[The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 5. (of 7): Persia by George Rawlinson]@TWC D-Link bookThe Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 5. (of 7): Persia CHAPTER V 62/92
1.] This is divided by horizontal lines into three portions, the upper one (corresponding with the topmost limb of the cross) containing a very curious sculptured representation of the monarch worshipping Ormazd; the middle one, which comprises the two side limbs, together with the space between them, being carved architecturally so as to resemble a portico; and the third compartment (corresponding with the lowest limb of the cross) being left perfectly plain.
In the centre of the middle compartment is sculptured on the face of the rock the similitude of a doorway, closely resembling those which still stand on the great platform; that is to say, doubly recessed, and ornamented at the top with lily-work.
The upper portion of this doorway is filled with the solid rock, smoothed to a flat surface and crossed by three horizontal bars.
The lower portion, to the height of four or five feet, is cut away; and thus entrance is given to the actual tomb, which is hollowed out in the rock behind. [Illustration: PLATE LII.] Thus far the rock tombs, are, with scarcely an exception, of the same type.
The excavations, however, behind their ornamental fronts, present some curious differences.
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