210 STRABO. CASAUB. 139 Guadiana, extends eastward as far as Oretania, 1 and southward along the sea-coast from the outlets of the Guadiana to the Pillars [of Hercules]. But it is necessary that I should enter into "further particulars concerning this and the neighbouring places, in order to illustrate their excellence and fertility. 7. Between this coast, where the Guadalquiver and Guadi- ana discharge themselves, and the extremities of Maurusia, the Atlantic Ocean forms the strait at the Pillars [of Hercules] by which it is connected with the Mediterranean. Here is situated Calpe, 2 the mountain of the Iberians who are de- nominated Bastetani, by others Bastuli. Its circumference is not large, but it is so high and steep as to resemble an island in the distance. Sailing from the Mediterranean into the At- lantic, it is left on the right hand. At a distance of 40 stadia from this [mountain] is the considerable and ancient city of Carteia, formerly a marine jiraenal of the Iberians. Some assert that it was foundedby Hercules ; of tEis number is Timosthenes, 3 who tells us it was anciently called Heraclasa, and that vas^ walls and ship-sheds are still shown. 8. Next to these is Mellaria, 4 where they make salted pro- visions. After this the city and river 5 of Belo. Here the merchandise and salted provisions for Tingis in Maurusia are principally shipped. There was a city named Zelis 6 near to Tingis, but the Romans transferred it to the opposite coast [of Spain], and having placed there in addition some of the inhabitants of Tingis, and sent over also some of their own people, they then gave to the city the name of Julia Joza. 7 Beyond this is Gadeira, 8 an island separated from Turdetania by a narrow strait, and distant from Calpe about 750 stadia, or, as others say, 800. This island has nothing to distinguish it above others, but owing to the boldness of its people in 1 The mountainous country in which the Guadalquiver takes its source. 2 The rock of Gibraltar. 3 This Timosthenes was the admiral of Ptolemy II. Strabo mentions him repeatedly. 4 The place on which this town formerly stood is now designated Val de Vacca. 5 Rio Barbate. 6 Now Azzila. 7 Called by Pliny and Ptolemy Julia Tramducta. It appears to have been situated at the western entrance of the Bay of Gibraltar, at the place now called Al-Gesira. 8 jCadiz.
