BENGAZI. 
361 
It will be seen, by a reference to the plan of Ptolemeta, that the 
position of the town was remarkably well chosen. In its front was the 
sea ; and on either side a ravine, along which are still seen traces of for- 
tification, secured its flanks from any sudden attack ; while the only 
passes by which it could be approached from the high ridge of moun- 
tains to the southward, were defended (as will appear in the plan) by 
strong barriers drawn completely across them : the whole town, at the 
same time, was originally inclosed within a wall which may still be 
traced to considerable extent, running parallel with the mountains at 
the back, and extending from these, along the banks of the ravines, 
to the sea. Two bridges appear (from the existing remains) to have 
been thrown across each of the ravines ; one of which is to this day 
tolerably perfect, and is faithfully represented, in its actual condition, 
in the drawing which is given of it (page 362) ; several forts were 
also scattered about in various directions, both within and without 
the walls, contributing at once to the beauty and security of the 
place. The situation of the town in other respects was also remark- 
ably good. It sloped down gradually from the high ground which 
forms the foot of the mountains at its back, (and which sheltered it 
from the southerly winds,) and must consequently have enjoyed the 
full benefit of the cool northern breezes, so grateful in all hot 
climates. In fact, there is no place on the coast of Northern Africa, 
between Ptolemeta and Tripoly, which can at all be compared with 
the former of these places, for beauty, convenience, and security of 
position, Lebda alone excepted. We are, however, informed, that the 
town of Ptolemeta suffered at one time so severely from want of 
