Book 23
6.37
In this neighbourhood the Medic oil is made. If a missile is smeared with this oil and shot somewhat slowly from a loosened bow (for it is extinguished by a swift flight), wherever it lands it burns persistently; and if one tries to put it out with water, he makes it burn the more fiercely, and it can be quelled in no other way than by throwing dust upon it.Cf. 4, 15, above, where Ammianus uses similar language of the malleoli; and 6, 16.
6.38
Now, the oil is made in this way. Those who are skilled in such matters take oil of general use, mix it with a certain herb, and let it stand for a long time and thicken, until it gets magic power from the material. Another kind, like a thicker sort of oil, is native to Persia, and (as I have said)6, 16, above. is called in that language naphtha.
6.39
In these lands are many scattered cities; greater than all the rest are Zombis, Patigran and Gazaca.Called Gaza by Strabo and Pliny, the capital of Atropatene. Conspicuous for their wealth and their mighty walls are Heraclia, Arsacia, Europos,According to Strabo, xi. 13, 6, Arsacia and Europos were the same city, also called Khaga or Khagae. Cyropolis and Ecbatana,Cf. Hdt. i. 98; to-day Hamadan. all situated at the foot of Mount Iasonius in the land of the Syromedi.The part of Media which lies before Persia.
