Princeton Expeditions to Syria (1899, 1904-1905, 1909)

22

Ḍumêr May 12, 1900

There ^ are ^ 100 miles between Ḍumêr and ancient Salaminius and the two places have little in common in their antiquities but it is convenient for the present to make the center of Syria a geographical division with the Haouran. All the region from the Djebel Ḥass, in fact, to and including the Haouran have one feature in common. That is the employment of basaltic stone for all buildings.

The only remains of importance in Ḍumêr are of classic character. The great central feature of the town, rising above the low modern village is a temple like structure preserved almost intact. This building, which has the general form and outlines of a classic temple, differs from all known temples in having a great portal at either end - east and west - and massive