BSY_FB_06_p002

2.

Burdj Bāḳirḥa

The temple was unquestionably sacred to ^ a ^
local divinity identified with Zeus and must
have been completed as early if not earlier
than the gate of the temenos.

It is a curious fact that the structure was never
wholely finished - the base mouldings of three
of the columns and other mouldings in various
parts of the building having been only hacked out
for the final work of the sculptor. It is easily
conceivable that the rapid growth of Christianity
which flourished so early in Syria, as is
represented by the large number of early churches
erected in this region, checked the building of
the pagan shrine before its completion.

The building is not a large one, measuring
20 x 57ft. over all. It is built of the best stone of the
region, in well squared and fitted blocks.

The style is an excellent specimen of Roman
classic - the columns ^ 20ft high ^ of perfect proportions are
of the unfluted Corinthian order and rest on
low pedestals 1 1/2ft. high, the angles of the cella