BARSAMPSE(Βαρσάμψη), a place mentioned by Ptolemy (Ptol. 5.18.5.) as being on the E. bank of the Euphrates. Lat. 36° 15′, long. 72° 20′. Ritter ( Erdkunde, vol. 10. p. 1000) fixes its position S.E. of Betham Maria at the spot where the Euphrates makes a bend to the W. opposite to the caves and ruins of El Alcater. The name is Syrian, and has been identified as Beth-Shemesh, or Temple of the Sun.
[E.B.J]