BSY_FB_04-77

77

Burdj Hêdar is one of the largest and most beautifully
situated of the ruined towns to the East of Kalʿat Simʿân.
It spreads out over the comparatively level [ ] of
a high plateau. Near the center of the town stands
a high tower rebuilt in part at least, though
probably during the Christian period. There are
ruins of [five] houses and streets of bazaars well
preserved. In the town itself is a large church
of which both interior arcades are standing tho'
the outer walls and the apse have fallen. The
walls were built of small blocks loosely laid, and
only the portals of the South aisle are in situ.
The diaconicum was extended beyond the S. wall
of the nave, and an apse was added to the East,
forming probably a baptistry. It has two entrances.
Its semi dome is in perfect condition.
The columns of the church have monolithic shafts
about 3 m high, and good Doric capitals with
a deep necking; the arches are not stilted.
The interior of the church was quite plain.
The building is undoubtedly of the IV century.