He had many willing followers, but becoming suspected by a
few of entertaining secret designs, and of an intention of taking
forcible possession of power, he was attacked by them and put to death.
few of entertaining secret designs, and of an intention of taking
forcible possession of power, he was attacked by them and put to death.
Strabo
The
Thyamus[2855] flows near it. Above this gulf is situated Cichyrus,
formerly Ephyra, a city of the Thesproti, and above the gulf at
Buthrotum, Phœnice. [2856] Near Cichyrus is Buchetium, a small city of
the Cassopæi, situated at a little distance from the sea; Elatria,
Pandosia, and Batiæ are in the inland parts. Their territory extends as
far as the gulf. Next after the harbour Glycys-Limen are two others,
Comarus,[2857] the nearest and smallest, forming an isthmus of 60
stadia, near the Ambracian Gulf and Nicopolis,[2858] founded by Augustus
Cæsar; the other, the more distant and larger, and better harbour, is
near the mouth of the gulf, and distant from Nicopolis about 12 stadia.
6. Then follows the entrance of the Ambracian Gulf, [CAS. 326] which is
a little more than four stadia in width. The circuit of the gulf is 400
stadia, and the whole has good harbours. On sailing into it, on the
right hand are the Acarnanes, who are Greeks; and here near the entrance
of the gulf is a temple of Apollo Actius, situated on an eminence; in
the plain below is a sacred grove, and a naval station. Here Augustus
Cæsar[2859] dedicated as offerings one-tenth of the vessels taken in
war, from vessels of one bank to vessels of ten banks of oars. The
vessels, and the buildings destined for their reception, were destroyed,
it is said, by fire.
On the left hand are Nicopolis,[2860] and the Cassopæi, a tribe of the
Epirotæ, extending as far as the recess of the gulf at Ambracia.
Ambracia[2861] is situated a little above the recess of the bay, and was
founded by Gorgus, (Torgus, Tolgus,) the son of Cypselus. The river
Arathus flows beside it, which may be navigated up the stream to the
city, a distance of a few stadia. It rises in Mount Tymphe, and the
Paroræa. This city was formerly in a very flourishing condition, and
hence the gulf received its name from the city. Pyrrhus, however,
embellished it more than any other person, and made it a royal
residence. In later times,[2862] the Macedonians and Romans harassed
this and other cities by continual wars, caused by the refractory
disposition of the inhabitants, so that Augustus, at length perceiving
that these cities were entirely deserted, collected their remaining
inhabitants into one city, which he called Nicopolis, situated upon the
gulf. He called it after the victory which he obtained in front of the
gulf, over Antony, and Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, who was present in
the engagement.
Nicopolis is well peopled, and is improving every day. It has a large
territory, and is adorned with the spoils of war. In the suburbs is a
sacred enclosure; part of it is a grove, containing a gymnasium and a
stadium, intended for the celebration of quinquennial games; the other
part, on a rising ground overhanging the grove, is sacred to Apollo. The
Olympian game, called the Actia,[2863] is instituted there in honour of
Apollo Actius. It is under the superintendence of the Lacedæmonians. The
other surrounding settlements are dependent on Nicopolis. The Actian
games[2863] were formerly celebrated in honour of the god by the
neighbouring people; it was a contest in which the victor was crowned;
but Cæsar has conferred on it greater honours.
7. After Ambracia follows the Amphilochian Argos, founded by Alcmæon and
his sons. According to Ephorus, Alcmæon, after the expedition of the
Epigoni[2864] against Thebes, upon the solicitation of Diomed,
accompanied him in his invasion of Ætolia, and obtained joint possession
of this country and of Acarnania. When Agamemnon invited them to come to
the siege of Troy, Diomed went, but Alcmæon remained in Acarnania,
founded Argos, and gave it the name Amphilochian, after his brother
Amphilochus. On the same authority the river Inachus, which flows
through the country and empties itself into the bay, received its name
from the river in the Argive territory. Thucydides, however, says that
Amphilochus himself, upon his return from Troy, dissatisfied with the
state of things at Argos, passed over into Acarnania, and having
succeeded to the dynasty of his brother, founded the city which is
called after his name.
8. The Amphilochians are Epirotæ, as also are those nations who inhabit
a rugged country situated above and close to the Illyrian mountains, the
Molotti, Athamanes, Æthices, Tymphæi, Orestæ Paroræi, and Atintanes,
some of whom approach nearer to Macedonia, others to the Ionian Gulf. It
is said that Orestes possessed the territory Orestias at the time of his
flight, after the murder of his mother, and left the country [CAS. 327]
bearing his name, where also he had built a city called Orestic Argos.
With these people are intermixed Illyrian nations, some of whom are
situated on the southern part of the mountainous district, and others
above the Ionian Gulf. For above Epidamnus and Apollonia, as far as the
Ceraunian mountains, live the Bulliones, Taulantii, Parthini, and
Brygi. [2865]
Somewhere near are the silver mines of Damastium. Here the Perisadyes
had established their sway, and Enchelii, who are also called
Sesarethii. Then come the Lyncestæ, the territory Deuriopus,
Pelagonia-Tripolitis, the Eordi, Elimia, and Eratyra. Formerly each of
these nations was under its own prince. The chiefs of the Enchelii were
descendants of Cadmus and Harmonia, and scenes of the fables respecting
these persons are shown in the territory. This nation, therefore, was
not governed by native princes. The Lyncestæ were under Arrhabæus, who
was of the race of the Bacchiadæ. Irra was his daughter, and his
grand-daughter was Eurydice, the mother of Philip Amyntas.
The Molotti also were Epirotæ, and were subjects of Pyrrhus Neoptolemus,
the son of Achilles, and of his descendants, who were Thessalians. The
rest were governed by native princes. Some tribes were continually
endeavouring to obtain the mastery over the others, but all were finally
subdued by the Macedonians, except a few situated above the Ionian Gulf.
They gave the name of Upper Macedonia to the country about Lyncestis,
Pelagonia, Orestias, and Elimia. Later writers called it Macedonia the
Free, and some extend the name of Macedonia to all the country as far as
Corcyra, at the same time assigning as their reasons, the mode of
cutting their hair, their language, the use of the chlamys, and similar
things in which they resemble the Macedonians; some of them, however,
speak two languages. On the dissolution of the Macedonian empire, they
fell under the power of the Romans.
The Egnatian Way, from Epidamnus and Apollonia, passes through the
territory of these people. Near the road to Candavia are the lakes about
Lychnidus, which furnish large supplies of fish for salting, and rivers,
some of which empty themselves into the Ionian Gulf. Some flow towards
the south, as the Inachus, the Arathus, (Ratoüs,) the Achelous, and the
Evenus, formerly called Lycormas. The Ratoüs discharges its waters into
the Ambracian Gulf, the Inachus into the Achelous, the Achelous itself
into the sea, as also the Evenus; the former traverses Acarnania, the
latter Ætolia. The Erigon, after having received many streams which flow
from the Illyrian mountains, and through the territories of Lyncestæ,
Brygi, Deuriopes, and Pelagonians, empties itself into the Axius.
9. There were formerly cities among these nations. The district
Pelagonia-Tripolitis contained (as the name signifies) three cities, of
which Azorus was one. All the cities of the Deuriopes were situated on
the banks of the Erigon; among which were Bryanium, Alalcomenæ,[2866]
and Stymbara. [2867] Cydriæ belonged to the Brygi, and Æginium on the
confines of Æthicia, and Tricca, to the Tymphæi. Near Macedonia and
Thessalia, about the mountains Pœus and Pindus, are the Æthices, and the
sources of the Peneus, which are a subject of dispute between the
Tymphæi and the Thessalians, who are situated below Pindus.
On the banks of the river Ion is Oxynia, a city distant from Azorus in
the Tripolitis 120 stadia. Near Oxynia are Alalcomenæ, Æginium, Europus,
and the confluence of the Ion with the Peneus.
At that time then, as I said before, the whole of Epirus and Illyria
were well peopled, although the country is rugged and full of mountains,
such as Tomarus, and Polyanus, and many others. At present the greater
part is uninhabited, and the inhabited parts are left in the state of
villages, or in ruins. Even the oracle at Dodona has almost been
deserted, like the rest.
10. This oracle, according to Ephorus, was established by Pelasgi, who
are said to be the most ancient people that were sovereigns in Greece.
Thus the poet speaks,
“O great Pelasgic Dodonæan Jove;”[2868]
and Hesiod,
“He went to Dodona, the dwelling of the Pelasgi, and to the beech
tree. ”
[CAS. 328] I have spoken of the Pelasgi in the account of Tyrrhenia.
