The Geographical System of Herodotus Examined and Explained by a Comparison with Those of Other Ancient Authors and with Modern Geography (Volume 2); Examined and Explained, by a Comparison with Those of Other Ancient Authors, and with Modern Geography (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1830. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... the distance of two and a half or three days. Besides, it is altogether improbable, that, from their habits of life, and communications with those who traverse the Libyan Desert, they should be unacquainted with any fertile spot that may exist in that quarter. Before we quit the subject of the geograplucal position of this place, it will be proper to say a word concerning Ptolemy's geography of this quarter (since his residence in the neighbourhood ought to add weight to it) making due allowances for a distorted construction, arising from excess of longitude: and in the present case, to errors of latitude, almost equally gross: so that relative position, and not the scale of distance, is to be regarded. In Ptolemy (Africa, Tab. III.) we find Siropum9, answering to Karet-um-el-Sogheir, in its relative position to Amnion, the Fons Solis, and the Lesser Oasis; if we allow the three latter to be represented in modern geography by Seewa, (or Santariah) Ain Ca'is, and the Oasis which contains Bahnasa. Between Siropum (say El Sogheir) and Memphis, in the position in which we should look for the mountainous Desert of Le Magra, which is seven journies acrossthere is found in Ptolemy a corresponding tract of mountainous country under the name of Ogdamos. Again, at the distance of 64 miles on Ptolemy's scale, to the SW of Siropum, stands the city of Hammon, unquestionably meant 'Sirpicum, in Solinus. 1 Proceedings Afr. Assoc. for 1790, chap. x. and xii. for the temple and capital of the Ammonians. The reader will perceive, by a slight reference to the Map, at page 183, sup. that these places lie in respect of each other, as Seewa and El Sogheir do. Ptolemy has 205 G. miles between Paraetonium and Ammon, instead of our 120: and it will appear that the 64 bear much the same ...