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
We next come to the Greater Syrtis, 625 miles in circumference, and at
the entrance 312 miles in width; next after which dwells the nation
of the Cisippades. At the bottom of this gulf was the coast of the
Lotophagi, whom some writers have called the Alachroæ[3391], extending
as far as the Altars of the Philæni[3392]; these Altars are formed
of heaps of sand. On passing these, not far from the shore there is
a vast swamp[3393] which receives the river Triton[3394] and from it
takes its name: by Callimachus it is called Pallantias[3395], and is
said by him to be on the nearer side of the Lesser Syrtis; many other
writers however place it between the two Syrtes. The promontory which
bounds the Greater Syrtis has the name of Borion[3396]; beyond it is
the province of Cyrene.
Africa, from the river Ampsaga to this limit, includes 516 peoples, who
are subject to the Roman sway, of which six are colonies; among them
Uthina[3397] and Tuburbi[3398], besides those already mentioned. The
towns enjoying the rights of Roman citizens are fifteen in number, of
which I shall mention, as lying in the interior, those of Assuræ[3399],
Abutucum, Aborium, Canopicum[3400], Cilma[3401], Simithium,
Thunusidium, Tuburnicum, Tynidrumum, Tibiga, the two towns called
Ucita, the Greater and the Lesser, and Vaga. There is also one town
with Latin rights, Uzalita by name, and one town of tributaries, Castra
Cornelia[3402]. The free towns are thirty in number, among which we
may mention, in the interior, those of Acholla[3403], Aggarita, Avina,
Abzirita, Canopita, Melizita, Matera, Salaphita, Tusdrita[3404],
Tiphica, Tunica[3405], Theuda, Tagasta[3406], Tiga[3407], Ulusubrita,
a second Vaga, Visa, and Zama[3408]. Of the remaining number, most of
them should be called, in strictness, not only cities, but nations
even; such for instance as the Natabudes, the Capsitani[3409],
the Musulami, the Sabarbares, the Massyli[3410], the Nisives, the
Vamacures, the Cinithi, the Musuni, the Marchubii[3411], and the whole
of Gætulia[3412], as far as the river Nigris[3413], which separates
Africa proper from Æthiopia.
CHAP. 5. (5.)—CYRENAICA.
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