Greek Texts & Translations

3. Such then is Thessaly, which is divided into four parts, Phthiotis, Hestiaeotis, Thessaliotis, and Pelasgiotis.

Phthiotis comprises the southern parts, extending along Oeta from the Maliac and (or) Pylaïc Gulf ^note as far as Dolopia and Pindus, increasing in breadth to Pharsalia and the Thessalian plains.

Hestiaeotis comprises the western parts and those between Pindus and Upper Macedonia; the rest is occupied by the inhabitants of the plains below Hestiaeotis, who are called Pelasgiotae, and approach close to the Lower Macedonians; by the [Thessalians] also, who possess the country next in order, as far as the coast of Magnesia.

The names of many cities might here be enumerated, which are celebrated on other accounts, but particularly as being mentioned by Homer; few of them, however, but most of all Larisa, preserve their ancient importance. 4

The poet having divided the whole of the country, which we call Thessaly, into ten ^note parts and dynasties, and having taken in addition some portion of the Oetaean and Locrian territory, and of that also which is now assigned to the Macedonians, shows (what commonly happened to every country) the changes which, entirely or in part, they undergo according to the power possessed by their respective governors. 5

The poet first enumerates the Thessalians subject to Achilles, who occupied the southern side, and adjoined Oeta, and the Locri Epicnemidii; All who dwelt in Pelasgic Argos; they who occupied Alus, Alope, and Trachin; they who possessed Phthia, and Hellas, abounding with beautiful women, were called Myrmidones, Hellenes, and Achaei. ^note He joins together with these the people under the command of Phoenix, and makes them compose one common expedition. The poet nowhere mentions the Dolopian forces in the battles near Ilium, neither does he introduce their leader Phoenix, as undertaking, like Nestor, dangerous enterprises. But Phoenix is mentioned by others, as by Pindar,