Book 23
6.20
Within this area is Adiabena, called Assyria in ancient times, but by long custom changed to this name because, lying between the navigable rivers Ona and Tigris it could never be approached by a ford; for we Greeks for transire say διαβαίνειν. At least, this is the opinion of the ancients.
6.21
But I myself say that there are two perpetually flowing rivers to be found in these lands, the Diabas and Adiabas,Valesius thinks they are the same rivers which are more commonly called Zabas and Anzabas, and that dia became za; but see Index. which I myself have crossed,During the flight after Julian’s death. and over which there are bridges of boats; and therefore it is to be assumed that Adiabena was named from them, as from great rivers EgyptHomer calls the Nile Aegyptus; cf. xxii. 15, 3. was named, according to Homer, as well as India, and the Euphratensis, before my time called Commagena; likewise from the Hiberus,Ebro. Hiberia (now Hispania), and the province of Baetica from the noble river Baetis.Guadalquivir.
