SlPYLUS AND ITS MONUMENTS. 45 to a slanting passage, at the end of which was probably a flight of steps leading to the esplanade, but now buried under stones that have fallen in. The roofing of the passage consisted of huge slabs. We have already directed attention to the regularity of the material about the gateway, notably on the .left side. It is self- evident that the unequal size of the blocks determined its having two courses on the dexter hand and three on the sinister. Here and there the lines are broken, even crooked ; nevertheless there is a decided tendency towards horizontal courses. The subser- viency of the builder to the stonecutter is marked throughout. FIG. 13. Gate to Acropolis. WEBER, Plate I. The principal eminence was selected as the site of the Acropolis, for the double purpose of making its defence an easy matter and allowing of efficient vigilance being exercised over the whole surrounding country. The necropolis was not exposed to the same risks, and could conveniently be placed on a lower grade, namely, the rocky slopes which descend towards the plain of Bournabat and overhang the ancient harbour (Fig. 9). The tumuli are about forty-five in number, and exhibit constructive skill enough. They are all stone-built and on the same pattern a conical mass reposing on a circular substructure, itself in touch with the living rock. Down to 1835, the more imposing, commonly called the Tantaleis tomb, could be descried from the quay ; in that year it was ex- plored by Texier and a number of sailors placed at his disposal by the French admiral, Massieu de Clerval, stationed at Smyrna
