Greek Texts & Translations

shelter for vessels; hence to the city is an isthmus of 60 stadia. The circumnavigation is 360 stadia, as I have before described it. Next, the promontory Melaena, ^note opposite to which is Psyra, ^note an island distant from the promontory 50 stadia, lofty, with a city of the same name. The island is 40 stadia in circumference. Next is the rugged tract, Ariusia, without harbours, about 30 stadia in extent. It produces the best of the Grecian wines. Then follows Pelinaeum, ^note the highest mountain in the island. In the island is a marble quarry.

Among illustrious natives of Chios were Ion ^note the tragic writer, Theopompus the historian, and Theocritus the sophist. The two latter persons were opposed to each other in the political parties in the state. The Chians claim Homer as a native of their country, alleging as a proof the Homeridae, as they are called, descendants from his family, whom Pindar mentions: Whence also the Homeridae, the chanters of the rhapsodies, most frequently begin their song. ^note The Chians once possessed a naval force, and aspired to the sovereignty of the sea, and to liberty. ^note

From Chios to Lesbos is a voyage of about 400 stadia, with a south wind.