DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.29898#0195
Bk. II. Ch. II.
CHALDEAN TEMPLES.
159
the other; but whether the whole of this was occupied by a flig'ht of
steps or liot is by no means clear. Taken altogether, the plan and
probable appearance of the building when complete may haye been
something like that represented in Woodcuts Nos. 48 and 49, though
there are too many elements of uncertainty to make it a restoration
which can altogether be depended upon.
49. PJan of Temple at Mugheyr. Scale 100 ft. to 1 in.
The typical example of this class of temples is the Birs ISTimroud,1
near Babylon. It is true that as it now stands every brick bears the
stamp of Hebochadnassar, by whom it was repaired, perhaps nearly
rebuilt; but there is no reason for supposing that he changed the
original plan, or that the sacrecl form of these temples hacl altered in
the interval. It owes its more perfect preservation to the fact of the
upper storey having been vitrified, after erection, by some process
we do not- quite understand. This now forms a mass of slag, which
has to a great extent protected the lower storeys from atmospheric
influences.
In so far as it has been explored, the lower storey forms a perfect
square, 272 feet each way. Above this are six storeys, each 42 feet
less in horizontal dimensions. These are not placed concentrically on
those below them, but at a distance of only 12 feet from the south-
1 Journal B. A. S., vol. xviii. p. i, et I -wliicli all tlie information kere given
scrp, Sir II. Bawlinson’s paper, from | regarcling the Birs is obtained.
CHALDEAN TEMPLES.
159
the other; but whether the whole of this was occupied by a flig'ht of
steps or liot is by no means clear. Taken altogether, the plan and
probable appearance of the building when complete may haye been
something like that represented in Woodcuts Nos. 48 and 49, though
there are too many elements of uncertainty to make it a restoration
which can altogether be depended upon.
49. PJan of Temple at Mugheyr. Scale 100 ft. to 1 in.
The typical example of this class of temples is the Birs ISTimroud,1
near Babylon. It is true that as it now stands every brick bears the
stamp of Hebochadnassar, by whom it was repaired, perhaps nearly
rebuilt; but there is no reason for supposing that he changed the
original plan, or that the sacrecl form of these temples hacl altered in
the interval. It owes its more perfect preservation to the fact of the
upper storey having been vitrified, after erection, by some process
we do not- quite understand. This now forms a mass of slag, which
has to a great extent protected the lower storeys from atmospheric
influences.
In so far as it has been explored, the lower storey forms a perfect
square, 272 feet each way. Above this are six storeys, each 42 feet
less in horizontal dimensions. These are not placed concentrically on
those below them, but at a distance of only 12 feet from the south-
1 Journal B. A. S., vol. xviii. p. i, et I -wliicli all tlie information kere given
scrp, Sir II. Bawlinson’s paper, from | regarcling the Birs is obtained.