With respect to Dodona, Homer clearly intimates that the people who
lived about the temple were barbarians, from their mode of life,
describing them as persons who do not wash their feet, and who sleep on
the ground. Whether we should read Helli, with Pindar, or Selli, as it
is conjectured the word existed in Homer, the ambiguity of the writing
does not permit us to affirm confidently. Philochorus says, that the
country about Dodona was called, like Eubœa, Hellopia; for these are the
words of Hesiod,
“There is a country Hellopia, rich in corn-fields and pastures;
at its extremity is built Dodona. ”
It is supposed, says Apollodorus, that it had this name from the “hele,”
or marshes about the temple. He is of opinion that the poet did not call
the people about the temple Helli, but Selli, adding, that Homer
mentions a certain river (near) of the name of Selleis. He specifies the
name in this line,
“At a distance far from Ephyra, from the river Selleis. ”
[Demetrius of Skepsis contends that] Ephyra of Thesprotia is not here
meant, but Ephyra of Elis. For the river Selleis is in Elis, and there
is no river of this name either in Thesprotia or among the Molotti. The
fable of the oak and the doves, and other similar things, like the
stories connected with Delphi, although they are subjects more adapted
to engage the attention of a poet, yet are appropriate to the
description of the country with which we are now occupied.
Dodona was formerly subject to the Thesproti, as was the mountain
Tomarus, or Tmarus, (both names are in use,) below which the temple is
situated. The tragic writers and Pindar give the epithet of Thesprotis
to Dodona. It was said to be subject, in later times, to the Molotti.
Those called by the poet Jove’s interpreters,[2869] and described by him
as men with unwashen feet, who slept on the ground, were, it is said,
called Tomuri[2870] from Mount Tomarus, and the passage in the Odyssey
containing the advice of Amphinomus to the suitors not to attack
Telemachus before they had inquired of Jupiter is as follows,
“If the Tomuri of great Jove approve, I myself will kill him, and
I will order all to join in the deed; but if the god forbid it, I
command to withhold. ”[2871]
For it is better, it is asserted, to write Tomuri[2872] than
Themistæ,[2873] because in no passage whatever are oracles called by the
poet Themistæ, this term being applied to decrees,[2874] or statutes and
rules of civil government; and the persons are called Tomuri,[2875]
which is the contracted form of Tomaruri,[2876] or guardians of Tomarus.
In Homer, however, we must understand θέμιστες in a more simple sense,
and, like βουλαί, by the figure Catachresis, as meaning commands and
oracular injunctions as well as laws; for such is the import of this
line:
“To listen to[2877] the will of Jove, which comes forth from the
lofty and verdant oak. ”
12. The first prophets were men, and this the poet perhaps indicates,
for he calls the persons interpreters,[2878] among whom the
prophets[2879] might be classed. In after-times three old women were
appointed to this office, after even Dione had a common temple with
Jupiter.
Suidas, in order to court the favour of the Thessalians by fabulous
stories, says, that the temple was transported from Scotussa of the
Thessalian Pelasgiotis, accompanied by a great multitude, chiefly of
women, whose descendants are the present prophetesses, and that hence
Jupiter had the epithet Pelasgic. Cineas relates what is still more
fabulous * * * * * * * * * *
[With the exception of the following Fragments, the rest of this
book is lost. ]
FRAGMENTS. [2880]
1. The oracle was formerly at Scotussa, a city of Pelasgiotis, but was
transferred to Dodona by the command of Apollo, after some persons had
burnt down the tree. The oracular answers were not conveyed by words,
but by certain signs, as at the oracle of Ammon in Libya. Probably the
three doves made some peculiar flight, which, observed by the
priestesses, suggested the oracular answer. Some say that, in the
language of the Molotti and Thesprotæ, old women are called “peliæ,” and
old men “pelii,” so that the celebrated doves were probably not birds,
but three old women who passed an idle time about the temple. EPIT.
2. Among the Thesprotæ and Molotti old women are called “peliæ,” and old
men “pelii,” as among the Macedonians. Persons at least who hold office
are called “peligones,” as among the Laconians and Massilienses they are
called “gerontes. ” Hence it is asserted that the story of the doves in
the oak at Dodona is a fable. E.
3. The proverb, “The brazen vessel of Dodona,” thus arose. In the temple
was a brazen vessel, having over it a statue of a man (an offering of
the Corcyræans) grasping in the hand a brazen scourge of three thongs,
woven in chains, from which were suspended small bones. The bones
striking continually upon the brazen vessel, whenever they were agitated
by the wind, produced a long protracted sound, so that a person from the
beginning to the end of the vibrations might proceed to count as far as
four hundred. Whence also came the proverb, “The Corcyræan
scourge. ”[2881] EPIT.
4. Pæonia is to the east of these nations, and to the west of the
Thracian mountains; on the north it lies above Macedonia. Through the
city Gortynium and Stobi it admits of a passage to * * * (through which
the Axius flows, and renders the access difficult from Pæonia into
Macedonia, as the Peneus flowing through Tempe protects it on the side
of Greece. ) On the south, Pæonia borders on the Autariatæ, the Dardanii,
and the Ardiæi; it extends also as far as the Strymon. E.
5. The Haliacmon[2882] flows into the Thermæan Gulf. E.
6. Orestis is of considerable extent; there is in it a large mountain
which reaches to Corax[2883] of Ætolia and to Parnassus. It is inhabited
by the Orestæ themselves, by the Tymphæans, and by Greeks without the
isthmus, namely, those who also occupy Parnassus, Œta, and Pindus. As a
whole, the mountain is called by one name, Boion, (Pœum ? ) but the
separate divisions bear various names. The Ægean, Ambracian, and Ionian
Seas are said to be distinguishable from the highest elevations, but
this appears to me to be an extravagant assertion; for Pteleum rises to
a considerable height, and is situated near the Ambracian Gulf,
stretching on one side to the Corcyræan and on the other to the
Leucadian Seas. E.
7. Corcyra, humbled by many wars, became a subject of ridicule, and
passed into a proverb. E.
8. Corcyra was formerly a flourishing place, and possessed a
considerable naval force, but went into decay through war and the
oppression of its rulers. In later times, although restored to liberty
by the Romans, it acquired no renown, but the taunting proverb was
applied to it, “Corcyra the Free, ease yourself where you please. ” EPIT.
9. Of Europe, there remains Macedonia, and the parts of Thrace
contiguous to it, extending to Byzantium, Greece also, and the adjacent
islands: indeed, Macedonia is a part of Greece. Following, however, the
natural character of the country and its form, we have determined to
separate it from Greece, and to unite it with Thrace, which borders upon
it. ——Strabo, after a few remarks, mentions Cypsela[2884] and the river
Hebrus. [2885] He also describes a parallelogram in which is placed the
whole of Macedonia. E.
10. Macedonia is bounded on the west by the sea-coast of the Adriatic;
on the east by a meridian line parallel to this coast, passing through
the mouth of the river Hebrus, and the city Cypsela; on the north by an
imaginary straight line passing through the mountains Bertiscus,
Scardus,[2886] Orbelus,[2887] Rhodope,[2888] and Hæmus. [2889] For these
mountains extend in a straight line, beginning from the Adriatic, to the
Euxine, forming towards the south a great peninsula, which comprehends
Thrace, Macedonia, Epirus, and Achaia. On the south, Macedonia is
bounded by the Egnatian Way, which goes from Dyrrachium eastwards to
Thessalonica, and thus has very nearly the form of a parallelogram.
EPIT.
11. The country now called Macedonia was formerly called Emathia. It
acquired this name from Macedon, one of its ancient princes. There was
also a city Emathia near the sea. The country was occupied by some of
the Epirotæ and Illyrians, but the greatest part by Bottiæi and
Thracians. The Bottiæi were of Cretan origin, and came under the command
of Botton; the Pieres, who were Thracians, inhabited Pieria and the
parts about Olympus; the Pæonians, the borders of the river Axius, from
whence the region was called Amphaxitis; the Edoni and Bisalti, the rest
of the country as far as the Strymon. The Bisalti retained their name,
but the Edoni went under the various names of Mygdones, Edoni, (Odones? )
and Sithones. Of all these people, the Argeadæ and the Chalcidenses of
Eubœa became the chief. The Chalcidenses came from Eubœa into the
territory of the Sithones, and there founded about thirty cities. They
were subsequently driven out by the Sithones, but the greater part of
them collected together into a single city, namely, Olynthus. [2890] They
had the name of Chalcidenses-in-Thrace. E.
12. The Peneus separates Lower Macedonia and the sea-board from Thessaly
and Magnesia. The Haliacmon is the boundary of Upper Macedonia; and the
Haliacmon, the Erigon, the Axius, and other rivers, form the boundary
between Macedonia and the Epirotæ and the Pæonians. E.
13. If a line is drawn from the recess of the Thermaic Gulf, on the
sea-coast of Macedonia, and from Thessalonica, southwards, to Sunium,
and another eastwards, towards the Thracian Chersonese, an angle will be
made in the recess. Macedonia extends in both directions, and we must
begin with the line first mentioned. The first part of it has beyond it
Attica with Megaris to the Crissæan Bay. Next succeeds the sea-coast of
Bœotia near Eubœa. Above Eubœa on the west lies the rest of Bœotia,
parallel with Attica. Strabo says that the Egnatian Way begins from the
Ionian Gulf and ends at Thessalonica. E.
