Page:Travels & discoveries in the Levant (1865) Vol. 1.djvu/181

Rh as certain points in the topography can then be fixed for reference. (See the Plan, Plate 4.)

The present harbours of Rhodes seem to have been originally mere indentations in the line of the coast, subsequently improved by Hellenic art. The entrance to the principal harbour is flanked on the west by the tall square tower now called the Arab tower, and on the east by a long mole running nearly north, and terminating in the tower of St. Angelo. (Plate 5.)

To the west lies a smaller harbour, now called by the Greeks Mandraki, or the sheep-fold, from its security. This smaller harbour doubtless contained in antiquity the triremes and other ships of war; the larger harbour being then, as now, the receptacle for merchant-ships. The eastern side of Port Mandraki is formed by a massive Hellenic mole running parallel to the eastern side of the larger harbour, and defended at its extremity by the tower of St. Nicholas, which now serves as a lighthouse. Its entrance is protected from the north wind by a small rocky promontory, on which the Lazaretto now stands. To the east of the great harbour is a third natural indentation, which does not appear to have been used as a regular port in antiquity, though on the ridge of the rocks which bounds it are the remains of an Hellenic mole. This was probably intended to serve as a break- water in aid of the mole on the eastern side of the harbour. The town is built round the great harbour, following its curve, so that the area which it occupies may he compared to an irregular