direct diſtances between each ſtage amounts to 7665 Olympic ſtadia. If we add to this ⅛, or 958 ſtadia, for winding of the road, the comparative account will ſtand thus.
Diſtance from Sardis to Thrapſacus.
According to Xenophon, 8610 ſtadia.
| According to D'Anvilles's map | 7665 | Olympic ſtadia | |
| Add ⅛ | 958 | ||
| 8623 |
Difference from Xenophon 13 ſtadia, or a 663d part of the whole diſtance.
Surely this coincidence, in a ſpace of ſuch an extent, is a ſufficient proof that Xenophon uſed the Olympic ſtadium.
The above calculation for a day's march implies, no doubt, that it was accelerated beyond the uſual rate; and that it was actually ſo, We are expreſſly told by Xenophon himſelf. After having ſaid, that ſome of the marches were very long, he adds, that "upon the whole, Cyrus appeared throughout to haſten their march, ſtopping no where, unleſs to get proviſions, or for ſomething elſe that was neceſſary; for he judged, that the quicker he marched, the more unprepared the king would be to encounter him, and the flower, the more numerous would be the king's army; for it was obvious to any perſon of attention, that the Perſian empire, though ſtrong with regard to the extent of the country, and the numbers of men, was however weak by reaſon of the great diſtances of the places, and the diviſion of its forces, when ſurprifed by a ſudden invaſion[1]."
- ↑ Spelman's Tranſlation of Xenophon's Anabaſis, p. 31. It mutt however, I think, be admitted, that the acceleration of the march of Cyrus could not have been very great, otherwise
