Port Mahon — Chambers's Encyclopaedia

A detailed line drawing of the Portland Vase, an ancient Roman cameo cut-glass vase. The vase is pear-shaped with a long neck and a flared rim. It features two handles on the sides. The body is decorated with a relief of figures in a cameo style. On the left, a seated female figure (Thetis) is shown with a young man (Eros) standing beside her. In the center, a reclining female figure (Thetis) is depicted. On the right, a seated male figure (Poseidon) is shown. The vase is set against a background of stylized foliage and a rocky landscape. — Portland Vase.

Port Mahon (anc. Portus Magonis), the capital of the island of Minorca (q.v.), is beanti- fully situated on a deep, narrow inlet in the south-east of the island. Its harbour is one of the finest in the Mediterranean, and is protected by powerful forts and fortifications. Building stone, shoes, cottons, cattle, and honey are exported. Pop. 15,842. The town was held by the English from 1708 to 1756, and again from 1762 to 1782. It was they who made it a first-class fortress.