Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/195

 TERRACES. 179

of this temple is supposed to be about the year 1344 A.D.

The terraces on our side are mucli encumbered with ashes and debris, ejected from the volcanic mountain Marapi. A great quantity of this, how- ever, has already been removed, as it was found that the weight partially sunk the building.

Tile walls on each side of every terrace are elaborately sculptured with alto-relievos. Those on the inner wall of the first represent the histoiy of Rama. The second terrace, with those rising above it to the circular tower, is reached by four flights of steps, corresponding with the foiu' cardinal jjoints of the compass. It is probablv about two liundi'ed fei't less than the first, and only six feet in width. All the terraces thus gradually decrease until you ai'rive near the sunniiit. The tableaux rejiresenting the legend of Ivama are contimiecl as we ascend, and are so numerous that it is imjiossible for anv (.)ne to ex-

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