'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎417] (498/905)

CHAP. XVIII.]
RUINS OF ZELEBI.
417
and the Zeugma of Thapsacus, 1 since called Amphipolis. 2
According to local tradition, the army of Alexander crossed
at this place; and the Arab designation, Hadjar Ressass (stone
and lead), sufficiently indicates the nature of the work. More
over the distance, about 64 miles, to that part of the river
Dhahab, which is on the direct route towards Beilan, nearly
agrees with the three days pressing march of Cyrus' army
from the palace of Belesis to Thapsacus. 3
Twenty-six miles short of the eastern limits of the pashalik. Towers of
which are at the town of Dei'r, 4 and on the slope of a hill Zelebl '
rising abruptly from the right bank of the river, is Halebi or
Zelebi. This striking place is fortified with walls and towers
which, as well as the public and private buildings, are con
structed of fine gypsum. The town has the form of an acute
triangle, whose base rests upon the river, whilst its sides
ascend the steep acclivity of a conical hill, and terminate
on its summit with a small acropolis. As the whole is com
pletely seen from the exterior, the necessity of an increased
number of flanking towers becomes very apparent: twelve of
these works defend the southern side, and eight the northern
or shorter side; whilst on that of the river, which is not
commanded, they are farther apart. In the town are the
remains of a temple, and an extensive palace containing many
ornamented apartments; also numerous well-constructed pri
vate dwellings, supported by arches; and in general the build
ings are so well preserved that the mind can scarcely be
brought to feel that all have so long been unoccupied.
The city of Zenobia was probably built by the queen of ci <y of
that name, and resorted to by her at certain seasons, in order Zenobltl -
that she might enjoy the refreshing breezes which are felt
along the valley of the Euphrates. It also appears to have
been the principal passage leading from Palmyra into Assyria;
for, a little below the walls, and opposite the ruined castles of
Halebi on the left side, are the remains of an embankment,
partly arched with bricks 15 or 16 inches square, but chiefly
of solid stone.
1 Strabo, XVI., p. 746.
3 Anabasis, lib. I.
VOL. I.
8 Pliny, lib. V., c. xxiv.
4 See above, p. 49. .
3 H