BSY_FB_16-23

Khirbet Ḥâṣṣ March 23, 1900

These extensive ruins comprise a fine
group of large private residences which de Vogüé
calls villas, a large church much ruined and
a large building of irregular plan at a short
distance from the town. There are almost
no small structures. The town seems to have
been only a place of residence for the wealthy.
All the buildings seem to belong to about the
same epoch as all are built in one style -
a fine example of decorated quadrated.

Church. The church stands on the northern side
of the town. It is of the simple plan common
in the district, with the curve of the apse concealed.
This much ruined but all the parts are to be
found in the debris. (see plan on opp. page) - The
ornament is of high order with rich Corinthian
caps ^(see photo)^, and finely moulded arches. The columns
are monolithic as are the engaged columns which
flanked the arch of the apse. Just before the
apse are fragments of a fine mosaic that
occupied the space before the altar. This design