14. From these reefs, says Strabo, we shall first mark the boundaries of
those who live about the river Peneus and Haliacmon near the sea. The
Peneus flows from Mount Pindus through the middle of Thrace eastwards;
passing through the cities of the Lapithæ and some of the cities of the
Perrhæbi, it arrives at the vale of Tempe, having in its course received
the waters of several rivers: of these, the Europus (Eurotas) is one,
called by the poet Titaresius. It rises from Titarius, (Titarus,) a
mountain continuous with Olympus, which at this point first begins to
mark the boundary between Macedonia and Thessaly. Tempe is a narrow
valley between Olympus and Ossa. The Peneus continues its course from
this narrow pass 40 stadia, having Olympus, the highest of the
Macedonian mountains, on the left, [and Ossa on the right, near] the
mouth of the river. At the mouth of the Peneus on the right is situated
Gyrton, a city of the Perrhæbi, and Magnetis, where Pirithous and Ixion
were kings. The city Crannon is 100 stadia distant from Gyrton. Some
assert, that in the lines of Homer, “These two from Thrace,” and what
follows, for Ephyri we are to understand Crannonii, and for Phlegyes,
the people of Gyrton. Pieria is on the other side. E.
15. The Peneus, rising in Mount Pindus, flows through Tempe, the middle
of Thessaly, the Lapithæ, and the Perrhæbi. It receives the Europus,
(Eurotas,) which Homer calls Titaresius, in its course, and forms on the
north the boundary of Macedonia, and on the south that of Thessaly. The
sources of the river Europus are in Mount Titarius, which is contiguous
to Olympus. Olympus itself is in Macedonia; Ossa and Pelion in Thessaly.
EPIT.
16. At the roots of Olympus, and on the banks of the Peneus, is Gyrton,
a Perrhæbic city, and Magnetis, where Pirithous and Ixion ruled. [The
city] Crannon is [100 stadia] distant [from Gyrton]; and it is said that
when the poet writes “Both from Thrace,” we are to understand by Ephyri,
the Crannonians, and by Phlegyes, the Gyrtonii. EPIT.
17. The city Dium is not on the sea-shore of the Thermæan Gulf, at the
roots of Olympus, but is about 7 stadia distant. Near Dium is a village
Pimplea, where Orpheus lived. EPIT.
18. Beneath Olympus is Dium; near it is a village, Pimplea, where it is
said Orpheus lived. He was a Cicon (of the tribe of the Cicones) and was
a diviner. At first he drew people about him by the practice of music
and witchcraft, and by the introduction of mysterious ceremonies in
religious worship. After a time, obtaining a greater degree of
self-importance, he collected a multitude of followers, and acquired
influence.
He had many willing followers, but becoming suspected by a
few of entertaining secret designs, and of an intention of taking
forcible possession of power, he was attacked by them and put to death.
Near this place is Libethra. E.
19. Anciently diviners practised the art of music. EPIT.
20. After Dium follow the mouths of the Haliacmon; then Pydna, Methone,
Alorus, and the rivers Erigon and Ludias. The Ludias flows from
Triclari, through the Oresti and the Pellæan country (Pelagonia):
leaving the city on the left it falls into the Axius. The Ludias is
navigable up the stream to Pella 120 stadia. Methone is situated in the
middle, about 40 stadia distant from Pydna, and 70 stadia from Alorus.
Alorus is situated in the farthest recess of the Thermæan Gulf. It was
called Thessalonica on account of the splendid [victory obtained over
the Thessalians]. Alorus is considered as belonging to Bottiæa and Pydna
to Pieria. Pella is in Lower Macedonia, which was in possession of the
Bottiæi. Here was formerly the Macedonian Treasury. Philip, who was
brought up in this place, raised it from an inconsiderable city to some
importance. It has a citadel situated on a lake called Ludias. From this
lake issues the river Ludias, which is filled by a branch of the Axius.
The Axius discharges itself between Chalastra and Therma. Near this
river is a fortified place, now called Abydos; Homer calls it Amydon,
and says that the Pæonians came from hence to assist the Trojans during
the siege of Troy.
“From afar, from Amydon, from Axius’ wide stream. ”
It was razed by the Argeadæ. E.
21. The water of the Axius is turbid. Homer, however, says that the
water is “most beautiful,” probably on account of a spring called Æa
which runs into it, the water of which is of surpassing clearness. This
is sufficient to prove that the present reading in the poem is
erroneous. After the Axius is the Echedorus,[2891] 20 stadia distant.
Then Thessalonica, founded by Cassander, 40 stadia farther on, and the
Egnatian Way. He named the city after his wife Thessalonice, the
daughter of Philip Amyntas, and pulled down nearly 26 cities in the
district of Crucis, and on the Thermæan Gulf, collecting the inhabitants
into one city. It is the metropolis of the present Macedonia. The cities
transferred to Thessalonica were Apollonia, Chalastra, Therma, Garescus,
Ænea, and Cissus. Cissus, it is probable, belonged to Cisseus, who is
mentioned by the poet. “Cisseus educated him,” meaning Iphidamas. E.
22. After the city Drium is the river Haliacmon, which discharges itself
into the Thermæan Gulf. From hence to the river Axius the sea-coast on
the north of the gulf bears the name of Pieria, on which is situated the
city Pydna, now called Citrum. Then follow Methone and the river Alorus;
then the rivers Erigon and Ludias. From Ludias to the city Pella the
river is navigated upwards to the distance of 20 stadia. Methone is
distant from Pydna 40 stadia, and 70 stadia from Alorus. Pydna is a
Pierian, Alorus a Bottiæan city. In the plain of Pydna the Romans
defeated Perseus, and put an end to the Macedonian empire. In the plain
of Methone, during the siege of the city, Philip Amyntas accidentally
lost his right eye by an arrow discharged from a catapult. EPIT.
23. Philip, who was brought up at Pella, formerly a small city, much
improved it. In front of the city is a lake, out of which flows the
river Ludias. The lake is supplied by a branch of the river Axius. Next
follows the Axius, which separates the territory of Bottiæa and
Amphaxitis, and after receiving the river Erigon, issues out between
Chalestra and Therme. On the river Axius is a place which Homer calls
Amydon, and says that the Pæones set out thence as auxiliaries to Troy:
“From afar, from Amydon, from Axius’ wide stream. ”
The Axius is a turbid river, but as a spring of clearest water rises in
Amydon, and mingles with the Axius, some have altered the line
Ἀξιοῦ, οὗ κάλλιστον ὕδωρ ἐπικίδναται Αἶαν,
“Axius, whose fairest water o’erspreads Æa,”
to
Ἀξιοῦ, ᾧ κάλλιστον ὕδωρ ἐπικίδναται Αἴης.
“Axius, o’er whom spreads Æa’s fairest water. ”
For it is not the “fairest water” which is diffused over the spring, but
the “fairest water” of the spring which is diffused over the
Axius. [2892] EPIT.
24. After the river Axius is the city Thessalonica, formerly called
Therma. It was founded by Cassander, who called it after the name of his
wife, a daughter of Philip Amyntas. He transferred to it the small
surrounding cities, Chalastra, Ænea, Cissus, and some others. Probably
from this Cissus came Iphidamas, mentioned in Homer, “whose grandfather
Cisseus educated him,” he says, “in Thrace,” which is now called
Macedonia. EPIT.
25. Somewhere in this neighbourhood is the mountain Bermius,[2893] which
was formerly in the possession of the Briges, a Thracian nation, some of
whom passed over to Asia and were called by another name, Phrygians
(Phryges). After Thessalonica follows the remaining part of the Thermæan
Gulf,[2894] extending to Canastræum. [2895] This is a promontory of a
peninsula form, and is opposite to Magnesia. Pallene is the name of the
peninsula. It has an isthmus 5 stadia in width, with a ditch cut across
it. There is a city on the peninsula, formerly called Potidæa,[2896]
founded by the Corinthians, but afterwards it was called Cassandria,
from king Cassander, who restored it after it was demolished. It is a
circuit of 570 stadia round the peninsula by sea. Here giants were said
to have lived, and the region to have been called Phlegra. Some consider
this to be a mere fable, but others, with greater probability on their
side, see implied in it the existence of a barbarous and lawless race of
people who once occupied the country, but who were destroyed by Hercules
on his return home, after the capture of Troy. Here also the Trojan
women are said to have committed the destructive act of burning the
ships, to avoid becoming the slaves of their captors’ wives. E.
26. The city Berœa[2897] lies at the roots of Mount Bermius. EPIT.
27. Pallene is a peninsula. On the isthmus of Pallene lies what was once
Potidæa, but now Cassandra. It was formerly called Phlegra, and was
inhabited by the fabulous giants, an impious and lawless race, who were
destroyed by Hercules. It has upon it four cities, Aphytis, Mende,
Scione, and Sana. EPIT.
28. Olynthus is distant from Potidæa 70 stadia. E.
29. The arsenal of Olynthus is Mecyberna, on the Toronæan Gulf. EPIT.
30. Near Olynthus is a hollow tract called Cantharolethron, from an
accidental circumstance. The Cantharus, (the beetle,) which is bred in
the surrounding country, dies as soon as it touches this tract. EPIT.
31. Next after Cassandria is the remaining part of the sea-coast of the
Toronæan Gulf, as far as Derris. It is a promontory opposite the
district of Canastrum, and forms a gulf. Opposite to Derris, to the
east, are the promontories of Athos; between them is the Singitic Gulf,
which receives its name from an ancient city in it, Singus, now
destroyed. Next is the city Acanthus, situated on the isthmus of
Athos,[2898] founded by the Andrii; whence, by many, it is called the
Acanthian Gulf. E.
