Page:History of Art in Sardinia, Judæa, Syria and Asia Minor Vol 2.djvu/131

 The City of the Pterians. 115 north-west of the hill by the slope of the ground, and on the opposite side by three beautiful steps still extant. To diminish the steepness of the ascent, which on the north-east is almost perpendicular, the stairway, between the lower and upper terraces, described a long westward curve. About half-way up the flight of steps is a stone block, believed to be an altar by Texier, but in which Barth recognizes a lobby, of frequent occurrence in Assyrian architecture, to break uniformity of outline ; but from its narrow dimensions and circular holes on its upper face, as if to let in some superincumbent object, we are inclined to think was a pedestal of some kind. It is possible that it may have supported a symbolical figure, perhaps a colossal lion, supposed to guard the city. Some little way beyond, but on a line with this block, is a huge rock excavation, about 3 m. 25 c. broad at the base, 2 m. 90 c. high, and i m. 60 c. deep. Its use is not apparent ; it may have been designed for a monumental statue, or a secluded place whence the beautiful view of the valley might be enjoyed. The lower terrace is supported by a foundation wall, 6 m. 50 c. high, consisting of stones of regular and irregular courses. A series of small chambers or cells, almost obliterated, ran for about 58 m. along the east side. Connected with this building were two subterraneous passages, mentioned by Texier. The one (to the east ?) which led from the bed of the stream to the upper terrace, he could still follow for about 100 m ; and the other, to the west of the hill, with perpendicular walls well smoothed over, he ascertained was cut right through the cliff, and might still be used. Of the character of the superstructures, now disappeared, we can form no idea. But the well-chosen position of the palace, on the brow of a hill commanding an extensive prospect, its imposing portal towards the city, the size and beauty of the stones of which it was built, testify that the people which erected it had reached an advanced stage of civilization, and were familiar with the methods and types of the great nations of anterior Asia, whom long experience had trained to use the means at their disposal, not only to satisfy their needs, but to produce the greatest possible effect. Though inferior in point of size to the buildings of Calach and Nineveh, we venture to say that, were this structure better preserved, it would merit to take rank among them. The favourable impression left by this building is increased as we ascend the slopes which led to the wall of enclosure, with