RECENT OBSERVATIONS AND DISCOVERIES OF Read before them 14th and 21st December, 1815; published in the "Archæologia," vol. 18; and reprinted here by their obliging per ON THE TOPOGRAPHY OF ANCIENT BABYLON, &c. &c. [It may be proper to observe, at the outset, that references are made to two distinct plans: the one, of the great central ruins by Mr. Rich; the other, a sketch, made by the Author of the Paper. This latter includes the entire site of what is taken for Ancient Babylon. The former is always referred to, as the Plan; the latter, as the Sketch. The letter-press referred to is always that of Mr. Rich's Memoir.] THE very interesting Memoir of Mr. Claudius Rich, on the remains of Ancient Babylon, having a tendency, as well from the facts set forth in it, concerning the present state of the site of that city, as from his reasonings on them, to occasion doubts respecting the established opinions that have been entertained, on the authority of the ancient historians, it appeared to be almost a required duty from myself to the public, as having already written on the subject, to vindicate the consistency and truth of ancient history; (as well as that of my own statement, which was conformable to it ;) for if all the remains of Ancient Babylon are found on one and the same side of the Euphrates, as Mr. Rich reports them to be; either that river must have altered its course in that particular place, or the statements of the ancients must be wrong. But, independent of this motive, I really wish to place the very interesting and curious facts brought to our notice by Mr. Rich's researches in the clearest and most useful point of view; so as to endeavour by their aid, to develop on the site itself, the general extent of this highly-ancient city, and the distribution of its principal structures, as set forth by the above-said ancient authorities: for Mr. Rich appears to have employed much time, labour, and expense on the occasion; to have entered on his researches without prejudice; to have prosecuted them with much zeal; and finally, to have reported them faithfully. He is indeed the first person who has given any correct ideas concerning the nature of the remains, and in what they consist; and has given more particulars concerning the remains of the supposed Tower of Belus, than Della Valle or Beauchamp; who appear to have viewed them in too hasty a manner, to be enabled to furnish a detailed description.* He gives also some new information, respecting the general position, and It is true that M. de Beauchamp says, "the ruins extend several leagues to the north of Hillah, and incontestably mark the situation of Ancient Babylon;" but this is so vaguely and indistinctly given, that the idea has been applied, exclusively, to the Mujelibè, and the other mounds near it. M. de Beauchamp does not appear to have observed the mounds between the Mujelibè and Mohawill. |