32. Opposite to Canastrum, a promontory of Pallene, is the promontory
Derris, near Cophus-Limen [or Deaf Harbour]: these form the boundaries
of the Toronæan Gulf. Again, towards the east lies the promontory of
Athos, [Nymphæum,] which bounds the Singitic Gulf. Then follow one
another the gulfs of the Ægean Sea, towards the north, in this order:
the Maliac,[2899] the Pagasitic,[2900] the Thermæan,[2901] the
Toronæan,[2902] the Singitic,[2903] and the Strymonic. [2904] The
promontories are these: Posidium,[2905] situated between the Maliac and
Pegasitic Gulfs; next in order, towards the north, Sepias;[2906] then
Canastrum[2907] in Pallene; then Derris;[2908] next Nymphæum[2909] in
Athos, on the Singitic Gulf; Acrathos,[2910] the promontory on the
Strymonic Gulf; between them is Athos, to the east of which is Lemnos.
Neapolis[2911] bounds the Strymonic Gulf towards the north. EPIT.
33. The city Acanthus, on the Singitic Gulf, is a maritime city near the
Canal of Xerxes. There are five cities in Athos; Dium, Cleonæ, Thyssos,
Olophyxis, Acrothoi, which is situated near the summit of Athos. Mount
Athos is pap-shaped, very pointed, and of very great height. Those who
live upon the summit see the sun rise three hours before it is visible
on the sea-shore. The voyage round the peninsula, from the city Acanthus
to the city Stagirus, the birth-place of Aristotle, is 400 stadia. It
has a harbour called Caprus, and a small island of the same name. Then
follow the mouths of the Strymon; then Phagres, Galepsus, and Apollonia,
all of them cities; then the mouth of the Nestus, which is the boundary
of Macedonia and Thrace, as settled, in their own times, by Philip and
Alexander his son. There are about the Strymonic Gulf other cities also,
as Myrcinus, Argilus, Drabescus, and Datum, which has an excellent and
most productive soil, dockyards for ship-building, and gold mines;
whence the proverb, “A Datum of good things,” like to the proverb,
“Piles of plenty. ”[2912] EPIT.
34. There are numerous gold mines among the Crenides, where the city of
Philip now stands, near Mount Pangæus. Pangæus itself, and the country
on the east of the Strymon, and on the west as far as Pæonia, contains
gold and silver mines. Particles of gold, it is said, are found in
Pæonia in ploughing the land. EPIT.
35. Mount Athos is pap-shaped, and so lofty that the husbandmen on the
summit are already weary of their labour, the sun having long since
risen to them, when to the inhabitants of the shore it is the beginning
of cockcrowing. Thamyris, the Thracian, was king of this coast, and
followed the same practices as Orpheus. Here also, at Acanthus, is seen
the canal, which Xerxes is said to have made, and through which he is
said to have brought the sea from the Strymonic Gulf, across the
isthmus. Demetrius of Skepsis is of opinion that this canal was not
navigable; for, says he, the ground is composed of deep earth, and
admits of being dug for a distance of 10 stadia only: the canal is a
plethrum in width; then follows a high, broad, and flat rock, nearly a
stadium in length, which prevents excavation throughout the whole
distance to the sea. And even if the work could be carried on so far
across, yet it could not be continued to a sufficient depth, so as to
present a navigable passage. Here Alexarchus, the son of Antipater,
built the city Uranopolis, 30 stadia in circumference.
This peninsula was inhabited by Pelasgi from Lemnos; they were
distributed into five small cities, Cleonæ, Olophyxis, Acrothoi, Dium,
Thyssos. After Athos comes the Strymonic Gulf, extending to the river
Nestus, which forms the boundary of Macedonia, as settled by Philip and
Alexander. Accurately speaking, there is a promontory forming a gulf
with Athos, on which is the city Apollonia. First in the gulf, after the
harbour of Acanthus, is Stagira, now deserted: it was one of the
Chalcidic cities, and the birth-place of Aristotle. Caprus was the
harbour, and there is a small island of the same name. Then comes the
Strymon, and Amphipolis, at the distance of 20 stadia up the river. In
this part is situated an Athenian colony, called Ennea-Odoi (the
Nine-Ways). Then Galepsus and Apollonia, which were destroyed by Philip.
E.
36. He says, it is 120 stadia (300? ) from the Peneus to Pydna. On the
sea-coast of the Strymon and of the Dateni is Neapolis, and Datum also,
which has fruitful plains, a lake, rivers, dockyards, and valuable gold
mines. Hence the proverb, “A Datum of good things,” like “Piles of
plenty. ” The country beyond the Strymon, which borders upon the sea and
includes the parts about Datum, is occupied by Odomantes, Edoni, and
Bisaltæ, some of whom are an indigenous people, the others came from
Macedonia and were under the government of Rhesus. Above Amphipolis live
the Bisaltæ, extending to the city Heraclea (Sintica); they occupy a
fertile valley, through which passes the Strymon, which rises among the
Agrianes near Rhodope. Near the Agrianes is situated Parorbelia of
Macedonia. In the interior, in a valley, which commences at Idomene, are
situated Callipolis, Orthopolis, Philippopolis, and Garescus. Among the
Bisaltæ, proceeding up the river Strymon, is situated Berga, a village,
distant from Amphipolis about 200 stadia. Proceeding northwards from
Heraclea, and to the narrows, through which the Strymon flows, keeping
the river on the right, first on the left are Pæonia and the parts about
Dobera; then on the right are the mountains Hæmus and Rhodope, with the
adjacent parts. On this side of the Strymon, close upon the river, is
Scotussa; near the lake Bolbe is Arethusa; the inhabitants above the
lake are chiefly Mygdones. Not only is the course of the Axius through
Pæonia, but that of the Strymon also; for it rises among the Agrianes,
passes through the territory of the Mædi and Sinti, and discharges
itself between the Bisaltæ and Odomantes. E.
37. The source of the river Strymon is among the Agrianes near Rhodope.
EPIT.
38. The Pæonians, according to some, were a dependent colony of the
Phrygians; according to others, they were an independent settlement.
Pæonia, it is said, extended to Pelagonia and Pieria; Pelagonia is said
to have been formerly called Orestia; and Asteropæus, one of the chiefs
from Pæonia who went to Troy, to have been called, with great
probability, the son of Pelagon, and the Pæonians themselves to have
been called Pelagones. E.
39. The Asteropæus in Homer, son of Pelegon, we are told, was of Pæonia
in Macedonia: whence “Son of Pelegon;” for the Pæonians were called
Pelagones. EPIT.
40. As the _pæanismus_, or singing of the Thracian Pæan, was called
_titanismus_ by the Greeks, in imitation of a well-known note in the
pæan, so the Pelagones were called Titanes. E.
41. Anciently, as at present, the Pæonians appear to have been masters
of so much of what is now called Macedonia as to be able to besiege
Perinthus, and subject to their power Crestonia, the whole of Mygdonia,
and the territory of the Agrianes as far as Mount Pangæus. Above the
sea-coast of the Strymonic Gulf, extending from Galepsus to Nestus, are
situated Philippi and the surrounding country. Philippi was formerly
called Crenides; it was a small settlement, but increased after the
defeat of Brutus and Cassius. E.
43. [2913] The present city Philippi was anciently called Crenides. EPIT.
44. In front of this coast lie two islands, Lemnos and Thasos. Beyond
the strait at Thasos is Abdera, with its fables. It was inhabited by
Bistones, over whom ruled Diomed. The Nestus does not always keep within
its banks, but frequently inundates the country. Then Dicæa, a city on
the gulf, with a harbour. Above it is the lake Bistonis, 200 stadia in
circumference. They say that Hercules, when he came to seize upon the
horses of Diomed, cut a canal through the sea-shore and turned the water
of the sea upon the plain, which is situated in a hollow, and is lower
than the level of the sea, and thus vanquished his opponents. The royal
residence of Diomed is shown, called, from a local peculiarity, its
natural strength, Cartera-Come [Strong-Village]. Beyond the inland lake
are Xanthia, Maronia, and Ismarus, cities of the Cicones. Ismarus is now
called Ismara-near-Maronia. Near it is the outlet of the lake Ismaris.
The stream is called sweet * * * * * * At this place are what are called
the heads of the Thasii. The Sapæi are situated above. E.
45. Topeira is situated near Abdera and Maronia. E.
46. The Sinti, a Thracian tribe, inhabit the island of Lemnos; whence
Homer calls them Sinties, thus, “There are the Sinties. ” EPIT.
47. After the river Nestus to the west is the city Abdera, named after
Abderus, who was eaten by the horses of Diomed; then, near, Dicæa, a
city, above which is situated a large lake, the Bistonis; then the city
Maronia. EPIT.
48. The whole of Thrace is composed of twenty-two nations. Although
greatly exhausted, it is capable of equipping 15,000 cavalry and 20,000
infantry. After Maronia are Orthagoria, a city, and the district of
Serrium (the navigation along the coast is difficult); the small city
Tempyra belonging to the Samothracians, and another Caracoma, (the
Stockade,) in front of which lies the island Samothrace. Imbros is at no
great distance from Samothrace; Thasos is double the distance from it.
