BSY_FB_16-18

18

Tombs. There are two general species of tombs
at Ḥâṣṣ and several varieties of each
species. The two general types are rock-
hewn and built tombs. The latter are
(1) particularly interesting. They consist
usually of two stories - The tower partially
excavated and furnished with arcosolia.
The upper a sort of chapel with sarcophagi.

This upper story is in some cases built in
the form of an aediculae with pilasters,
entablature and pediment. One of these stands well
to the south of the town. Its façade is quite
destroyed but the north wall shows what the nature
of the building was (see opp. p.) The lower story
of this tomb is almost buried in the soil thus
it seems never to have been opened.

(2) Other two story tombs consisted first of a
rectangular chamber partially hewn in the
natural rock and then provided with
arcosolia and broad transverse arches for the
support of the tomb chamber above. This was
plain in some cases and in others ornamented.