Kitap 23
6.27
On the left Media extends, bordering on the HyrcanianPart of the Caspian. Sea. Of this province we read that before the reign of the elder Cyrus and the growth in Persia’s power, it was the queen of all Asia, after it had overcome Assyria,Under Arbaces in the reign of Sardanapalus, 876 B.C. whose many provinces, changed in name to Agropatena, it possessed by the right of conquest.
6.28
It is a warlike nation, and most of all to be feared next to the Parthians, by whom alone it is surpassed, and its territory has the form of a rectangle. The inhabitants of these lands as a whole dwell in a most spacious country, overhung by very lofty mountains, which they call Zagrus, Orontes, and Iasonius.All these are branches of Mt. Taurus.
6.29
Those who dwell on the western side of the lofty mountain CoronusIn Parthia. abound in fields of grain and vineyards,Polyb. v. 44, 1. enjoy the fertility of a productive soil, and are rich in rivers and clear springs.
6.30
Their green meadows produce a noble breed of horses, on which their chiefs (as the writers of old say, and as I myself have seen) when entering battle are wont to ride full of courage. These horses they call Nesaean.Cf. Herodotus, vii. 40; Strabo, xi. 13, 7; 14, 9. Others say that they were used only for the kings’ chariots.
6.31
Therefore Media abounds in rich cities, in villages built up like towns, and in a great number of inhabitants; it is (to speak briefly) the richest residence of the kings.
