Butler Diary: Northern and Central Syria IV, 1900

Ḥâṣṣ

plan and elevation

Scale .50cm = 1m.

18

Tombs. There are two general species of tombs at Ḥâṣṣ and several varieties of each species. The two general types are rockhewn and built tombs. The latter are (1) particularly interesting. They consist usually of two stories - The tower partially excavated and furnished with arcosolia. The upper a sort of chapel with sarcophagi.

This upper story is in some cases built in the form of an aediculae with pilasters, entablature and pediment. One of these stands well to the south of the town. Its façade is quite destroyed but the north wall shows what the nature of the building was (see opp. p.) The lower story of this tomb is almost buried in the soil thus it seems never to have been opened.

(2) Other two story tombs consisted first of a rectangular chamber partially hewn in the natural rock and then provided with arcosolia and broad transverse arches for the support of the tomb chamber above. This was plain in some cases and in others ornamented.

Ḥâṣṣ

plan and elevation, tomb

Scale .50cm = 1m.

measurements, space for doorway

Measurements, space for doorway

illustration