Page:The geography of Strabo (1854) Volume 2.djvu/267

 B. xi. c. xii. 1, 2. MOUNT TAURUS. 259 CHAPTER XII. 1. SINCE the Taurus constitutes the northern parts of Asia, which are called also the parts within the Taurus, I propose to speak first of these. They are situated either entirely, or chiefly, among the mountains. Those to the east of the Caspian Gates admit of a shorter description on account of the rude state of the peo- ple, nor is there much difference whether they are referred to one climate ] or the other. All the western countries furnish abundant matter for description. We must therefore proceed to the places situated near the Caspian Gates. Media lies towards the west, an extensive country, and formerly powerful ; it is situated in the middle of Taurus, which here has many branches, and contains large valleys, as is the case in Armenia. 2. This mountain has its beginning in Caria and Lycia, but does not exhibit there either considerable breadth or height. It first appears to have a great altitude opposite the Chelidoneae, 2 which are islands situated in front of the com- mencement of the Pamphylian coast. It extends towards the east, and includes the long valleys of Cilicia. Then oil one side the Amanus 3 is detached from it, and on the other the Anti-Taurus. 4 In the latter is situated Comana, 5 belong- ing to the Upper Cappadocia. It terminates in Cataonia, but Mount Amanus is continued as far as the Euphrates, and Melitene, 6 where Commagene extends along Cappadocia. It receives the mountains beyond the Euphrates, which are continuous with those before mentioned, except the part which is intercepted by the river flowing through the middle of them. 1 i. e. To northern or southern Asia. B. ii. c. I. 20.] 2 There are five islands off the Hiera Acta, which is now Cape Kheli- donia. The Greeks still call them Cheledoniae, of which the Italians make Celidoni ; and the Turks have adopted the Italian name, and call them Shelidan. Smith, art. Chelidonise Insulee. 3 Amanus descends from the mass of Taurus, and surrounds the Gulf of Issus. 4 Dudschik Dagh. 5 It is generally supposed that the modern town Al Bostan on the Si- koon, Seihun, or Sarus, is or is near the site of Comana of Cappadocia. Smith, art. Comana. 6 Malatia. s 2