On 14-4-2012 0:45, Alain wrote:
> I may put my guess here: On the oposite shore, the ground may be
> somewhat unstable, to rocky, sandy, acidic, alcaline,... and thus have
> discouraged peoples from establishing themself in that area.
> In such cases, it's probably used mainly as pasture ground with very
> sparse to no constructions.
> It's also possible that there is no easy access to fresh water.
>
I think you are right indeed. The opposite shore of the river shows 
indeed more relief than where the city was built which is the only 
relatively flat area. Water may thus also be an issue especially 
considering the North African latitude of the site. In my view, the 
desert is not far off with only a belt of vegetation (much like the 
Nile) on both sides of the river.

Thomas

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