian writes that those before the temple of Atergatis, at Hierapolis, exceeded fifty-five metres in height, tapering towards the top. 1 Their position, height, and aspect are well defined in a Roman medal figuring the temple of the Asiatic Venus at Paphos. 2 Knowing that the temple of Solomon was built by Phoenicians, Fig. 144.— Jewish Tomb. Restored by Cassas. Voyage, torn. iii. Tlate XXXIV. we felt justified in using the whole system of their architecture and ornament, the more so that their forms and style prevailed throughout Central Syria to nearly the end of the old era ; well exemplified in the tomb of St. James, where, side by side with details of an older tradition, are mouldings that betray Greek influence. Fig. 143 shows this interesting monument with its 1 Lucian, The Syrian Goddess, § 29. 2 Hist, of Art, torn. iii. pp. 58, 202.