The great pyramid passages and chambers

PLATE XCVII. whose base is a regular rectilinear plane figure, and whose sides are plane triangles, having all their vertices meeting together in a point above the base, called the vertex of the pyramid.” These other “ pyramids” were erected in steps or terraces, and had temples built on their tops.

403 In the same connection, Professor Flinders Petrie also writes: ‘‘ Such a form of architecture [as a pyramid] is only known in Middle Egypt, and there only during the period from the 4th to the 12th Dynasty (before 2000 B.C.)—having square bases and angles of about 50°. In other countries various modifications of the tumulus, barrow, or burial-heap have arisen which have come near to this type; but these when formed of earth are usually circular, or, if square, have a flat top, and when built of stone are always in steps or terraces.”

404 On a former occasion, when visiting the site of the Temple, we mounted the walls of the Temple Area and took a photograph of this part of the Valley of Jehoshaphat, showing the three prominent tombs just mentioned, as well as a few of the numerous graves which cluster most thickly at the base of the Prophet's tombPlate XCIV.

405 On Sunday, 4th July, John, Jack and I, in company with Brother Cotton and Mr. Jamal, all went a drive along the road to Bethany. We spent so much time visiting places of interest, that we did not manage to go all the way to Bethany. We drove to the summit of the Mount of Olives, and ascended the high tower of the Church of the Ascension. From this eminence we had a magnificent view of the Holy City. Directly below us were a large number of * threshing-floors,”’ of which we succeeded in securing a photograph showing the harvesters busily engaged ‘“ treading” the corn—Plate XCVI.

406 We also visited the Tombs of the Kings, situated some distance to the north of the city—Plate LXXXV. After descending a broad flight of rock-hewn steps, we turned to the left, and through an archway entered a large open quadrangle, about 30 feet or more deep, also cut out in the rock. On the left wall we noticed a large opening like the stage and proscenium of a theatre—Plate XCVII._ It would measure about 12 or 15 feet deep to the back wall. On the left side of this stage at HE MTHS Oop He ES the back, there is a depression in the floor leading down to a low vertical doorway, which is open. Propped up beside it is a large stone like a mill-stone, which, if freed, would roll down and effectually close the entrance. It reminded us of the description of our Lord's tomb.

209