a term particularly used for magnificent buildings fallen into decay by length of time, and whereof there only remains a confused heap of materials. Such are the ruins of the tower of Babel, of the tower of Belus, two days journey from Bagdad, in Syria, on the banks of the Euphrates; which are now no more than a heap of bricks, cemented with bitumen, and whereof we only perceive the plan to have been square. Such also are the ruins of a famous temple, or palace, near Schiras, in Persia, which the antiquaries will have to have been built by Ahafuerus, and which the Persians now call Tchehelinar, or Chelminar; q. d. the 40 columns; because there are so many columns remaining pretty entire, with the traces of others; a great quantity of bas-reliefs, and unknown characters, sufficient to show the magnificence of the antique architecture. The most remarkable ruins now existing of whole cities are those of Palmyra and Persepolis, of the grandeur of which some idea may be formed from the views given in the plates referred to from these articles, to which may be added those of Herculaneum and Pompeii. The magnificent ruins still remaining in Rome, Athens, &c. of particular edifices, as temples, palaces, amphitheatres, aqueducts, baths, &c. it were endless to enumerate, and beyond the plan of this work to represent.

RÜZIA, a genus of plants belonging to the madder family; and in the natural method ranking under the 37th order, Columniferae. See Botany Index.