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
(20.) In the rear of this spot begins the chain of Libanus, which
extends 1500 stadia, as far as Simyra; this district has the name
of Cœle Syria. Opposite to this chain, and separated from it by
an intervening valley, stretches away the range of Antilibanus,
which was formerly connected with Libanus[3708] by a wall. Beyond
it, and lying in the interior, is the region of Decapolis, and,
with it, the Tetrarchies already mentioned, and the whole expanse
of Palæstina. On the coast, again, and lying beneath Libanus, is
the river Magoras[3709], the colony of Berytus[3710], which bears
the name of Felix Julia, the town of Leontos[3711], the river
Lycos[3712], Palæbyblos[3713], the river Adonis[3714], and the
towns of Byblos[3715], Botrys[3716], Gigarta[3717], Trieris[3718],
Calamos[3719], Tripolis[3720], inhabited by the Tyrians, Sidonians,
and Aradians; Orthosia[3721], the river Eleutheros[3722], the towns of
Simyra and Marathos[3723]; and opposite, Arados[3724], a town seven
stadia long, on an island, distant 200 paces from the mainland. After
passing through the country in which the before-named mountains end and
the plains that lie between, Mount Bargylus[3725] is seen to rise.
CHAP. 18.—SYRIA ANTIOCHIA.
Here Phœnicia ends, and Syria recommences. The towns are, Carne[3726],
Balanea[3727], Paltos[3728], and Gabale[3729]; then the promontory
upon which is situate the free town of Laodicea[3730]; and then
Diospolis[3731], Heraclea[3732], Charadrus[3733], and Posidium[3734].
(21.) We then come to the Promontory of Syria Antiochia. In the
interior is the free city of Antiochia[3735] itself, surnamed
Epidaphnes[3736], and divided by the river Orontes[3737]. On the
promontory is Seleucia[3738], called Pieria, a free city.
(22.) Beyond it lies Mount Casius[3739], a different one from the
mountain of the same name[3740] which we have already mentioned. The
height of this mountain is so vast, that, at the fourth watch[3741] of
the night, you can see from it, in the midst of the darkness, the sun
rising on the east; and thus, by merely turning round, we may at one
and the same time behold both day and night. The winding road which
leads to its summit is nineteen miles in length, its perpendicular
height four. Upon this coast there is the river Orontes, which takes
its rise near Heliopolis[3742], between the range of Libanus and
Antilibanus. The towns are, Rhosos[3743], and, behind it, the Gates
of Syria[3744], lying in the space between the chain of the Rhosian
mountains and that of Taurus. On the coast there is the town of
Myriandros[3745], and Mount Amanus[3746], upon which is the town of
Bomitæ[3747]. This mountain separates Cilicia from Syria.
CHAP. 19. (23.)—THE REMAINING PARTS OF SYRIA.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account