The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6)Pliny, the Elder
History
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6)
Pliny, the Elder
Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works
Eubœa[2672] itself has also been rent away from Bœotia; the channel of
the Euripus, which flows between them, being so narrow as to admit of
the opposite shores being united by a bridge[2673]. At the south, this
island is remarkable for its two promontories, that of Geræstus[2674],
which looks towards Attica, and that of Caphareus[2675], which faces
the Hellespont; on the north it has that of Cenæum[2676]. In no part
does this island extend to a greater breadth than forty miles, while
it never contracts to less than two. In length it runs along the
whole coast of Bœotia, extending from Attica as far as Thessaly, a
distance of 150 miles[2677]. In circumference it measures 365, and is
distant from the Hellespont, on the side of Caphareus, 225 miles. The
cities for which it was formerly famous were, Pyrrha, Porthmos, Nesos,
Cerinthos[2678], Oreum, Dium, Ædepsos[2679], Ocha, and Œchalia; at
present it is ennobled by those of Chalcis[2680] (opposite which, on
the mainland, is Aulis), Geræstus[2681], Eretria[2682], Carystus[2683],
Oritanum, and Artemisium[2684]. Here are also the Fountain of
Arethusa[2685], the river Lelantus, and the warm springs known as
Ellopiæ; it is still better known, however, for the marble of Carystus.
This island used formerly to be called Chalcodontis and Macris[2686],
as we learn from Dionysius and Ephorus; according to Aristides, Macra;
also, as Callidemus says, Chalcis, because copper was first discovered
here. Menæchmus says that it was called Abantias[2687], and the poets
generally give it the name of Asopis.
CHAP. 22.—THE CYCLADES.
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