‘The Oriental geography of Ebn Haukal, an Arabian traveller of the tenth century’ [‎43] (96/388)

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lars of variegated marble, the tops of which were ornamented
with gold, and studded with precious stones, and all the ceiling
he caused to be covered with goldj and it is said that he ex
pended the revenues of all Syria on this work.
Beyond the borders of Demeshk is OCIX aj Baalbek, situated
on an eminence. Here are the gates of palaces, sculptured in
marble; and lofty columns, also of marble. In the whole region
of Syria, there is not a more stupendous or considerable edifice
than this.
Traholis (Tripolis) is a town on the shore of
the Sea of Roum, well-inhabited, and abounding in dates. The
chief town of this district is ^>2^ Hemes (Emessa), a place
well-supplied with provisions, and of excellent air. The inhabit
ants are celebrated as being handsome. Neither scorpions nor
serpents are found here. It is copiously wateredthe lands are
cultivated, and there are many trees. There is also a church
a Christian church, Ecclesia), to which there is not, in size,
any church of Syria equal: one half of this building is a church;
the other, a mosque. The streets here are paved with stone.
-Aztarsous* is a castle or fortress, situated on the
coast of the Sea of Roum. Selmisa is a town on the
* The syllablcjl Az seems to have been prefixed through mistake or carelessness.