--one on the north, called
the Sidonian; the other on the south, named the Egyptian. He was perhaps
also the originator of the long causeway, the lower courses of which
still serve as a breakwater, by which he transformed the projecting
headland between the island and the mainland into a well-sheltered
harbour. Finally, he set to work on a task like that which he had
already helped Solomon to accomplish: he built for himself a palace
of cedar-wood, and restored and beautified the temples of the gods,
including the ancient sanctuary of Melkarth, and that of Astarte. In his
reign the greatness of Phoenicia reached its zenith, just as that of the
Hebrews culminated under David.

[Illustration: 371.jpg THE BREAKWATER OF THE EGYPTIAN HARBOUR AT TYRE]

Drawn by Boudier, from a photograph published by the Duc de
Luynes.

The most celebrated of Solomon's works were to be seen at Jerusalem. As
David left it, the city was somewhat insignificant. The water from its
fountains had been amply sufficient for the wants of the little
Jebusite town; it was wholly inadequate to meet the requirements of
the growing-population of the capital of Judah. Solomon made better
provision for its distribution than there had been in the past, and then
tapped a new source of supply some distance away, in the direction of
Bethlehem; it is even said that he made the reservoirs for its storage
which still bear his name.*

* A somewhat ancient tradition attributes these works to
Solomon; no single fact confirms it, but the balance of
probability seems to indicate that he must have taken steps
to provide a water-supply for the new city. The channels and
reservoirs, of which traces are found at the present day,
probably occupy the same positions as those which preceded
them.

[Illustration: 372.jpg one of Solomon's reservoirs near Jerusalem]

Drawn by Boudier, from a photograph by M. C. Alluaud of
Limoges.

Meanwhile, Hiram had drawn up for him plans for a fortified residence,
on a scale commensurate with the thriving fortunes of his dynasty. The
main body was constructed of stone from the Judaean quarries, cut by
masons from Byblos, but it was inlaid with cedar to such an extent that
one wing was called "the house of the forest-of-Lebanon." It contained
everything that was required for the comfort of an Eastern potentate--a
harem, with separate apartments for the favourites (one of which was