Page 165 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

146 SURVEY OF THE [CH.

whence ’Akabah takes its name. Steep and

dangerous, it is much dreaded by the Bedow-
ins, who lose a number of camels in crossing
it. Not far from this is the Kasser el Bedowi,
now deserted, but formerly occupied by the
Bedowins. Here, l am told, there is a chain
extending from the shore to a pier built in
the sea.
Modern ’Akabah is supposed to occupy the
site of the ancient towns of Ailah, Elana, and
Assouan; and D’Anville and other geogra­
phers place there the ports of Elath and Esi-
ongeber. Ports it is certain there are none;
and their ruins have all passed away: so that
’Akabah is now alone remarkable for its castle

and date-grove, The former is situated
amidst the trees, one hundred and fifty yards
from the beach, and about two miles and a
half from the extremity of the Gulf. Within,
there are a few cadjan huts, occupied by Be­
dowins; and the walls, thirty feet high, are
constructed in alternate bands of red and
white stones. It is garrisoned by about forty
Maghrebinjee* soldiers; but its security de­
pends more on the name of Mohammed Ali

* Barbareque Arabs.