Note 48 — BOOK II.
Aubrey Stewart translation
‘The ruins present the form of an acute triangle, having its base resting on the river, whilst its sides climb the acclivity of a conical hill, and terminate at its summit in a small Acropolis. It was defended by walls flanked by strong towers, which, as well as the public and private buildings, were all constructed of fine gypsum (which abounds along the Euphrates), and are as sharp and fresh as if they had recently been built.’—‘Narrative of the Euphrates Expedition,’ p. 247, by F. R. Chesney, London, 1868. 8vo. (L.)