DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4372#0096
SO
ped. Immediately under the small temple of Isis, near the level
of the water, we observed in the side of the hill two long narrow
subterranean galleries, about 3 feet 6 inches wide, and 10 feet
high. They are constructed of very strong masonry, in the rus-
tic manner, and have every appearance of being continued as
far as the great temple, serving, perhaps, as secret passages for the
priests in their mysterious ceremonies, or more probably for the
convenience of conducting the sacred crocodiles into the adytum
of the temple. Herodotus appears to be speaking of similar
passages underground, when he mentions those in the Labyrinth,
appropriated as the cemetery of these animals, and of the royal
founders of that building.
The chief proprietors of the country about Ombos are the
Ababde Arabs, whose head quarters arc at Deroo, a little higher
up the river. This tribe is more inclined to commercial pursuits,
than either to plunder or warfare: • they live a quiet peaceable
life, chiefly occupied in the culture of their lands, in feeding flocks
of sheep, in the sale and transport of senna and charcoal (of the
Acacia tree) from the interior of the desert, and in conducting
the caravans between Kenneh and Cosseir. In this latter office
they derive great profits from the hire of their camels, and for
the protection they give to the merchants against their constant
enemies, the Atouni, who haunt the more inhospitable and im-
practicable deserts South of Kenneh towards Cairo.
These Ababdes are likewise in the habit of escorting the Sen-
naar caravan across the desert; and the chief who usually takes
upon him this office being now at home, called upon us, with a
present of fifteen sheep, and four or five dozen of ostrich fea-
thers. His name was Hadgi Hamid, and in the course of con-
versation he told me, that he very well remembered his father's
returning with a Sennaar caravan several years ago, accompanied
by
ped. Immediately under the small temple of Isis, near the level
of the water, we observed in the side of the hill two long narrow
subterranean galleries, about 3 feet 6 inches wide, and 10 feet
high. They are constructed of very strong masonry, in the rus-
tic manner, and have every appearance of being continued as
far as the great temple, serving, perhaps, as secret passages for the
priests in their mysterious ceremonies, or more probably for the
convenience of conducting the sacred crocodiles into the adytum
of the temple. Herodotus appears to be speaking of similar
passages underground, when he mentions those in the Labyrinth,
appropriated as the cemetery of these animals, and of the royal
founders of that building.
The chief proprietors of the country about Ombos are the
Ababde Arabs, whose head quarters arc at Deroo, a little higher
up the river. This tribe is more inclined to commercial pursuits,
than either to plunder or warfare: • they live a quiet peaceable
life, chiefly occupied in the culture of their lands, in feeding flocks
of sheep, in the sale and transport of senna and charcoal (of the
Acacia tree) from the interior of the desert, and in conducting
the caravans between Kenneh and Cosseir. In this latter office
they derive great profits from the hire of their camels, and for
the protection they give to the merchants against their constant
enemies, the Atouni, who haunt the more inhospitable and im-
practicable deserts South of Kenneh towards Cairo.
These Ababdes are likewise in the habit of escorting the Sen-
naar caravan across the desert; and the chief who usually takes
upon him this office being now at home, called upon us, with a
present of fifteen sheep, and four or five dozen of ostrich fea-
thers. His name was Hadgi Hamid, and in the course of con-
versation he told me, that he very well remembered his father's
returning with a Sennaar caravan several years ago, accompanied
by