BSY_FB_06_p029

29

Bābuṭṭa

and partially built. The mortuary
chamber with its sarcophagi being excavated
in the natural rock and its ornamental,
columnar portico built of well rough cut stone.

On the face of it, the façade of this
tomb is of classic origin - there is no
sign of christian ornament or symbol.

Its columns and pilasters, with the
architrave above them are finely Roman
Doric with the echinus beautifully carved
in egg-and-dart pattern. The pediment is
perfectly preserved and is thoroughly classic
in design, from this a roof of large slabs
extends to the natural rock. The doorway
of the tomb is carved, in classic design, upon
the face of the rock. It is clear that this
tomb had no connexion with the tomb of
Bābuṭṭa but belongs to the period of the
Roman Temple at Bourg Bakisha no more
than quarter of a mile below it on the
mountain side.