Thyamus[2855] flows near it. Above this gulf is situated Cichyrus,
formerly Ephyra, a city of the Thesproti, and above the gulf at
Buthrotum, Phœnice. [2856] Near Cichyrus is Buchetium, a small city of
the Cassopæi, situated at a little distance from the sea; Elatria,
Pandosia, and Batiæ are in the inland parts. Their territory extends as
far as the gulf. Next after the harbour Glycys-Limen are two others,
Comarus,[2857] the nearest and smallest, forming an isthmus of 60
stadia, near the Ambracian Gulf and Nicopolis,[2858] founded by Augustus
Cæsar; the other, the more distant and larger, and better harbour, is
near the mouth of the gulf, and distant from Nicopolis about 12 stadia.
6. Then follows the entrance of the Ambracian Gulf, [CAS. 326] which is
a little more than four stadia in width. The circuit of the gulf is 400
stadia, and the whole has good harbours. On sailing into it, on the
right hand are the Acarnanes, who are Greeks; and here near the entrance
of the gulf is a temple of Apollo Actius, situated on an eminence; in
the plain below is a sacred grove, and a naval station. Here Augustus
Cæsar[2859] dedicated as offerings one-tenth of the vessels taken in
war, from vessels of one bank to vessels of ten banks of oars. The
vessels, and the buildings destined for their reception, were destroyed,
it is said, by fire.
On the left hand are Nicopolis,[2860] and the Cassopæi, a tribe of the
Epirotæ, extending as far as the recess of the gulf at Ambracia.
Ambracia[2861] is situated a little above the recess of the bay, and was
founded by Gorgus, (Torgus, Tolgus,) the son of Cypselus. The river
Arathus flows beside it, which may be navigated up the stream to the
city, a distance of a few stadia. It rises in Mount Tymphe, and the
Paroræa. This city was formerly in a very flourishing condition, and
hence the gulf received its name from the city. Pyrrhus, however,
embellished it more than any other person, and made it a royal
residence. In later times,[2862] the Macedonians and Romans harassed
this and other cities by continual wars, caused by the refractory
disposition of the inhabitants, so that Augustus, at length perceiving
that these cities were entirely deserted, collected their remaining
inhabitants into one city, which he called Nicopolis, situated upon the
gulf. He called it after the victory which he obtained in front of the
gulf, over Antony, and Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, who was present in
the engagement.
Nicopolis is well peopled, and is improving every day. It has a large
territory, and is adorned with the spoils of war. In the suburbs is a
sacred enclosure; part of it is a grove, containing a gymnasium and a
stadium, intended for the celebration of quinquennial games; the other
part, on a rising ground overhanging the grove, is sacred to Apollo. The
Olympian game, called the Actia,[2863] is instituted there in honour of
Apollo Actius. It is under the superintendence of the Lacedæmonians. The
other surrounding settlements are dependent on Nicopolis. The Actian
games[2863] were formerly celebrated in honour of the god by the
neighbouring people; it was a contest in which the victor was crowned;
but Cæsar has conferred on it greater honours.
7. After Ambracia follows the Amphilochian Argos, founded by Alcmæon and
his sons. According to Ephorus, Alcmæon, after the expedition of the
Epigoni[2864] against Thebes, upon the solicitation of Diomed,
accompanied him in his invasion of Ætolia, and obtained joint possession
of this country and of Acarnania. When Agamemnon invited them to come to
the siege of Troy, Diomed went, but Alcmæon remained in Acarnania,
founded Argos, and gave it the name Amphilochian, after his brother
Amphilochus. On the same authority the river Inachus, which flows
through the country and empties itself into the bay, received its name
from the river in the Argive territory. Thucydides, however, says that
Amphilochus himself, upon his return from Troy, dissatisfied with the
state of things at Argos, passed over into Acarnania, and having
succeeded to the dynasty of his brother, founded the city which is
called after his name.
8. The Amphilochians are Epirotæ, as also are those nations who inhabit
a rugged country situated above and close to the Illyrian mountains, the
Molotti, Athamanes, Æthices, Tymphæi, Orestæ Paroræi, and Atintanes,
some of whom approach nearer to Macedonia, others to the Ionian Gulf. It
is said that Orestes possessed the territory Orestias at the time of his
flight, after the murder of his mother, and left the country [CAS. 327]
bearing his name, where also he had built a city called Orestic Argos.
With these people are intermixed Illyrian nations, some of whom are
situated on the southern part of the mountainous district, and others
above the Ionian Gulf. For above Epidamnus and Apollonia, as far as the
Ceraunian mountains, live the Bulliones, Taulantii, Parthini, and
Brygi. [2865]
Somewhere near are the silver mines of Damastium. Here the Perisadyes
had established their sway, and Enchelii, who are also called
Sesarethii. Then come the Lyncestæ, the territory Deuriopus,
Pelagonia-Tripolitis, the Eordi, Elimia, and Eratyra. Formerly each of
these nations was under its own prince. The chiefs of the Enchelii were
descendants of Cadmus and Harmonia, and scenes of the fables respecting
these persons are shown in the territory. This nation, therefore, was
not governed by native princes. The Lyncestæ were under Arrhabæus, who
was of the race of the Bacchiadæ. Irra was his daughter, and his
grand-daughter was Eurydice, the mother of Philip Amyntas.
The Molotti also were Epirotæ, and were subjects of Pyrrhus Neoptolemus,
the son of Achilles, and of his descendants, who were Thessalians. The
rest were governed by native princes. Some tribes were continually
endeavouring to obtain the mastery over the others, but all were finally
subdued by the Macedonians, except a few situated above the Ionian Gulf.
They gave the name of Upper Macedonia to the country about Lyncestis,
Pelagonia, Orestias, and Elimia. Later writers called it Macedonia the
Free, and some extend the name of Macedonia to all the country as far as
Corcyra, at the same time assigning as their reasons, the mode of
cutting their hair, their language, the use of the chlamys, and similar
things in which they resemble the Macedonians; some of them, however,
speak two languages. On the dissolution of the Macedonian empire, they
fell under the power of the Romans.
The Egnatian Way, from Epidamnus and Apollonia, passes through the
territory of these people. Near the road to Candavia are the lakes about
Lychnidus, which furnish large supplies of fish for salting, and rivers,
some of which empty themselves into the Ionian Gulf. Some flow towards
the south, as the Inachus, the Arathus, (Ratoüs,) the Achelous, and the
Evenus, formerly called Lycormas. The Ratoüs discharges its waters into
the Ambracian Gulf, the Inachus into the Achelous, the Achelous itself
into the sea, as also the Evenus; the former traverses Acarnania, the
latter Ætolia. The Erigon, after having received many streams which flow
from the Illyrian mountains, and through the territories of Lyncestæ,
Brygi, Deuriopes, and Pelagonians, empties itself into the Axius.
9. There were formerly cities among these nations. The district
Pelagonia-Tripolitis contained (as the name signifies) three cities, of
which Azorus was one. All the cities of the Deuriopes were situated on
the banks of the Erigon; among which were Bryanium, Alalcomenæ,[2866]
and Stymbara. [2867] Cydriæ belonged to the Brygi, and Æginium on the
confines of Æthicia, and Tricca, to the Tymphæi. Near Macedonia and
Thessalia, about the mountains Pœus and Pindus, are the Æthices, and the
sources of the Peneus, which are a subject of dispute between the
Tymphæi and the Thessalians, who are situated below Pindus.
On the banks of the river Ion is Oxynia, a city distant from Azorus in
the Tripolitis 120 stadia. Near Oxynia are Alalcomenæ, Æginium, Europus,
and the confluence of the Ion with the Peneus.
At that time then, as I said before, the whole of Epirus and Illyria
were well peopled, although the country is rugged and full of mountains,
such as Tomarus, and Polyanus, and many others. At present the greater
part is uninhabited, and the inhabited parts are left in the state of
villages, or in ruins. Even the oracle at Dodona has almost been
deserted, like the rest.
10. This oracle, according to Ephorus, was established by Pelasgi, who
are said to be the most ancient people that were sovereigns in Greece.
Thus the poet speaks,
“O great Pelasgic Dodonæan Jove;”[2868]
and Hesiod,
“He went to Dodona, the dwelling of the Pelasgi, and to the beech
tree. ”
[CAS. 328] I have spoken of the Pelasgi in the account of Tyrrhenia.
With respect to Dodona, Homer clearly intimates that the people who
lived about the temple were barbarians, from their mode of life,
describing them as persons who do not wash their feet, and who sleep on
the ground. Whether we should read Helli, with Pindar, or Selli, as it
is conjectured the word existed in Homer, the ambiguity of the writing
does not permit us to affirm confidently. Philochorus says, that the
country about Dodona was called, like Eubœa, Hellopia; for these are the
words of Hesiod,
“There is a country Hellopia, rich in corn-fields and pastures;
at its extremity is built Dodona. ”
It is supposed, says Apollodorus, that it had this name from the “hele,”
or marshes about the temple. He is of opinion that the poet did not call
the people about the temple Helli, but Selli, adding, that Homer
mentions a certain river (near) of the name of Selleis. He specifies the
name in this line,
“At a distance far from Ephyra, from the river Selleis. ”
[Demetrius of Skepsis contends that] Ephyra of Thesprotia is not here
meant, but Ephyra of Elis. For the river Selleis is in Elis, and there
is no river of this name either in Thesprotia or among the Molotti. The
fable of the oak and the doves, and other similar things, like the
stories connected with Delphi, although they are subjects more adapted
to engage the attention of a poet, yet are appropriate to the
description of the country with which we are now occupied.
