'Narrative of a journey to the site of Babylon in 1811, now first published: memoir on the ruins; with engravings from the original sketches by the author: remarks on the topography of ancient Babylon, by Major Rennell; in reference to the memoir: second memoir on the ruins; in reference to Major Rennell's remarks: with narrative of a journey to Persepolis: now first printed, with hitherto unpublished cuneiform inscriptions copied at Persepolis: by the late Claudius James Rich, Esq., formerly the Resident of the Hon. East India Company at Bagdad. Edited by his widow.' [‎9] (36/474)

INTRODUCTION.
ix
this edifice is a golden altar; there is also another
altar of great size, on which are offered full-grown
animals. Upon the golden altar it is not lawful
to offer any sacrifices, except sucklings. Once in
every year, when the festival of this god is cele
brated, the Chaldeans burn upon the greater altar
1000 talents of frankincense. There was also, not
long since, in this sacred enclosure, a statue of gold,
12 cubits in height; at least, so the Chaldeans
affirmed. I did not myself see it. This figure
Darius Hystaspes would fain have taken, but dared
not execute his wishes. But his son Xerxes, not
only took it, but put to death the priest who endea
voured to prevent its removal.* Such was the mag-
nifience of this temple, which contained also many
private offerings."f
Among the stupendous works of Babylon, de
scribed by ancient authors, none seem to have excited
more wonder and admiration than those for the pre
servation of the city from the effects of the inun
dations of the Euphrates, which, during the summer
months, or after the melting of the snows on the
mountains of Armenia, overflows its banks, from the
very great increase of waters which run into it at
that season.
To prevent the damage which both the city and
* According to the calculation which Diodorus makes of the
riches contained in this temple, the sum total amounted to above
21 millions sterling,
t Herodotus. (Taylor's Translation, p. 87.)