BSY_FB_16-97

97

Isriyeh

From Ḳaṣr Zebed we purveyed across the desert
almost due South to a small mountain
group called from the name of its chief
town Djebel Isriyeh. The town which is
in complete ruins is situated on the
northern face of the hills. There is now no
modern settlement but the site is daily
visited by hundreds of Bedouins who
bring their flocks and camels to the wells
and there are encampments here
in larger or smaller numbers throughout
the year.

In this region we pass out of the domain
of black basalt and find a pure white
limestone as the medium of construction.

Foundations in large quadrated blocks
are traceable in all directions and
considerable remains of a high strong wall
which enclosed, not the town, but a large
space to the north of the well preserved
temple - just below it.