AMR AN HILL. 
871 
space, in extent about 800 yards (L); which space is subdivided 
by a Jong low mound of ridges, running east and west; at the 
latter extremity it unites with a transverse ridge of greater alti¬ 
tude, and nearly 100 yards in breadth, which extends from the 
south-west angle of the Kasr Hill to almost the extreme north¬ 
west point of the Am ran Hill. This line of mound runs parallel 
with the piece of embankment deserted by the river at (b.) It 
is not improbable that the broad summit may have originally 
formed a grand terraced avenue between the two divisions of 
the palace which occupied these opposite mountains of structure. 
And here it may not be irrelevant to remind my reader, that, 
if we are to suppose there was any affinity in the plans of ancient 
Eastern palaces, we must not expect to find the ruins of the 
palace of Babylon confined to one mound; but that its various 
compartments, private and ceremonial, gardens, &c. (like the 
remains at Persepolis, on their different stages,) would be spread 
over several of these venerable hills. The attendant buildings, 
civil and military, would stand in every direction, within the 
embattled walls. 
The surface of the flat ground which lies between the two 
leading hills, is covered with long rank grass, the soil being very 
soft and damp. The great mass of the Am ran (M) spreads 
over a vaster expanse every way, than that of the Kasr; and, 
with the exception of the height gained by the surmounting 
standing wall of the latter, appears quite as high. The form of 
the Am ran is triangular ; the south-west face extending to a 
hne of 1400 yards, the eastern to 1100, the northern to 850; 
the whole of which stupendous heap is broken like that of the 
Kasr, into deep caverned ravines, and long winding furrows. I 
conclude it to be exhausted of all its extractable bricks, from 
8b 2 
