DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5295#0294
258 TRAVELS IN EGYPT, NUBIA,
plague, during the preceding summer, had reduced a garrison
of two thousand men to rather more than six hundred ; these
were well clothed and armed, had rations allowed them, and
some steps taken towards introducing the European disci-
pline, of which the first was to establish musters.
Though the entrance to the eastern harbour of Alexandria
is said to be defended by the two castles of the Pharos
bearing the name of greater and less, yet it is only the former
that may be considered a fort: this, situated at the north
side of the harbour, stands at the end of a long causeway of
several hundred yards: on its outer side may be observed
part of ancient foundations. On each side of the causeway,
walls of twelve or fourteen feet high, with a sort of battle-
ment, protect the passage to the Great Pharos; capable of
some resistance; and, if properly defended, would render it
difficult for vessels to enter or quit the harbour, as there
is no depth of water except within pistol shot.
The sea has a free passage under the causeway by small
arches ; and the force of the waves from the Mediterranean
is broken by a ridge of rocks.
The fort itself, or, as it is called, the castle, was in ruins :
it consisted of an outer square, casemated, forming the sea-
front ; behind which was a second enclosure, commanding
the first: in the centre a square building rises high above
the rest of the works, having turrets at the angles. This
plague, during the preceding summer, had reduced a garrison
of two thousand men to rather more than six hundred ; these
were well clothed and armed, had rations allowed them, and
some steps taken towards introducing the European disci-
pline, of which the first was to establish musters.
Though the entrance to the eastern harbour of Alexandria
is said to be defended by the two castles of the Pharos
bearing the name of greater and less, yet it is only the former
that may be considered a fort: this, situated at the north
side of the harbour, stands at the end of a long causeway of
several hundred yards: on its outer side may be observed
part of ancient foundations. On each side of the causeway,
walls of twelve or fourteen feet high, with a sort of battle-
ment, protect the passage to the Great Pharos; capable of
some resistance; and, if properly defended, would render it
difficult for vessels to enter or quit the harbour, as there
is no depth of water except within pistol shot.
The sea has a free passage under the causeway by small
arches ; and the force of the waves from the Mediterranean
is broken by a ridge of rocks.
The fort itself, or, as it is called, the castle, was in ruins :
it consisted of an outer square, casemated, forming the sea-
front ; behind which was a second enclosure, commanding
the first: in the centre a square building rises high above
the rest of the works, having turrets at the angles. This