Bulwark. 
THEBES. 75 
inscriptions lias been concealed by the altar ; and chap. 
it is also evident, that it was built of materials 
derived from some more costly edifice. We 
observed fragments of the Verde ^ntico; and 
Some inscribed marbles have been broken to 
form the pavement. 
Returning from this chapel towards the town, 
we were struck by the very artificial appearance Amient 
exhibited by a lofty hill upon the eastern side of 
it. The shape of this hill will best be compre- 
hended from a sketch made of it at the time. 
Perhaps there can be no doubt but that it formed 
a part of the antient fortifications; as there is 
another hill, equally artificial, near to it; and 
between the two there seems to have been the 
feastern gate, or entrance, to the old city. It 
consists, as to its form, of two cones, with trun- 
cated summits; the one smaller than the other. 
The smaller cone stands upon the larger, as 
upon a pedestal; thereby leaving room for a road 
all round its base, and having, in consequence 
of its truncated summit, a level j?)/a?2e, or terrace, 
upon its top\ The whole of this hill is now 
covered by turf, and no attempt has yet been 
made to injure its form by excavation. 
(l) See the Vignette to this Chapter. 
