Greek Texts & Translations

which overflows the marshy districts in the neighbourhood. Between the Sirenusse and Posidonia ^note is Marcina, ^note a city founded by the Tyrrheni, but inhabited by the Samnites. [To go] from thence into Pompaea, ^note through Nuceria, ^note [you cross] an isthmus of not more than 120 stadia. The Picentes extend as far as the river Silaro, ^note which separates their country on this side from ancient Leucania. ^note The water of this river is reported to possess the singular property of petrifying any plant thrown into it, preserving at the same time both the colour and form. ^note Picentia was formerly the capital of the Picentes; but they now dwell in villages, having been ejected by the Romans ^note for taking part with Hannibal. Also, instead of doing military service, it has been decreed that they shall be the public daily couriers and letter-carriers; [a penalty] which for the same cause has been likewise inflicted on the Leucani and Bruttii. To keep them in check, the Romans fortified Salernum, which is a little above the sea. The distance from the Sirenusse to the Silaro is 260 stadia.