Dodona was formerly subject to the Thesproti, as was the mountain
Tomarus, or Tmarus, (both names are in use,) below which the temple is
situated. The tragic writers and Pindar give the epithet of Thesprotis
to Dodona. It was said to be subject, in later times, to the Molotti.
Those called by the poet Jove’s interpreters,[2869] and described by him
as men with unwashen feet, who slept on the ground, were, it is said,
called Tomuri[2870] from Mount Tomarus, and the passage in the Odyssey
containing the advice of Amphinomus to the suitors not to attack
Telemachus before they had inquired of Jupiter is as follows,
“If the Tomuri of great Jove approve, I myself will kill him, and
I will order all to join in the deed; but if the god forbid it, I
command to withhold. ”[2871]
For it is better, it is asserted, to write Tomuri[2872] than
Themistæ,[2873] because in no passage whatever are oracles called by the
poet Themistæ, this term being applied to decrees,[2874] or statutes and
rules of civil government; and the persons are called Tomuri,[2875]
which is the contracted form of Tomaruri,[2876] or guardians of Tomarus.
In Homer, however, we must understand θέμιστες in a more simple sense,
and, like βουλαί, by the figure Catachresis, as meaning commands and
oracular injunctions as well as laws; for such is the import of this
line:
“To listen to[2877] the will of Jove, which comes forth from the
lofty and verdant oak. ”
12. The first prophets were men, and this the poet perhaps indicates,
for he calls the persons interpreters,[2878] among whom the
prophets[2879] might be classed. In after-times three old women were
appointed to this office, after even Dione had a common temple with
Jupiter.
Suidas, in order to court the favour of the Thessalians by fabulous
stories, says, that the temple was transported from Scotussa of the
Thessalian Pelasgiotis, accompanied by a great multitude, chiefly of
women, whose descendants are the present prophetesses, and that hence
Jupiter had the epithet Pelasgic. Cineas relates what is still more
fabulous * * * * * * * * * *
[With the exception of the following Fragments, the rest of this
book is lost. ]
FRAGMENTS. [2880]
1. The oracle was formerly at Scotussa, a city of Pelasgiotis, but was
transferred to Dodona by the command of Apollo, after some persons had
burnt down the tree. The oracular answers were not conveyed by words,
but by certain signs, as at the oracle of Ammon in Libya. Probably the
three doves made some peculiar flight, which, observed by the
priestesses, suggested the oracular answer. Some say that, in the
language of the Molotti and Thesprotæ, old women are called “peliæ,” and
old men “pelii,” so that the celebrated doves were probably not birds,
but three old women who passed an idle time about the temple. EPIT.
2. Among the Thesprotæ and Molotti old women are called “peliæ,” and old
men “pelii,” as among the Macedonians. Persons at least who hold office
are called “peligones,” as among the Laconians and Massilienses they are
called “gerontes. ” Hence it is asserted that the story of the doves in
the oak at Dodona is a fable. E.
3. The proverb, “The brazen vessel of Dodona,” thus arose. In the temple
was a brazen vessel, having over it a statue of a man (an offering of
the Corcyræans) grasping in the hand a brazen scourge of three thongs,
woven in chains, from which were suspended small bones. The bones
striking continually upon the brazen vessel, whenever they were agitated
by the wind, produced a long protracted sound, so that a person from the
beginning to the end of the vibrations might proceed to count as far as
four hundred. Whence also came the proverb, “The Corcyræan
scourge. ”[2881] EPIT.
4. Pæonia is to the east of these nations, and to the west of the
Thracian mountains; on the north it lies above Macedonia. Through the
city Gortynium and Stobi it admits of a passage to * * * (through which
the Axius flows, and renders the access difficult from Pæonia into
Macedonia, as the Peneus flowing through Tempe protects it on the side
of Greece. ) On the south, Pæonia borders on the Autariatæ, the Dardanii,
and the Ardiæi; it extends also as far as the Strymon. E.
5. The Haliacmon[2882] flows into the Thermæan Gulf. E.
6. Orestis is of considerable extent; there is in it a large mountain
which reaches to Corax[2883] of Ætolia and to Parnassus. It is inhabited
by the Orestæ themselves, by the Tymphæans, and by Greeks without the
isthmus, namely, those who also occupy Parnassus, Œta, and Pindus. As a
whole, the mountain is called by one name, Boion, (Pœum ? ) but the
separate divisions bear various names. The Ægean, Ambracian, and Ionian
Seas are said to be distinguishable from the highest elevations, but
this appears to me to be an extravagant assertion; for Pteleum rises to
a considerable height, and is situated near the Ambracian Gulf,
stretching on one side to the Corcyræan and on the other to the
Leucadian Seas. E.
7. Corcyra, humbled by many wars, became a subject of ridicule, and
passed into a proverb. E.
8. Corcyra was formerly a flourishing place, and possessed a
considerable naval force, but went into decay through war and the
oppression of its rulers. In later times, although restored to liberty
by the Romans, it acquired no renown, but the taunting proverb was
applied to it, “Corcyra the Free, ease yourself where you please. ” EPIT.
9. Of Europe, there remains Macedonia, and the parts of Thrace
contiguous to it, extending to Byzantium, Greece also, and the adjacent
islands: indeed, Macedonia is a part of Greece. Following, however, the
natural character of the country and its form, we have determined to
separate it from Greece, and to unite it with Thrace, which borders upon
it. ——Strabo, after a few remarks, mentions Cypsela[2884] and the river
Hebrus. [2885] He also describes a parallelogram in which is placed the
whole of Macedonia. E.
10. Macedonia is bounded on the west by the sea-coast of the Adriatic;
on the east by a meridian line parallel to this coast, passing through
the mouth of the river Hebrus, and the city Cypsela; on the north by an
imaginary straight line passing through the mountains Bertiscus,
Scardus,[2886] Orbelus,[2887] Rhodope,[2888] and Hæmus. [2889] For these
mountains extend in a straight line, beginning from the Adriatic, to the
Euxine, forming towards the south a great peninsula, which comprehends
Thrace, Macedonia, Epirus, and Achaia. On the south, Macedonia is
bounded by the Egnatian Way, which goes from Dyrrachium eastwards to
Thessalonica, and thus has very nearly the form of a parallelogram.
EPIT.
11. The country now called Macedonia was formerly called Emathia. It
acquired this name from Macedon, one of its ancient princes. There was
also a city Emathia near the sea. The country was occupied by some of
the Epirotæ and Illyrians, but the greatest part by Bottiæi and
Thracians. The Bottiæi were of Cretan origin, and came under the command
of Botton; the Pieres, who were Thracians, inhabited Pieria and the
parts about Olympus; the Pæonians, the borders of the river Axius, from
whence the region was called Amphaxitis; the Edoni and Bisalti, the rest
of the country as far as the Strymon. The Bisalti retained their name,
but the Edoni went under the various names of Mygdones, Edoni, (Odones? )
and Sithones. Of all these people, the Argeadæ and the Chalcidenses of
Eubœa became the chief. The Chalcidenses came from Eubœa into the
territory of the Sithones, and there founded about thirty cities. They
were subsequently driven out by the Sithones, but the greater part of
them collected together into a single city, namely, Olynthus. [2890] They
had the name of Chalcidenses-in-Thrace. E.
12. The Peneus separates Lower Macedonia and the sea-board from Thessaly
and Magnesia. The Haliacmon is the boundary of Upper Macedonia; and the
Haliacmon, the Erigon, the Axius, and other rivers, form the boundary
between Macedonia and the Epirotæ and the Pæonians. E.
13. If a line is drawn from the recess of the Thermaic Gulf, on the
sea-coast of Macedonia, and from Thessalonica, southwards, to Sunium,
and another eastwards, towards the Thracian Chersonese, an angle will be
made in the recess. Macedonia extends in both directions, and we must
begin with the line first mentioned. The first part of it has beyond it
Attica with Megaris to the Crissæan Bay. Next succeeds the sea-coast of
Bœotia near Eubœa. Above Eubœa on the west lies the rest of Bœotia,
parallel with Attica. Strabo says that the Egnatian Way begins from the
Ionian Gulf and ends at Thessalonica. E.
