Box Pontons.—In localities where plank and boards can be conveniently procured, pontons may be constructed very expeditiously, by placing ten partitions of 2-inch plank, each 5 feet long, and 21⁄2 inches high, in parallel positions, on the top and sides of which boards are nailed: the box thus formed to be covered with pitched canvas, as described in the mode of constructing crib pontons.
Wagon-body Pontons.—Ordinary wagon-bodies, covered with pitched canvas or india-rubber blankets, may be used either as boats or pontons. The small capacity of the wagon-body requires such pontons to be placed more closely to compensate for it.
Ponton-train. See [Pontons, Bridge Equipage].
Pontus. An ancient kingdom in the northeast of Asia Minor, which derived its name from its being on the Pontus Euxinus (Black Sea), extending from the river Colchis in the east to the river Halys in the west. In early times, its various parts were designated after the tribes which inhabited them. The most important of those tribes are,—the Leucosyri, Tibareni, Chalybes, Mosynœci, Heptacometæ, Drilæ, Bechires, Byzeres, Colchi, Macrones, Mares, Taochi, and Phasiani. From the middle of the 7th century B.C., many of those tribes inhabiting the coast rose to great power and opulence, spreading Greek culture and civilization around them; while many of those of the interior were extremely savage and wild. According to tradition, it was conquered by Ninus, founder of the Assyrian empire; and it was certainly under the Persian dominion after the time of Cyrus the Great. In the reign of Artaxerxes II., Ariobarzanes conquered several of the Pontian tribes, and laid the foundation of an independent kingdom. Mithridates II. succeeded him 337 B.C., who by availing himself of the disputes of the successors of Alexander, considerably enlarged his dominions. Under Mithridates VI., from 120 to 63 B.C., the kingdom of Pontus rose to its highest dignity. In his war with the Romans his kingdom was dismembered by Pompey in 65 B.C., who annexed the western part of the nation, and gave the remainder to the native chiefs. In 63 A.D. Pontus was made a Roman province, and in the changes which transpired under Constantine the province was divided into two parts.
Pontvalent. A kind of light bridge, used in sieges, for surprising a post or outwork which has but a narrow moat; a flying bridge.
Poor Knights of Windsor. See [Knights, Military].
Port Royal. In Beaufort Co., S. C., noted as one of the earliest settlements made by the Spaniards within the present limits of the United States, and for important events during the war of the Rebellion.
Portable Forge. A light and compact blacksmith’s forge, with bellows, etc., that may be moved from place to place; used frequently in the quartermaster’s department.
Portate. In heraldry, borne not erect, but athwart an escutcheon; as, a portate cross.
Portcullis. Is an assemblage of several large pieces of wood, joined across one another like a harrow, and each pointed with iron at the bottom. They are sometimes suspended over the gateway of old fortified towns and castles, ready to be let down in the case of surprise, when the gates cannot be shut.