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Page:Travels & discoveries in the Levant (1865) Vol. 1.djvu/140

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112
TRAVELS AND DISCOVERIES

of a house-dog on the wall. I thought at once of the cave canem dog on the mosaic at the entrance of a house at Pompeii; and, on inquiry, was told that it was anciently the custom in Mytilene to paint a dog over the entrance of the house. About ten minutes' walk from this village is a very curious chapel in a cave, "called σπήλαιον τῆς Αγίας Παρασκεῦης. It is hewn out of the rock, and probably dates from an early period of Christianity.

Externally, the rock is cut into the form of a facade, thus:—

In the centre is a square-headed doorway, on each side of which is an archway of inferior height, sculptured in relief, with low mouldings. Inside is an irregular oblong space about 21 feet long by 13 feet 6 inches wade.

A A. Rectangular pillars dividing the chancel, or ἱερόν, from the outer space, G.

B. Altar, called ἅγιων βῆμα, and ἁγία τράπεζα.

C. C. Two small tables formed by rectangular projections.

D. Apse.

E. Small square window.

F. Entrance.

Between the two pilasters A A hangs a cloth used as a veil. The opening, partially concealed by this