The arsenal of
Olynthus
is Mecyberna, on the Toronæan Gulf.
Strabo
”[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.
After Caracoma is Doriscus, where Xerxes counted the number of his army.
Then the Hebrus, with a navigation up the stream for 100 stadia to
Cypsela. Strabo says that this was the boundary of Macedonia when
wrested by the Romans, first from Perseus, and afterwards from
Pseudophilip. Paulus, who overthrew Perseus, united the Epirotic nations
to Macedonia, and divided the country into four parts; one he assigned
to Amphipolis, a second to Thessalonica, a third to Pella, and a fourth
to Pelagonia. Along the Hebrus dwell the Corpili, the Brenæ still higher
up, above them, and lastly the Bessi, for the Hebrus is navigable up to
this point. All these nations are addicted to plunder, particularly the
Bessi, whom, he says, border upon the Odrysæ and Sapæi. Bizya is the
capital of the Astæ (? ). Some give the name of Odrysæ to all those
people who live on the mountains overhanging the coast, from the Hebrus
and Cypsela to Odessus. They were under the kingly government of
Amadocus, Khersobleptes, Berisades, Seuthes, (Theseus? ) and Cotys. E.
49. The river in Thrace now called Rhiginia (Rhegina? ) was formerly
called Erigon (Erginus? ). EPIT.
50. Samothrace was inhabited by the brothers Jasion and Dardanus. Jasion
was killed by lightning, for his crime against Ceres; Dardanus moved
away from Samothrace, and built a city, to which he gave the name of
Dardania, at the foot of Mount Ida. He taught the Trojans the
Samothracian mysteries. Samothrace was formerly called Samos. EPIT.
51. The gods worshipped in Samothrace, the Curbantes and Corybantes, the
Curetes and the Idæan Dactyli, are said by many persons to be the same
as the Cabiri, although they are unable to explain who the Cabiri were.
E.
52. At the mouth of the Hebrus, which discharges itself by two channels,
in the Gulf of Melas, is a city Ænos, founded by the Mitylenæans and
Cumæans; its first founders, however, were Alopeconnesi; then the
promontory Sarpedon; then the Chersonesus, called the Thracian
Chersonesus, forming the Propontis, the Gulf of Melas, and the
Hellespont. It stretches forwards to the south-east, like a promontory,
bringing Europe and Asia together, with only a strait between them of 7
stadia in width, the Strait of Sestos and Abydos. On the left is the
Propontis, on the right the Gulf Melas,[2914] so called from the river
Melas,[2915] which discharges itself into it, according to Herodotus and
Eudoxus. It is stated (says Strabo) by Herodotus, that the stream of
this river was not sufficient to supply the army of Xerxes. The above
promontory is closed in by an isthmus 40 stadia across. In the middle of
the isthmus is situated the city Lysimachia, named after king
Lysimachus, its founder. On one side of the isthmus, on the Gulf Melas,
lies Cardia; its first founders were Milesians and Clazomenæans, its
second founders Athenians. It is the largest of the cities in the
Chersonesus. Pactya is on the Propontis. After Cardia are Drabus and
Limnæ; then Alopeconnesus, where the Gulf Melas principally ends; then
the great promontory Mazusia; then, in the gulf, Eleus, where is
Protesilaum, from whence Sigeum, a promontory of Troas, is 40 stadia
distant; this is about the most southern extremity of the Chersonesus,
distant from Cardia rather more than 400 stadia; if the circuit is made
by sea to the other side of the isthmus, the distance is a little
greater. E.
53. The Thracian Chersonesus forms three seas, the Propontis to the
north, the Hellespont to the east, and the Gulf Melas to the south,
where the river Melas, of the same name as the gulf, discharges itself.
EPIT.
54. In the isthmus of the Chersonesus are three cities, Cardia on the
Gulf of Melas, Pactya on the Propontis, Lysimachia in the interior; the
breadth of the isthmus is 40 stadia. EPIT.
