of Æneas here, and of the religious rites which they say were bequeathed from those times. 6. At 290 stadia from Antium is Mount Circæum, insulated by the sea and marshes. They say that it contains numerous roots, but this perhaps is only to harmonize with the myth relating to Circe. It has a small city, together with a temple to Circe and an altar to Minerva; they likewise say that a cup is shown which belonged to Ulysses. Between [Antium and Circæum] is the river Stura,[1821] which has a station for ships: the rest of the coast is exposed to the south-west wind,[1822] with the exception of this small harbour of Circæum.[1823] Above this, in the interior, is the Pomentine plain: the region next to this was formerly inhabited by the Ausonians, who likewise possessed Campania: next after these the Osci, who also held part of Campania; now, however, as we have remarked, the whole, as far as Sinuessa, belongs to the Latini. A peculiar fate has attended the Osci and Ausonians; for although the Osci have ceased to exist as a distinct tribe, their dialect is extant among the Romans, dramatic and burlesque pieces composed in it being still represented at certain games which were instituted in ancient times. And as for the Ausonians, although they never have dwelt by the sea of Sicily,[1824] it is named the Ausonian Sea. At 100 stadia from Circæum is Tarracina, formerly named Trachina,[1825] on account of its ruggedness; before it is a great marsh, formed by two rivers, the larger of which is called the Aufidus.[1826] This is the first place where the Via Appia approaches the sea. This road is paved from Rome to Brundusium,[1827] and has great traffic. Of the maritime cities, these alone are situated on it; Tarracina, beyond it Formiæ,[1828] Minturnæ,[1829] Sinuessa,[1830] and towards its extremity Tarentum and Brundusium. Near to Tarracina, advancing in the direction of Rome, a canal runs by the side of the Via Appia, which is supplied at intervals by water from the marshes and rivers. Travellers generally sail up it by night, embarking in the evening, and landing in the morning to travel the rest of their journey by the way: however, during the day the passage boat is towed by mules.[1831] Beyond is Formiæ, founded by the Lacedæmonians, and formerly called Hormiæ, on account of its excellent port. Between these [two cities],[1832] is a gulf which they have named Caiata,[1833] in fact all gulfs are called by the Lacedæmonians Caietæ: some, however, say that the gulf received this appellation from [Caieta], the nurse of Æneas. From Tarracina to the promontory of Caiata is a length of 100 stadia. Here[1834] are opened vast caverns, which contain large and sumptuous mansions. From hence to Formiæ is a distance of 40 stadia. Between this city and Sinuessa, at a distance of about 80 stadia from each, is Minturnæ. The river Liris,[1835] formerly named the Clanis, flows through it. It descends from the Apennines, passes through