14. From these reefs, says Strabo, we shall first mark the boundaries of
those who live about the river Peneus and Haliacmon near the sea. The
Peneus flows from Mount Pindus through the middle of Thrace eastwards;
passing through the cities of the Lapithæ and some of the cities of the
Perrhæbi, it arrives at the vale of Tempe, having in its course received
the waters of several rivers: of these, the Europus (Eurotas) is one,
called by the poet Titaresius. It rises from Titarius, (Titarus,) a
mountain continuous with Olympus, which at this point first begins to
mark the boundary between Macedonia and Thessaly. Tempe is a narrow
valley between Olympus and Ossa. The Peneus continues its course from
this narrow pass 40 stadia, having Olympus, the highest of the
Macedonian mountains, on the left, [and Ossa on the right, near] the
mouth of the river. At the mouth of the Peneus on the right is situated
Gyrton, a city of the Perrhæbi, and Magnetis, where Pirithous and Ixion
were kings. The city Crannon is 100 stadia distant from Gyrton. Some
assert, that in the lines of Homer, “These two from Thrace,” and what
follows, for Ephyri we are to understand Crannonii, and for Phlegyes,
the people of Gyrton. Pieria is on the other side. E.
15. The Peneus, rising in Mount Pindus, flows through Tempe, the middle
of Thessaly, the Lapithæ, and the Perrhæbi. It receives the Europus,
(Eurotas,) which Homer calls Titaresius, in its course, and forms on the
north the boundary of Macedonia, and on the south that of Thessaly. The
sources of the river Europus are in Mount Titarius, which is contiguous
to Olympus. Olympus itself is in Macedonia; Ossa and Pelion in Thessaly.
EPIT.
16. At the roots of Olympus, and on the banks of the Peneus, is Gyrton,
a Perrhæbic city, and Magnetis, where Pirithous and Ixion ruled. [The
city] Crannon is [100 stadia] distant [from Gyrton]; and it is said that
when the poet writes “Both from Thrace,” we are to understand by Ephyri,
the Crannonians, and by Phlegyes, the Gyrtonii. EPIT.
17. The city Dium is not on the sea-shore of the Thermæan Gulf, at the
roots of Olympus, but is about 7 stadia distant. Near Dium is a village
Pimplea, where Orpheus lived. EPIT.
18. Beneath Olympus is Dium; near it is a village, Pimplea, where it is
said Orpheus lived. He was a Cicon (of the tribe of the Cicones) and was
a diviner. At first he drew people about him by the practice of music
and witchcraft, and by the introduction of mysterious ceremonies in
religious worship. After a time, obtaining a greater degree of
self-importance, he collected a multitude of followers, and acquired
influence.
He had many willing followers, but becoming suspected by a
few of entertaining secret designs, and of an intention of taking
forcible possession of power, he was attacked by them and put to death.
Near this place is Libethra. E.
19. Anciently diviners practised the art of music. EPIT.
20. After Dium follow the mouths of the Haliacmon; then Pydna, Methone,
Alorus, and the rivers Erigon and Ludias. The Ludias flows from
Triclari, through the Oresti and the Pellæan country (Pelagonia):
leaving the city on the left it falls into the Axius. The Ludias is
navigable up the stream to Pella 120 stadia. Methone is situated in the
middle, about 40 stadia distant from Pydna, and 70 stadia from Alorus.
Alorus is situated in the farthest recess of the Thermæan Gulf. It was
called Thessalonica on account of the splendid [victory obtained over
the Thessalians]. Alorus is considered as belonging to Bottiæa and Pydna
to Pieria. Pella is in Lower Macedonia, which was in possession of the
Bottiæi. Here was formerly the Macedonian Treasury. Philip, who was
brought up in this place, raised it from an inconsiderable city to some
importance. It has a citadel situated on a lake called Ludias. From this
lake issues the river Ludias, which is filled by a branch of the Axius.
The Axius discharges itself between Chalastra and Therma. Near this
river is a fortified place, now called Abydos; Homer calls it Amydon,
and says that the Pæonians came from hence to assist the Trojans during
the siege of Troy.
“From afar, from Amydon, from Axius’ wide stream. ”
It was razed by the Argeadæ. E.
21. The water of the Axius is turbid. Homer, however, says that the
water is “most beautiful,” probably on account of a spring called Æa
which runs into it, the water of which is of surpassing clearness. This
is sufficient to prove that the present reading in the poem is
erroneous. After the Axius is the Echedorus,[2891] 20 stadia distant.
Then Thessalonica, founded by Cassander, 40 stadia farther on, and the
Egnatian Way. He named the city after his wife Thessalonice, the
daughter of Philip Amyntas, and pulled down nearly 26 cities in the
district of Crucis, and on the Thermæan Gulf, collecting the inhabitants
into one city. It is the metropolis of the present Macedonia. The cities
transferred to Thessalonica were Apollonia, Chalastra, Therma, Garescus,
Ænea, and Cissus. Cissus, it is probable, belonged to Cisseus, who is
mentioned by the poet. “Cisseus educated him,” meaning Iphidamas. E.
22. After the city Drium is the river Haliacmon, which discharges itself
into the Thermæan Gulf. From hence to the river Axius the sea-coast on
the north of the gulf bears the name of Pieria, on which is situated the
city Pydna, now called Citrum. Then follow Methone and the river Alorus;
then the rivers Erigon and Ludias. From Ludias to the city Pella the
river is navigated upwards to the distance of 20 stadia. Methone is
distant from Pydna 40 stadia, and 70 stadia from Alorus. Pydna is a
Pierian, Alorus a Bottiæan city. In the plain of Pydna the Romans
defeated Perseus, and put an end to the Macedonian empire. In the plain
of Methone, during the siege of the city, Philip Amyntas accidentally
lost his right eye by an arrow discharged from a catapult. EPIT.
23. Philip, who was brought up at Pella, formerly a small city, much
improved it. In front of the city is a lake, out of which flows the
river Ludias. The lake is supplied by a branch of the river Axius. Next
follows the Axius, which separates the territory of Bottiæa and
Amphaxitis, and after receiving the river Erigon, issues out between
Chalestra and Therme. On the river Axius is a place which Homer calls
Amydon, and says that the Pæones set out thence as auxiliaries to Troy:
“From afar, from Amydon, from Axius’ wide stream. ”
The Axius is a turbid river, but as a spring of clearest water rises in
Amydon, and mingles with the Axius, some have altered the line
Ἀξιοῦ, οὗ κάλλιστον ὕδωρ ἐπικίδναται Αἶαν,
“Axius, whose fairest water o’erspreads Æa,”
to
Ἀξιοῦ, ᾧ κάλλιστον ὕδωρ ἐπικίδναται Αἴης.
“Axius, o’er whom spreads Æa’s fairest water. ”
For it is not the “fairest water” which is diffused over the spring, but
the “fairest water” of the spring which is diffused over the
Axius. [2892] EPIT.
24. After the river Axius is the city Thessalonica, formerly called
Therma. It was founded by Cassander, who called it after the name of his
wife, a daughter of Philip Amyntas. He transferred to it the small
surrounding cities, Chalastra, Ænea, Cissus, and some others. Probably
from this Cissus came Iphidamas, mentioned in Homer, “whose grandfather
Cisseus educated him,” he says, “in Thrace,” which is now called
Macedonia. EPIT.
25. Somewhere in this neighbourhood is the mountain Bermius,[2893] which
was formerly in the possession of the Briges, a Thracian nation, some of
whom passed over to Asia and were called by another name, Phrygians
(Phryges). After Thessalonica follows the remaining part of the Thermæan
Gulf,[2894] extending to Canastræum. [2895] This is a promontory of a
peninsula form, and is opposite to Magnesia. Pallene is the name of the
peninsula. It has an isthmus 5 stadia in width, with a ditch cut across
it. There is a city on the peninsula, formerly called Potidæa,[2896]
founded by the Corinthians, but afterwards it was called Cassandria,
from king Cassander, who restored it after it was demolished. It is a
circuit of 570 stadia round the peninsula by sea. Here giants were said
to have lived, and the region to have been called Phlegra. Some consider
this to be a mere fable, but others, with greater probability on their
side, see implied in it the existence of a barbarous and lawless race of
people who once occupied the country, but who were destroyed by Hercules
on his return home, after the capture of Troy. Here also the Trojan
women are said to have committed the destructive act of burning the
ships, to avoid becoming the slaves of their captors’ wives. E.
26. The city Berœa[2897] lies at the roots of Mount Bermius. EPIT.
27. Pallene is a peninsula. On the isthmus of Pallene lies what was once
Potidæa, but now Cassandra. It was formerly called Phlegra, and was
inhabited by the fabulous giants, an impious and lawless race, who were
destroyed by Hercules. It has upon it four cities, Aphytis, Mende,
Scione, and Sana. EPIT.
28. Olynthus is distant from Potidæa 70 stadia. E.
29. The arsenal of Olynthus is Mecyberna, on the Toronæan Gulf. EPIT.
30. Near Olynthus is a hollow tract called Cantharolethron, from an
accidental circumstance. The Cantharus, (the beetle,) which is bred in
the surrounding country, dies as soon as it touches this tract. EPIT.
31. Next after Cassandria is the remaining part of the sea-coast of the
Toronæan Gulf, as far as Derris. It is a promontory opposite the
district of Canastrum, and forms a gulf. Opposite to Derris, to the
east, are the promontories of Athos; between them is the Singitic Gulf,
which receives its name from an ancient city in it, Singus, now
destroyed. Next is the city Acanthus, situated on the isthmus of
Athos,[2898] founded by the Andrii; whence, by many, it is called the
Acanthian Gulf. E.
