Butler, Howard Crosby; Princeton University [Editor]: Syria: publications of the Princeton University Archaeological Expeditions to Syria in 1904 - 5 and 1909 (Div. 2, Sect. A ; 1): Ammonitis (1907)

'Amman {Philadelphia}.

43

on the spot· yet the great mass of material within the enclosure would seem to
indicate that there were buildings here, the plans of which are hidden in the ruins.
It is possible, however, that this material was brought here from other parts of the
akropolis, during the middle ages, for the construction of rude houses which have now
desintegrated. The fine, white limestone of which the walls and colonnades of the
peribolos were constructed, has weathered badly, yet a few of the niches show a refined
design with well executed conches, and simple face mouldings. A few sections of
architrave, and of frieze and cornice, that have fallen in protected positions, preserve



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Ill. 27.

their rich details of carving in great perfection (Ill. 27). The proportions of the entabla-
ture are rather unusual, though quite pleasing, and the carved ornament, in various
patterns, is uncommon and very rich. The capitals of the columns are all badly
weathered, but they seem to have been of the style ordinarily employed in this region.
The details give every indication that the structure belongs to the period of the Antonine
emperors, probably of the same date as the Great Temple.
Propylaea. The first building below the akropolis, in the lower city, is represented
by a ruin on the slope below the south wall of the akropolis, standing on higher
ground than any other of the ancient buildings. It has been described as a temple