“Again, I passed by the place, after a similar lapse of time,—the sea had disappeared—and I inquired of a man whom I met at what period this change had taken place. He made me the same answer as the others had done before—and, at length, on returning once more to the place, after the lapse of another five hundred years, I found that it was occupied by a flourishing city, more populous, and more rich in magnificent buildings, than that which I had formerly seen! When I inquired of its inhabitants concerning its origin, I was told that it lost itself in the darkness of antiquity! We have not the least idea, they said, when it was founded, and our forefathers knew no more of its origin than ourselves!”—(Chréstomathie Arabe, vol. iii. p. 419.)] [Illustration: Plan _of the REMAINS of_ TAUCRA, Or _TEUCHIRA;_ BY _Captn. F. W. Beechey R.N._ _J. & C. Walker Sculpt._ _Published as the act directs, April 1827, by J. Murray, Albemarle St. London._] [Illustration: Plan _of the RUINS and ENVIRONS of_ PTOLEMETA, _now called DOLMEITA._ BY _Captn. F. W. Beechey R.N._ _J. & C. Walker Sculpt._ _Published as the act directs, April 1827, by J. Murray, Albemarle St. London._] [Illustration: Engraved from a Drawing taken on the spot by H. Beechey. REMAINS OF AN ANCIENT BRIDGE AT PTOLEMETA. THROWN ACROSS THE BED OF A TORRENT. _Published March 1827, by John Murray, London._] [Illustration:Engraved from a Drawing taken on the spot by H. Beechey. REMAINS OF AN ANCIENT MAUSOLEUM AT PTOLEMETA. _Published March 1827, by John Murray, London._] [Illustration: Drawn by H. Beechey. Engraved by E. Pinden. REMAINS OF AN IONIC BUILDING AT PTOLEMETA. _Published March 1827, by John Murray, London._] [Illustration: Engraved from a Drawing taken on the spot by H. Beechey. REMAINS OF A CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT PTOLEMETA. _Published March 1827, by John Murray, London._] CHAPTER XII.