Page:The geography of Strabo (1854) Volume 2.djvu/124

 116 STRABO. CASAUB. 418. of the passes also. But since from its celebrity the temple at Delphi possesses a pre-eminence, this, together with the posi- tion of the places, (for they are the most westerly parts of Phocis,) suggest a natural commencement of our description, and we shall begin from thence. 3. We have remarked, that Parnassus itself is situated on the western boundaries of Phocis. The western side of this mountain is occupied by the Locri Ozolae; on the southern is Delphi, a rocky spot, resembling in shape a theatre ; on its summit is the oracle, and also the city, which comprehends a circle of 16 stadia. Above it lies Lycoreia; here the Del- phians were formerly settled above the temple. At present they live close to it around the Castalian fountain. In front of the city, on the southern part, is Cirphis, a precipitous hill, leaving in the intermediate space a wooded ravine, through which the river Pleistus flows. Below Cirphis near the sea is Cirrha, an ancient city, from which there is an ascent to Delphi of about 80 stadia. It is situated opposite to Sicyon. Adjoining to Cirrha is the fertile Crisasan plain. Again, next in order follows another city Crisa, from which the Crisaean Gulf has its name ; then Anticyra, 1 of the same name as the city, on the Maliac Gulf, and near OEta. The best hellebore is said to grow in the Maliac Anticyra, 2 but here it is prepared in a better manner ; on this account many persons resort hither for the purpose of experiencing its purgative qualities, and of being cured of their maladies. In the Phocian territory there is found a medicinal plant, resem- bling Sesamum, (Sesamoides,) with which the (Etasan helle- bore is prepared. 4. Anticyra still remains, but Cirrha and Crisa 3 are in ruins ; Cirrha was destroyed by the Crisaeans ; and Crisa, afterwards, by Eurylochus the Thessalian, in the Crisaaan war ; for the Crisasi enriched themselves by duties levied on merchandise brought from Sicily and Italy, and laid grievous imposts on those who resorted to the temple, contrary to the decrees of the Amphictyons. The same was the case with the Amphissenses, who belong to "the Locri Ozolae. This people made an irruption into the country, and took possession of Crisa, and restored it. The plain, which had been consecrated 1 Aspra Spitia. 2 At the mouth of the Spercheius. 3 The ruins are near Chryso.