The Geography of Strabo, Volume 3 (of 3) / Literally Translated, with Notes

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

44886

Title

The Geography of Strabo, Volume 3 (of 3) / Literally Translated, with Notes

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents the concluding section of Strabo's seminal geographical treatise, offering a vivid synthesis of ancient world knowledge. Blending personal travel accounts with historical analysis, the text explores the political landscapes, mythological traditions, and physical features of the Mediterranean and beyond. Written in a clear, engaging style, it serves as an essential resource for understanding the geography and history of the Roman Empire's era.

Summary up to 500 words

Strabo's *Geography*, Volume III, serves as the concluding volume of his comprehensive survey of the known world, focusing intensely on the eastern Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and the periphery of the Roman Empire. Written by a Stoic philosopher and traveler born in Amasia, the text synthesizes Strabo's own extensive journeys—from Armenia to Ethiopia and his time in Rome—with empirical observation, mythological tradition, and the accounts of earlier authorities like Homer and Herodotus. While Strabo critically evaluates these predecessors, he notably relies on Roman sources, such as Caesar's accounts, for descriptions of Gaul and Britain, acknowledging the limitations of purely Greek sources regarding Roman campaigns. The volume details the histories, foundations, and political constitutions of major cities, including Rhodes, Halicarnassus, and Cnidus. Strabo highlights Rhodes as a maritime powerhouse that suppressed piracy and maintained excellent governance, featuring the famous Colossus of the Sun. He recounts the dynastic history of Halicarnassus, detailing the reign of Mausolus and the construction of his tomb, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Throughout the text, Strabo emphasizes the utility of geography for administrators and statesmen, providing context for political events and the lives of great men rather than offering minute topographical descriptions. Strabo also addresses the scientific foundations of geography, discussing the earth's spheroidal shape, the measurement of distances in stadia, and the importance of astronomy. He notes that the convexity of the sea proves the earth's curvature, as lights at a distance become visible only when raised on high. Although he values mathematical precision, he prioritizes historical and cultural data from the Augustan age. The work stands as a lively, well-written contrast to later, more rigid geographical texts. A unique feature of this edition includes an appendix correcting ancient Latin transliterations of Turkish place names to modern spellings, reflecting the region's Ottoman heritage. Ultimately, Strabo's work preserves a wealth of historical and cultural information, intended for those engaged in political employments who require a broad understanding of the world's configuration and human affairs.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Geography