Greek Texts & Translations

Tyrrhenia and Ombrica as far as the territory of Ariminum, ^note the other, the road as far as Bononia, ^note and thence to Aquileia ^note by the roots of the Alps, and encircling the marshes. The boundaries which separate from the rest of Italy this country, which we designate Citerior Keltica, ^note were marked by the Apennine mountains above Tyrrhenia and the river Esino, ^note and afterwards by the Rubicon. ^note Both these rivers fall into the Adriatic. 12

The fertility of this country is proved by its population, the size of its cities, and its wealth, in all of which the Romans of this country surpass the rest of Italy. The cultivated land produces fruits in abundance and of every kind, and the woods contain such abundance of mast, that Rome is principally supplied from the swine fed there. Being well supplied with water, millet grows there in perfection. This affords the greatest security against famine, inasmuch as millet resists any inclemency of the atmosphere, and never fails, even when there is scarcity of other kinds of grain. Their pitch-works are amazing, and their casks give evidence of the abundance of wine: these are made of wood, and are larger than houses, and the great supply of pitch allows them to be sold cheap. The soft wool and by far the best is produced in the country round Mutina ^note and the river Panaro; ^note while the coarse wool, which forms the main article of clothing amongst the slaves in Italy, is produced in Liguria and the country of the Symbri. There is a middling kind grown about Patavium, ^note of which the finer carpets, gausapi, ^note and every thing else of the same sort, whether with the wool on