55. The name of the city Eleus is of the masculine gender, perhaps that
of Trapezus is also masculine. EPIT.
56. In the voyage round of which we have been speaking; beyond Eleus,
first, is the entrance into the Propontis through the straits, where
they say the Hellespont begins. There is a promontory here by some
called Dog’s Monument, by others the Monument of Hecuba, for on doubling
the promontory, the place of her burial is to be seen. Then Madytus and
the promontory of Sestos, where was the Bridge of Xerxes; after these
places comes Sestos. From Eleus to the Bridge it is 170 stadia; after
Sestos it is 280 stadia to Ægospotamos: it is a small city in ruins. At
this place a stone is said to have fallen from heaven during the Persian
war. Then Callipolis, from whence to Lampsacus in Asia is a passage
across of 40 stadia; then a small city Crithote in ruins; then Pactya;
next Macron-Tichos, and Leuce-Acte, and Hieron-Oros, and Perinthus, a
colony of the Samians; then Selybria. Above these places is situated
Silta. Sacred rites are performed in honour of Hieron-Oros by the
natives, which is as it were the citadel of the country. It discharges
asphaltus into the sea. Proconnesus here approaches nearest the
continent, being 120 stadia distant; there is a quarry of white marble
in it, which is plentiful and of good quality; after Selybria the rivers
Athyras and [Bathynias]; then Byzantium and the parts reaching to the
Cyanean rocks. E.
57. From Perinthus to Byzantium it is 630 stadia; from the Hebrus and
Cypseli to Byzantium and the Cyanean rocks it is, according to
Artemidorus, 3100 stadia. The whole distance from Apollonia on the
Ionian Gulf to Byzantium is 7320 stadia; Polybius makes this distance
180 stadia more, by the addition of a third of a stadium to the sum of 8
stadia, which compose a mile. Demetrius of Skepsis, in his account of
the disposition of the Trojan forces, says that it is 700 stadia from
Perinthus to Byzantium, and the same distance to Parium. He makes the
length of the Propontis to be 1400 and the breadth 500 stadia; the
narrowest part also of the Hellespont to be 7 stadia, and the length
400. E.
58. All writers do not agree in their description of the Hellespont, and
many opinions are advanced on the subject. Some describe the Propontis
to be the Hellespont; others, that part of the Propontis which is to the
south of Perinthus; others include a part of the exterior sea which
opens to the Ægæan and the Gulf Melas, each assigning different limits.
Some make their measurement from Sigeum to Lampsacus, and Cyzicus, and
Parium, and Priapus; and one is to be found who measures from Singrium,
a promontory of Lesbos. Some do not hesitate to give the name of
Hellespont to the whole distance as far as the Myrtoan Sea, because (as
in the Odes of Pindar) when Hercules sailed from Troy through the
virgin strait of Hella, and arrived at the Myrtoan Sea, he returned back
to Cos, in consequence of the wind Zephyrus blowing contrary to his
course. Thus some consider it correct to apply the name Hellespont to
the whole of the Ægæan Sea, and the sea along the coast of Thessaly and
Macedonia, invoking the testimony of Homer, who says,
“Thou shalt see, if such thy will, in spring,
My ships shall sail to Hellespont. ”
But the argument is contradicted in the following lines,
“Piros, Imbracius’ son, who came from Ænos. ”
Piros commanded the Thracians,
“Whose limits are the quick-flowing Hellespont. ”
So that he would consider all people settled next to the Thracians as
excluded from the Hellespont. For Ænos is situated in the district
formerly called Apsynthis, but now Corpilice. The territory of the
Cicones is next towards the west. E.
THE
GEOGRAPHY
OF
STRABO.
LITERALLY TRANSLATED, WITH NOTES.
THE FIRST SIX BOOKS
BY H. C. HAMILTON, ESQ.
THE REMAINDER
BY W. FALCONER, M. A. ,
LATE FELLOW OF EXETER COLLEGE, OXFORD.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
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.