32. Opposite to Canastrum, a promontory of Pallene, is the promontory
Derris, near Cophus-Limen [or Deaf Harbour]: these form the boundaries
of the Toronæan Gulf. Again, towards the east lies the promontory of
Athos, [Nymphæum,] which bounds the Singitic Gulf. Then follow one
another the gulfs of the Ægean Sea, towards the north, in this order:
the Maliac,[2899] the Pagasitic,[2900] the Thermæan,[2901] the
Toronæan,[2902] the Singitic,[2903] and the Strymonic. [2904] The
promontories are these: Posidium,[2905] situated between the Maliac and
Pegasitic Gulfs; next in order, towards the north, Sepias;[2906] then
Canastrum[2907] in Pallene; then Derris;[2908] next Nymphæum[2909] in
Athos, on the Singitic Gulf; Acrathos,[2910] the promontory on the
Strymonic Gulf; between them is Athos, to the east of which is Lemnos.
Neapolis[2911] bounds the Strymonic Gulf towards the north. EPIT.
33. The city Acanthus, on the Singitic Gulf, is a maritime city near the
Canal of Xerxes. There are five cities in Athos; Dium, Cleonæ, Thyssos,
Olophyxis, Acrothoi, which is situated near the summit of Athos. Mount
Athos is pap-shaped, very pointed, and of very great height. Those who
live upon the summit see the sun rise three hours before it is visible
on the sea-shore. The voyage round the peninsula, from the city Acanthus
to the city Stagirus, the birth-place of Aristotle, is 400 stadia. It
has a harbour called Caprus, and a small island of the same name. Then
follow the mouths of the Strymon; then Phagres, Galepsus, and Apollonia,
all of them cities; then the mouth of the Nestus, which is the boundary
of Macedonia and Thrace, as settled, in their own times, by Philip and
Alexander his son. There are about the Strymonic Gulf other cities also,
as Myrcinus, Argilus, Drabescus, and Datum, which has an excellent and
most productive soil, dockyards for ship-building, and gold mines;
whence the proverb, “A Datum of good things,” like to the proverb,
“Piles of plenty. ”[2912] EPIT.
34. There are numerous gold mines among the Crenides, where the city of
Philip now stands, near Mount Pangæus. Pangæus itself, and the country
on the east of the Strymon, and on the west as far as Pæonia, contains
gold and silver mines. Particles of gold, it is said, are found in
Pæonia in ploughing the land. EPIT.
35. Mount Athos is pap-shaped, and so lofty that the husbandmen on the
summit are already weary of their labour, the sun having long since
risen to them, when to the inhabitants of the shore it is the beginning
of cockcrowing. Thamyris, the Thracian, was king of this coast, and
followed the same practices as Orpheus. Here also, at Acanthus, is seen
the canal, which Xerxes is said to have made, and through which he is
said to have brought the sea from the Strymonic Gulf, across the
isthmus. Demetrius of Skepsis is of opinion that this canal was not
navigable; for, says he, the ground is composed of deep earth, and
admits of being dug for a distance of 10 stadia only: the canal is a
plethrum in width; then follows a high, broad, and flat rock, nearly a
stadium in length, which prevents excavation throughout the whole
distance to the sea. And even if the work could be carried on so far
across, yet it could not be continued to a sufficient depth, so as to
present a navigable passage. Here Alexarchus, the son of Antipater,
built the city Uranopolis, 30 stadia in circumference.
This peninsula was inhabited by Pelasgi from Lemnos; they were
distributed into five small cities, Cleonæ, Olophyxis, Acrothoi, Dium,
Thyssos. After Athos comes the Strymonic Gulf, extending to the river
Nestus, which forms the boundary of Macedonia, as settled by Philip and
Alexander. Accurately speaking, there is a promontory forming a gulf
with Athos, on which is the city Apollonia. First in the gulf, after the
harbour of Acanthus, is Stagira, now deserted: it was one of the
Chalcidic cities, and the birth-place of Aristotle. Caprus was the
harbour, and there is a small island of the same name. Then comes the
Strymon, and Amphipolis, at the distance of 20 stadia up the river. In
this part is situated an Athenian colony, called Ennea-Odoi (the
Nine-Ways). Then Galepsus and Apollonia, which were destroyed by Philip.
E.
36. He says, it is 120 stadia (300? ) from the Peneus to Pydna. On the
sea-coast of the Strymon and of the Dateni is Neapolis, and Datum also,
which has fruitful plains, a lake, rivers, dockyards, and valuable gold
mines. Hence the proverb, “A Datum of good things,” like “Piles of
plenty. ” The country beyond the Strymon, which borders upon the sea and
includes the parts about Datum, is occupied by Odomantes, Edoni, and
Bisaltæ, some of whom are an indigenous people, the others came from
Macedonia and were under the government of Rhesus. Above Amphipolis live
the Bisaltæ, extending to the city Heraclea (Sintica); they occupy a
fertile valley, through which passes the Strymon, which rises among the
Agrianes near Rhodope. Near the Agrianes is situated Parorbelia of
Macedonia. In the interior, in a valley, which commences at Idomene, are
situated Callipolis, Orthopolis, Philippopolis, and Garescus. Among the
Bisaltæ, proceeding up the river Strymon, is situated Berga, a village,
distant from Amphipolis about 200 stadia. Proceeding northwards from
Heraclea, and to the narrows, through which the Strymon flows, keeping
the river on the right, first on the left are Pæonia and the parts about
Dobera; then on the right are the mountains Hæmus and Rhodope, with the
adjacent parts. On this side of the Strymon, close upon the river, is
Scotussa; near the lake Bolbe is Arethusa; the inhabitants above the
lake are chiefly Mygdones. Not only is the course of the Axius through
Pæonia, but that of the Strymon also; for it rises among the Agrianes,
passes through the territory of the Mædi and Sinti, and discharges
itself between the Bisaltæ and Odomantes. E.
37. The source of the river Strymon is among the Agrianes near Rhodope.
EPIT.
38. The Pæonians, according to some, were a dependent colony of the
Phrygians; according to others, they were an independent settlement.
Pæonia, it is said, extended to Pelagonia and Pieria; Pelagonia is said
to have been formerly called Orestia; and Asteropæus, one of the chiefs
from Pæonia who went to Troy, to have been called, with great
probability, the son of Pelagon, and the Pæonians themselves to have
been called Pelagones. E.
39. The Asteropæus in Homer, son of Pelegon, we are told, was of Pæonia
in Macedonia: whence “Son of Pelegon;” for the Pæonians were called
Pelagones. EPIT.
40. As the _pæanismus_, or singing of the Thracian Pæan, was called
_titanismus_ by the Greeks, in imitation of a well-known note in the
pæan, so the Pelagones were called Titanes. E.
41. Anciently, as at present, the Pæonians appear to have been masters
of so much of what is now called Macedonia as to be able to besiege
Perinthus, and subject to their power Crestonia, the whole of Mygdonia,
and the territory of the Agrianes as far as Mount Pangæus. Above the
sea-coast of the Strymonic Gulf, extending from Galepsus to Nestus, are
situated Philippi and the surrounding country. Philippi was formerly
called Crenides; it was a small settlement, but increased after the
defeat of Brutus and Cassius. E.
43. [2913] The present city Philippi was anciently called Crenides. EPIT.
44. In front of this coast lie two islands, Lemnos and Thasos. Beyond
the strait at Thasos is Abdera, with its fables. It was inhabited by
Bistones, over whom ruled Diomed. The Nestus does not always keep within
its banks, but frequently inundates the country. Then Dicæa, a city on
the gulf, with a harbour. Above it is the lake Bistonis, 200 stadia in
circumference. They say that Hercules, when he came to seize upon the
horses of Diomed, cut a canal through the sea-shore and turned the water
of the sea upon the plain, which is situated in a hollow, and is lower
than the level of the sea, and thus vanquished his opponents. The royal
residence of Diomed is shown, called, from a local peculiarity, its
natural strength, Cartera-Come [Strong-Village]. Beyond the inland lake
are Xanthia, Maronia, and Ismarus, cities of the Cicones. Ismarus is now
called Ismara-near-Maronia. Near it is the outlet of the lake Ismaris.
The stream is called sweet * * * * * * At this place are what are called
the heads of the Thasii. The Sapæi are situated above. E.
45. Topeira is situated near Abdera and Maronia. E.
46. The Sinti, a Thracian tribe, inhabit the island of Lemnos; whence
Homer calls them Sinties, thus, “There are the Sinties. ” EPIT.
47. After the river Nestus to the west is the city Abdera, named after
Abderus, who was eaten by the horses of Diomed; then, near, Dicæa, a
city, above which is situated a large lake, the Bistonis; then the city
Maronia. EPIT.
48. The whole of Thrace is composed of twenty-two nations. Although
greatly exhausted, it is capable of equipping 15,000 cavalry and 20,000
infantry. After Maronia are Orthagoria, a city, and the district of
Serrium (the navigation along the coast is difficult); the small city
Tempyra belonging to the Samothracians, and another Caracoma, (the
Stockade,) in front of which lies the island Samothrace. Imbros is at no
great distance from Samothrace; Thasos is double the distance from it.
