'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.' [‎425] (506/905)

chap, xviii.]
st. paul's gate.
425
ogram, with one of its longer sides touching the Orontes, and Ancient re-
the other crowning the summits of the heights above men
tioned. The city appears to have covered the plain and the
sides of the hills eastward, on the rocky declivities of which
are some ancient remains. Amongst these may be noticed
a building with a square basement, containing four Saracenic
arched entrances; the whole is surmounted by a round tower,
probably Norman, rising about 30 feet higher. Again, at no
great distance above the gate of St. Paul are the ancient
excavations forming part of the church of St. John; and in
the vicinity a colossal head, probably that of a Sphinx; also a
full-length Egyptian figure, both in bold relief, cut in the
solid rock evidently at a very remote period. In a retired spot
towards the centre of the mountain ridge are the remains of
a circular structure, about 90 feet in diameter, partly excavated
in the rock; it is enclosed with a wall four feet high, and
is traditionally connected with the Pagan immolations to
Jupiter.
Near the western extremity of the city a portion of the stPaui's
walls has been razed to build the barracks and serai* of
Ibrahim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. ; but from thence along the Orontes to St.
Paul's Gate, as well as on the rest of the circumference, the
limestone walls and towers are remarkable for their superior
construction,
vol. i.