Greek Texts & Translations

Sybaris, in the Chonian territory. ^note Homer seems to bear evidence of the former prosperity of the Rhodians, from the very foundation of the three cities; they settled according to their tribes, in three companies, and were the favourites of Jupiter, who showered upon them great wealth. ^note Other writers have applied these verses to a fable, according to which, at the birth of Minerva, it rained gold on the island from the head of Jupiter, as Pindar has said. ^note

The island is 920 stadia in circumference. 11

In sailing from the city, and leaving the island on the right hand, the first place we meet with is Lindus, ^note a city situated on a mountain extending far towards the south, and particularly towards Alexandreia (in Egypt). ^note There is here a celebrated temple of the Lindian Diana, built by the Danaides. Formerly, the Lindians, like the inhabitants of Cameirus, ^note and Ialyssus, formed an independent state, but afterwards they all settled at Rhodes.

Cleobulus, one of the seven wise men, was a native of Lindus. 12

Next to Lindus is Ixia, ^note a stronghold, and Mnasyrium; then the Atabyris, ^note the highest mountain in the island, sacred to Jupiter Atabyrius; then Cameirus; then Ialysus a village, and above it is an acropolis called Ochyroma (the Fortification); then, at the distance of about 80 stadia, the city of the Rhodians. Between these is the Thoantium, a sort of beach, immediately in front of which are situated the Sporades islands lying about Chalcis, which we have mentioned before. ^note 13

There have been many remarkable persons, natives of Rhodes, both generals and athlete, among whom were the ancestors of Panaetius the philosopher. Among statesmen, orators, and philosophers, were Panaetius, Stratocles, Andronicus the Peripatetic, Leonides the Stoic, and long before the time of these persons, Praxiphanes, Hieronymus, and Eudemus. Poseidonius was concerned in the administration of the affairs of state, and taught philosophy at Rhodes, (but he was a native of Apameia in Syria,) as did Apollonius Malacus, and