BSY_FB_16-10

10

The lateness of the work is shown chiefly in the
capitals which are lacking in relief and do
not spread sufficiently at the top.

Near the middle of the colonnade is a tall upright
slab carved in low relief with a figure
resembling Bacchus, in a richly ornamented
frame of grapevine. The relief may have
formed the inside of the jamb of a monumental
portal in the grand colonnade.

North Portal. The north portal is the only one of the city
gates that preserves any considerable portion of
its ancient structure and this seems to have been
partially rebuilt in Saracenic times. It consisted
of two massive square towers with a heavy arch
between them, of this a single round arch of 14 feet
span is in place. This is constructed partly of
fragments but its form is Roman and it is put
together without mortar. It is not inconceivable that
the Romans rebuilt a portal of older Greek period.

Each of the two massive towers contained a stair
entered from a small door on the South beside
the main arch. (see opp. page)