CHAP. 40. (32.)—THE HELLESPONT AND MYSIA
The tide of the Hellespont now begins to run with greater
violence, and the sea beats against the shore, undermining
with its eddies the barriers that stand in its way, until it
has succeeded in separating Asia from Europe. At this
spot is the promontory which we have already mentioned
as Trapeza[1]; ten miles distant from which is the city of
Abydos[2], where the straits are only seven stadia wide; then
the town of Percote[3]; Lampsacus[4], at first called Pityusa;
the colony of Parium[5], which Homer calls by the name of
Adrastia; the town of Priapos[6]; the river Æsepus[7];
Zelia[8];
and then the Propontis[9], that being the name given to
the tract of sea where it enlarges. We then come to the
river Granicus[10], and the harbour of Artace[11], where a town
formerly stood. Beyond this is an island which Alexander
joined to the continent, and upon which is Cyzicus[12], a city
of the Milesians, which was formerly called Arctonnesos[13],
Dolionis, and Dindymis; above it are the heights of
Mount Dindymus[14]. We then come to the towns of Placia,
Ariace[15], and Scylace; in the rear of which places is Mount
Olympus, known as the "Mysian Olympus," and the city of
Olympena. There are also the rivers Horisius[16] and
Rhyndacus[17], formerly called the Lycus; this last river rises
in
Lake Artynias, near Miletopolis, and receives the Macestos,
and many other streams, dividing in its course Asia[18] from
Bithynia[19].
This country was at first called by the name of Cronia,
after that, Thessalis, and then Malianda and Strymonis. The
people of it are by Homer called Halizones[20], from the fact
that it was a nation begirt by the sea. There was formerly
a vast city here, Attussa by name; at present there are
twelve cities in existence; among which is Gordiucome[21],
otherwise Juliopolis; and, on the coast, Dascylos[22]. We
then come to the river Gelbes[23]; and, in the interior, the
town of Helgas, or Germanicopolis, which has also the
other name of Booseœte[24] Apamea[25], now more generally
known as Myrlea of the Colophonians: the river Etheleus
also. the ancient boundary of Troas, and the commencement
of Mysia. Next to this comes the gulf[26] into which the
river Ascanius flows, the town of Bryllion[27], and the rivers
Hylas and Cios, with a town of the same name as the last-
mentioned river; it was founded by the Milesians at a place
which was called Aseania of Phrygia, as an entrepôt for the
trade of the Phrygians who dwelt in the vicinity. We may
therefore look upon this as a not ineligible opportunity for
making further mention of Phrygia.
1. In C. 33 of the present Book.
2. Opposite to Sestos, made famous by the loves of Hero and Leander.
Aidos, or Avido, a village on the Hellespont, is thought to occupy its site.
3. Now called Bergase, according to D'Anville.
4. Its ruins are still known as Lapsaki. This important city was celebrated for its wine, and was the chief seat of the worship of the god
Priapus.
5. Its site is now called Camanar, according to D'Anville.
6. According to Ansart, the modern Caraboa marks its site.
7. Now called the Satal-dere, according to Ansart.
8. Its locality was not far from the modern Biga, according to Ansart.
9. Now the Sea of Marmora.
10. Mentioned in C. 33 of the present Book.
11. Now called Artaki, or Erdek, a town of Mysia, and a Milesian
colony. A poor town now occupies its site.
12. Its ruins are called by the Turks Bal Kiz, probably meaning "Old
Cyzicus." There are many subterraneous passages, and the ruins are of
considerable extent. Its temples and storehouses appear to have been
built on a scale of great magnificence. See Pliny, B. xxxvi. c. 15.
13. The "Island of the Bears," which animals frequented the mountain in its vicinity.
14. Called Dindymum by Herodotus;
probably the modern Morad Dagh, in which the river Hermus rises.
15. Now called Saki, according to Ansart.
16. Now called the Lartaeho, according to Ansart.
17. Previously mentioned in C. 32 of the present Book.
18. In its limited sense; considered as a portion only of Asia Minor.
19. On the west it bordered on Mysia, and on the south on Phrygia and
Galatia, while the eastern boundary seems to have been less definite.
20. Ephorus, as quoted by Stephanus Byzantinus, says, that the
Halizones inhabited the district lying between Caria, Mysia, and
Lydia.
Hesyehius incorrectly places them in Paphlagonia.
21. Meaning the "Village of Gordius," one of its ancient kings. It was
also called Gordium. After falling to decay, it was rebuilt by Augustus,
and called Juliopolis. It is celebrated in history as the place where
Alexander the Great cut the Gordian knot; the scene of the adventure
being the Acropolis of the town, the former palace of King Gordius.
22. There were several Asiatic cities of the similar name of Dascylium. The
site of the one here mentioned does not appear to have been ascertained.
23. More generally read "Gebes."
24. The "Bull's Bed," or "Den."
It probably took its second name from the Roman general Germanicus.
25. Now called Medania, or Mutania. It received its name of Apamea
from Prusias, king of Bithynia, in compliment to his wife. In the time
of the first Cæsars, it was made a Roman colony.
26. The Bay of Cios. The river runs into a lake, formerly known as
Lake Ascanius; probably that mentioned by Pliny in B. xxxi. c. 10.
27. Stephanus Byzantinus says that it was the same as the town of Cios,
or Cius, here mentioned as near to it. It was on the shores of the
Propontis.