REMARKABLE DISCOVERY IN SYRIA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1608, 16 July 1887, Page 4

REMARKABLE DISCOVERY IN SYRIA.

A remarkable discovery of sarcophagi has recently been made near Sidon, in Syria. A poor man, a Protestant, stumbled on a sort of carejcut in the solid rock about a wile north-east of the city in an open field above the lice of gardens. In each of the four walls of this cave, which is about 35 feet deep, was found a door leading to a chamber. In the south room, about 15 feet square, were two sarcophagi, one of black marble beautifully polished and Beverly plain, with no carving. The other was of pure white marble, eleven feet long, five wide, and twelve high, dazzling bright in the light of candles curried the cave; the top a grand arch of ahining marble, and at the other four aides four projections, each bearing a noble lion's head. On each pane], was a sitnbolical figure—body of animal, head of eagle, with uplifted wings facing each other. Bslow on the front of the tomb, were two Centaurs facing each other, and trampling on a warrior who strove to defend himself by a shield. On the sides were two figures, with four spirited horses ahead of them, and beneath the horses' feet a lion on one side and a bear or hyena on the other. Below these all round was a band of figures, quite small and exquisitely cut, representing hunting scenes, etc. Human skeletons were plentiful all round. An American clergyman, Rev. W. K. Eddy, who has explored the caves, declares that he has never seen any figures in museums of equal beauty. It is said that a sum of £3OOO hae been offered for the sarcophagi, but the Turkish Government, who have taken possession of the cave, will not allow the relics to go out of the country, and have taken steps to have them conveyed to Constantinople. Competent authorities declare that there is nothing to match them, even in the colli ction at Athens. According to the latest information, the authorities have forbiden all further access to the tombs.