was the situation of the place called Academia, which stood at the distance of a few furlongs from [1134]Athens. It was a place of exercise and science; and by all accounts finely disposed: being planted with a variety of trees, but particularly Olives, called here (Μοριαι) Moriæ. There were likewise springs, and baths for the convenience of those who here took their exercise. The tradition among the Athenians was, that one Ecademus, or Academus, founded it in antient times; from whom it received its name. Laërtius styles him the hero Ecademus: [1135]Απο τινος Ἡρωος ωνομασθη Εκαδημου. And Suidas to the same purpose; Απο Εκαδημου τινος Ἡρωος ονομασθεν. But Eupolis, the comic writer, who was far prior, speaks of him as a Deity: [1136]Εν ευσκιοις δρυμοισιν Ακαδημου Θεου. The trees, which grew within the precincts, were looked upon as very sacred, [1137]οντως ἱεραι, and the place itself in antient times was of so great sanctity, that it was a profanation to laugh there; [1138]προτερον εν Ακαδημιᾳ μηδε γελασαι εξουσιαν ειναι. The Ceramicus at Athens had the same name; and it was undoubtedly given from the same personage. Ακαδημια. καλειται δε ὁυτως ὁ Κεραμικος. Hesych. The common notion was, that it was denominated from the hero [1139]Ceramus, the son of Dionusus. This arose from the common mistake; by which the place was put for the person, to whom it was sacred, and whose name it bore. Ham was the supposed hero: and Ceramus was Cer-Ham, the tower or temple of Ham, which gave name to the inclosure. This abuse of terms is no where more apparent than in an inscription mentioned by Gruter; where there is a mixed title of the Deity formed from his place of worship. [1140]Malacæ Hispaniæ. MARTI CIRADINO TEMPLUM COMMUNI VOTO ERECTUM. Cir-Adon was the temple of Adon, or Adonis; the Amonian title of the chief God. In like manner near mount Laphystium in Bœotia, the God [1141]Charops was worshipped, and styled Hercules Charops. But Char-Ops, or Char-Opis, signified the temple of the serpent Deity: and was undoubtedly built of old by the people named Charopians, and Cyclopians; who were no other than the antient Cadmians. Ceramicus was an Egyptian name; and one of the gates or towers of the gates at [1142]Naucratis in that country was so called. It was also the name of an harbour in Caria, probably denominated from some building at the [1143]entrance.