Greek Texts & Translations

Troy and Lydia, Phrygia. Sophocles, among other writers, says that Calchas died there. According to the fable, the contest did not relate to skill in divination only, but also to sovereignty. For it is said, that Mopsus and Amphilochus, on their return from Troy, founded Mallus; that Amphilochus afterwards went to Argos, and being dissatisfied with the state of affairs there, returned to Mallus, where, being excluded from a share in the government, he engaged with Mopsus in single combat. Both were killed, but their sepulchres are not in sight of each other. They are shown at present at Magarsa, near the Pyramus.

Crates the grammarian was a native of this place, and Panaetius is said to have been his disciple. 17

Above this coast is situated the Aleian plain, over which Philotas conducted Alexander's cavalry, he himself leading the phalanx from Soli along the sea-coast and the territory of Mallus to Issus, against the forces of Darius. It is said that Alexander performed sacrifices in honour of Amphilochus, on account of their common affinity to Argos. Hesiod says that Amphilochus was killed by Apollo at Soli; according to others, at the Aleian plain; and others again say, in Syria, upon his quitting the Aleian plain on account of the quarrel. 18

Mallus is followed by Aegaeae, a small town ^note with a shelter for vessels; then the Amanides Gates, (Gates of Amanus, ^note) with a shelter for vessels. At these gates terminates the mountain Amanus, ^note which extends from the Taurus, and lies above Cilicia towards the east. It was successively in the possession of several tyrants, who had strongholds; but, in our time, Tarcondimotus, who was a man of merit, became master of all; for his good conduct and bravery, he received from the Romans the title of King, and transmitted the succession to his posterity. 19

Next to Aegaeae is Issus, a small town with a shelter for vessels, and a river, the Pinarus. ^note At Issus the battle was fought between Alexander and Darius. The bay is called the Issic Bay. The city Rhosus ^note is situated upon it,