ENPages
BSY_FB_05_p.32
32
of building in this region - that which we have called megalithic and that which presents a debased form of classic Roman style, the foundation of the Romanesque.
The edifice is a perfect example of the influeunce of ready materials upon design. Every portion of the structure was in massive blocks of stone, of better quality than common but whether ^ brought ^ from a distance or simply chosen specially, or deeply quarried it is hard to say, certain it is that it is of the same general species common to the Jebel.
The side aisles, ^ one of which is preserved, ^ were roofed by huge horizontal slabs the walls being hacketed (sic-hacked) out to receive the ends - The apse is covered by a semi dome of perfectly adjusted blocks of stone showing the spherical form outside - This was however
BSY_FB_05_p.33
33
originally consealed by the wall of the apse which was carried up to the level of the crown of the semi dome.
The roofing slabs of the aisles were pointed along their edges in a manner to withstand weather and secure solidity. This is seen in the moulded, projecting ends as seen in the sketch.
These portions illustrate the indigenous style of building - The Roman influence is manifest in the broad arches with richly ornamented archivolts, in the carved caps of the piers and the pilasters which flank the apse.
The windows are rectangular within but on the exterior a moulding in arch form is executed upon the lintel.
The exterior engaged col's of the apse are excellent types of debased Corinthian order. All the ornaments of the highest interest - a squeeze was taken of a window frame in E. end of S. aisle.
BSY_FB_05_p.34
34
A Greek inscription upon one member of the carved lintel of one of the richly ornamented portals in the south wall was copied and a squeeze was made by P. Squeezes were also taken of 2 symbolical discs on the interior.
The church from its size and central position among the towns of the Jebel may well have been the seat of a bishop and the scarsity of civil or domestic ruins would seem to indicate that Ḳalb Lauzi was chiefly an ecclesiastical centre - Its importance in this sphere doubtless dates from the time of Justinus and Justinian whose coins are found in great numbers by the peasants.
BSY_FB_05_p.35
35
Little is left of the ancient town.
A building some distance west of the church shows the prevalence of the megalithic style in the remains of a heavy stone floor supported upon a colonnade of rectangular piers with moulded caps.
North of the church are the scant remains of an ancient windmill. To the N.W. are remains of a small tower called Ḳaṣr Dêr Ibn' Imâr. It looks like a small castle as the first word would signify but may have been the home of a mediaeval hermit as the word Dêr (convent) implies.
Tombs and cisterns abound and a large roughly hewn sarcophagus is to be seen S.E. from the church.
