Greek Texts & Translations

the Syrtis) is a very considerable mart for commerce, where a river discharges itself into the gulf. The effects of the flux and reflux of the tides extend up to this point, and at the proper moment the neighbouring inhabitants eagerly rush (to the shore) to capture the fish (thrown up). 18

After the Syrtis, follows the lake Zuchis, 400 stadia (in circuit?), with a narrow entrance, where is situated a city of the same name, containing factories for purple dyeing and for salting of all kinds; then follows another lake much smaller; after this the city Abrotonon ^note and some others. Close by is Neapolis, which is also called Leptis. ^note From hence the passage across to the Locri Epizephyrii ^note is a distance of 3600 stadia. Next is the river [Cinyps]. ^note Afterwards is a walled darn, constructed by the Carthaginians, who thus bridged over some deep swamps which extend far into the country. There are some places here without harbours, although the rest of the coast is provided with them. Next is a lofty wooded promontory, which is the commencement of the Great Syrtis, and called Cephalae (The Heads), ^note from whence to Carthage is a distance of a little more than 5000 stadia. 19

Above the sea-coast from Carthage to Cephalae (on the one hand) and to the territory of the Masaesyli (on the other) lies the territory of the Libo-Phoenicians, extending (into the interior) to the mountainous country of the Gaetuli, which belongs to Africa Proper. Above the Gaetuli is the country of the Garamantes, lying parallel to the former, and from whence are brought the Carthaginian pebbles (carbuncles). The Garamantes are said to be distant from the Ethiopians, who live on the borders of the ocean, nine or ten days' journey, and from the temple of Ammon fifteen days. Between the Gaetuli and the coast of our sea (the Mediterranean) there are many plains and many mountains, great lakes and rivers, some of which sink into the earth and disappear. The inhabitants are simple in their mode of life and in their dress; they marry numerous wives, and have a numerous offspring; in other respects they resemble the nomade Arabians. The