9. Next after [Cadiz] is the port of Menestheus,[1009] and the estuary near to Asta and Nebrissa.[1010] These estuaries are valleys filled by the sea during its flood-tides, up which you may sail into the interior, and to the cities built on them, in the same way as you sail up a river. Immediately after are the two outlets of the Guadalquiver.[1011] The island embraced by these mouths has a coast of a hundred stadia, or rather more according to others. Hereabouts is the Oracle of Menestheus,[1012] and the tower of Cæpio,[1013] built upon a rock and washed on all sides by the sea. This is an admirable work, resembling the Pharos, and constructed for the safety of vessels. For the mud carried out by the river forms shallows, and sunken rocks are also scattered before it, so that a beacon was greatly needed. Thence sailing up the river is the city of Ebura,[1014] and the temple of Phosphorus,[1015] which they call _Lux Dubia_.[1016] You then pass up the other estuaries; and after these the river Guadiana, which has also two mouths,[1017] up either of which you may sail. Lastly, beyond is the Sacred Promontory,[1018] distant from Gadeira[1019] less than 2000 stadia. Some say that from the Sacred Promontory to the mouth of the Guadiana there are 60 miles; thence to the mouth of the Guadalquiver 100; and from this latter place to Gadeira 70. CHAPTER II. [CASAUB. 141] 1. Turdetania lies above the coast on this side the Guadiana,[1020] and is intersected by the river Guadalquiver.[1021] It is bounded on the west and north by the river Guadiana; on the east by certain of the Carpetani and the Oretani; on the south by those of the Bastetani who inhabit the narrow slip of coast between Calpe and Gadeira, and by the sea beyond as far as the Guadiana. The Bastetani whom I have mentioned, together with the people on the other side the Guadiana, and many of the places adjacent, belong to Turdetania. The size of this country in its length and breadth does not exceed two thousand stadia, still it contains a vast number of towns; two hundred, it is said. Those best known are situated on the rivers, estuaries, and sea; but the two which have acquired the greatest name and importance are, Corduba, founded by Marcellus,[1022] and the city of the Gaditanians.[1023] The latter for its naval importance, and its alliance with the Romans; and the former on account of its fertility and extent, a considerable portion of the Guadalquiver flowing by it; in addition to this it has been from its commencement inhabited by picked men, whether natives or Romans; and it was the first colony planted by the Romans in these parts. After this city and that of the Gaditanians, Hispalis[1024] is the most noted. This also is a Roman colony. Commerce is still carried on here, although at the present moment the city of Bætis[1025] though not so finely built, is outshining it, on account of the honour it has received from the soldiers of Cæsar taking up their quarters there.