BSY_FB_16-06

6

Ḳalʿat il Muḍîḳ (Apamea) March 17&18th, 1900

From Ḳalʿat Sêdjar we moved the camp
northward, crossing the river just below the town and
travelling over the rolling downs of the river valley
about four hours toward the Southern foothills
of the Djebel. Here is situated the ruin
of a great Saracenic castle upon the acropolis
of the ancient city of the Seleuicid kings. The
ruin is now occupied by a large and filthy village.

The acropolis rises directly from a great
marsh which was once a lake. From either
side of the acropolis begin the walls of the lower city
which run to the North and South and then
turn eastward to enclose an enormous area.

The walls are easily traceable throughout this
entire length, parts of them have been rebuilt
by the Saracens but in a number of places
the ancient stonework, of excellent character, is
still in situ. Toward the East and South a
deep narrow valley forms a natural moat below
the walls but toward the north the country is level.