Book 17
1.14
Next is the harbour Derrhis,Cape Deras. which has its name from an adjacent black rock, resembling δέῤῥις, a hide. The neighbouring place is called Zephyrium. Then follows another harbour, Leucaspis (the white shield), and many others; then the Cynossema (or dog’s monument); then Taposeiris, not that situated upon the sea; here is held a great public festival. There is another Taposeiris,The exact site is not ascertained, but it was not far from Aboukir. situated at a considerable distance beyond the city (Alexandreia). Near this, and close to the sea, is a rocky spot, which is the resort of great numbers of people at all seasons of the year, for the purpose of feasting and amusement. Next is Plinthine,Hellanicus says that the vine was first discovered in Plinthine, a city of Egypt, and that for those who, on account of their poverty, could not get wine, there was introduced a custom of drinking beer made of barley. Athenoeus, b. i. c. i. 61, p. 56. Bohn’s Classical Library. and the village of Nicium, and Cherronesus a fortress, distant from Alexandreia and the Necropolis about 70 stadia.
1.14
The lake Mareia, which extends as far as this place, is more than 150 stadia in breadth, and in length less than 300 stadia. It contains eight islands. The whole country about it is well inhabited. Good wine also is produced here, and in such quantity that the Mareotic wine is racked in order that it may be kept to be old.The Mareotic wine is erroneously stated by Athenaeus (p. 55. Bohn’s Classical Library) to have obtained its name from a fountain called Marea. The fountain and town derived their name from Maro, who was one of the companions of Bacchus. The wine is praised by Horace, Odes I.xxxvii. 14: Mentemque lymphatam Mareotico Redegit in veros timores. Virgil, Geor. ii. 91, calls a vine by this name: Sunt Thasiae vites, sunt et Mareotides albae.
