Page:The age of Justinian and Theodora (Volume 2).djvu/144

 double ring of covered docks was thus constituted, the space between each pair of adjacent columns being adapted for giving shelter to a single vessel. The palace of the Praefect in charge of the navigating interests rose from an elevated spot in the centre of the island, and was used as a post of observation from whence he could survey the activities of the port. From the northern extremity of the line of quays a stairway of great width and proportions, bounded and divided by ornamental balustrades, ascended by more than a hundred steps, and formed a grand approach to the city proper, which was built on ground somewhat raised above the sea level. A broad marble-paved terrace, from which the inhabitants could overlook the quay and the water, formed the marine limit of the city at this higher altitude. It was called the New Plaza. Roman Carthage was adorned