Greek Texts & Translations

After these mountaineers come the people dwelling beyond the Taurus. First amongst these is India, a nation greater and more flourishing than any other; they extend as far as the Eastern Sea ^note and the southern part of the Atlantic. In the most southerly part of this sea opposite to India is situated the island of Taprobana, ^note which is not less than Britain. Beyond India to the west, and leaving the mountains [of the Taurus] on the right, is a vast region, miserably inhabited, on account of the sterility of its soil, by men of different races, who are absolutely in a savage state. They are named Arians, and extend from the mountains to Gedrosia and Carmania. ^note Beyond these towards the sea are the Persians, ^note the Susians, ^note and the Babylonians, ^note situated along the Persian Gulf, besides several smaller neighbouring states. On the side of the mountains and amidst the mountains are the Parthians, the Medes, the Armenians, and the nations adjoining these, together with Mesopotamia. ^note Beyond Mesopotamia are the countries on this side the Euphrates; viz. the whole of Arabia Felix, bounded by the entire Arabian and Persian Gulfs, together with the country of the Scenitae and Phylarchi, who are situated along the Euphrates and in Syria. Beyond the Arabian Gulf and as far as the Nile dwell the Ethiopians ^note and Arabians, ^note and next these the Egyptians, Syrians, and Cilicians, ^note both those styled Trachiotae and others besides, and last of all the Pamphylians. ^note