After Caracoma is Doriscus, where Xerxes counted the number of his army.
Then the Hebrus, with a navigation up the stream for 100 stadia to
Cypsela. Strabo says that this was the boundary of Macedonia when
wrested by the Romans, first from Perseus, and afterwards from
Pseudophilip. Paulus, who overthrew Perseus, united the Epirotic nations
to Macedonia, and divided the country into four parts; one he assigned
to Amphipolis, a second to Thessalonica, a third to Pella, and a fourth
to Pelagonia. Along the Hebrus dwell the Corpili, the Brenæ still higher
up, above them, and lastly the Bessi, for the Hebrus is navigable up to
this point. All these nations are addicted to plunder, particularly the
Bessi, whom, he says, border upon the Odrysæ and Sapæi. Bizya is the
capital of the Astæ (? ). Some give the name of Odrysæ to all those
people who live on the mountains overhanging the coast, from the Hebrus
and Cypsela to Odessus. They were under the kingly government of
Amadocus, Khersobleptes, Berisades, Seuthes, (Theseus? ) and Cotys. E.
49. The river in Thrace now called Rhiginia (Rhegina? ) was formerly
called Erigon (Erginus? ). EPIT.
50. Samothrace was inhabited by the brothers Jasion and Dardanus. Jasion
was killed by lightning, for his crime against Ceres; Dardanus moved
away from Samothrace, and built a city, to which he gave the name of
Dardania, at the foot of Mount Ida. He taught the Trojans the
Samothracian mysteries. Samothrace was formerly called Samos. EPIT.
51. The gods worshipped in Samothrace, the Curbantes and Corybantes, the
Curetes and the Idæan Dactyli, are said by many persons to be the same
as the Cabiri, although they are unable to explain who the Cabiri were.
E.
52. At the mouth of the Hebrus, which discharges itself by two channels,
in the Gulf of Melas, is a city Ænos, founded by the Mitylenæans and
Cumæans; its first founders, however, were Alopeconnesi; then the
promontory Sarpedon; then the Chersonesus, called the Thracian
Chersonesus, forming the Propontis, the Gulf of Melas, and the
Hellespont. It stretches forwards to the south-east, like a promontory,
bringing Europe and Asia together, with only a strait between them of 7
stadia in width, the Strait of Sestos and Abydos. On the left is the
Propontis, on the right the Gulf Melas,[2914] so called from the river
Melas,[2915] which discharges itself into it, according to Herodotus and
Eudoxus. It is stated (says Strabo) by Herodotus, that the stream of
this river was not sufficient to supply the army of Xerxes. The above
promontory is closed in by an isthmus 40 stadia across. In the middle of
the isthmus is situated the city Lysimachia, named after king
Lysimachus, its founder. On one side of the isthmus, on the Gulf Melas,
lies Cardia; its first founders were Milesians and Clazomenæans, its
second founders Athenians. It is the largest of the cities in the
Chersonesus. Pactya is on the Propontis. After Cardia are Drabus and
Limnæ; then Alopeconnesus, where the Gulf Melas principally ends; then
the great promontory Mazusia; then, in the gulf, Eleus, where is
Protesilaum, from whence Sigeum, a promontory of Troas, is 40 stadia
distant; this is about the most southern extremity of the Chersonesus,
distant from Cardia rather more than 400 stadia; if the circuit is made
by sea to the other side of the isthmus, the distance is a little
greater. E.
53. The Thracian Chersonesus forms three seas, the Propontis to the
north, the Hellespont to the east, and the Gulf Melas to the south,
where the river Melas, of the same name as the gulf, discharges itself.
EPIT.
54. In the isthmus of the Chersonesus are three cities, Cardia on the
Gulf of Melas, Pactya on the Propontis, Lysimachia in the interior; the
breadth of the isthmus is 40 stadia. EPIT.
55. The name of the city Eleus is of the masculine gender, perhaps that
of Trapezus is also masculine. EPIT.
56. In the voyage round of which we have been speaking; beyond Eleus,
first, is the entrance into the Propontis through the straits, where
they say the Hellespont begins. There is a promontory here by some
called Dog’s Monument, by others the Monument of Hecuba, for on doubling
the promontory, the place of her burial is to be seen. Then Madytus and
the promontory of Sestos, where was the Bridge of Xerxes; after these
places comes Sestos. From Eleus to the Bridge it is 170 stadia; after
Sestos it is 280 stadia to Ægospotamos: it is a small city in ruins. At
this place a stone is said to have fallen from heaven during the Persian
war. Then Callipolis, from whence to Lampsacus in Asia is a passage
across of 40 stadia; then a small city Crithote in ruins; then Pactya;
next Macron-Tichos, and Leuce-Acte, and Hieron-Oros, and Perinthus, a
colony of the Samians; then Selybria. Above these places is situated
Silta. Sacred rites are performed in honour of Hieron-Oros by the
natives, which is as it were the citadel of the country. It discharges
asphaltus into the sea. Proconnesus here approaches nearest the
continent, being 120 stadia distant; there is a quarry of white marble
in it, which is plentiful and of good quality; after Selybria the rivers
Athyras and [Bathynias]; then Byzantium and the parts reaching to the
Cyanean rocks. E.
57. From Perinthus to Byzantium it is 630 stadia; from the Hebrus and
Cypseli to Byzantium and the Cyanean rocks it is, according to
Artemidorus, 3100 stadia. The whole distance from Apollonia on the
Ionian Gulf to Byzantium is 7320 stadia; Polybius makes this distance
180 stadia more, by the addition of a third of a stadium to the sum of 8
stadia, which compose a mile. Demetrius of Skepsis, in his account of
the disposition of the Trojan forces, says that it is 700 stadia from
Perinthus to Byzantium, and the same distance to Parium. He makes the
length of the Propontis to be 1400 and the breadth 500 stadia; the
narrowest part also of the Hellespont to be 7 stadia, and the length
400. E.
58. All writers do not agree in their description of the Hellespont, and
many opinions are advanced on the subject. Some describe the Propontis
to be the Hellespont; others, that part of the Propontis which is to the
south of Perinthus; others include a part of the exterior sea which
opens to the Ægæan and the Gulf Melas, each assigning different limits.
Some make their measurement from Sigeum to Lampsacus, and Cyzicus, and
Parium, and Priapus; and one is to be found who measures from Singrium,
a promontory of Lesbos. Some do not hesitate to give the name of
Hellespont to the whole distance as far as the Myrtoan Sea, because (as
in the Odes of Pindar) when Hercules sailed from Troy through the
virgin strait of Hella, and arrived at the Myrtoan Sea, he returned back
to Cos, in consequence of the wind Zephyrus blowing contrary to his
course. Thus some consider it correct to apply the name Hellespont to
the whole of the Ægæan Sea, and the sea along the coast of Thessaly and
Macedonia, invoking the testimony of Homer, who says,
“Thou shalt see, if such thy will, in spring,
My ships shall sail to Hellespont. ”
But the argument is contradicted in the following lines,
“Piros, Imbracius’ son, who came from Ænos. ”
Piros commanded the Thracians,
“Whose limits are the quick-flowing Hellespont. ”
So that he would consider all people settled next to the Thracians as
excluded from the Hellespont. For Ænos is situated in the district
formerly called Apsynthis, but now Corpilice. The territory of the
Cicones is next towards the west. E.
THE
GEOGRAPHY
OF
STRABO.
LITERALLY TRANSLATED, WITH NOTES.
THE FIRST SIX BOOKS
BY H. C. HAMILTON, ESQ.
THE REMAINDER
BY W. FALCONER, M. A. ,
LATE FELLOW OF EXETER COLLEGE, OXFORD.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
