314 STRABO. CASAUB. 210. its base formed by the Alps [No one can allow this definition either for the base or one of the sides,] although it is correct for the other side which terminates at the Strait, and is washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. But a triangle, pro- perly so called, is a rectilinear figure, whereas in this instance both the base and the sides are curved. So that, if I agree, I must add that the base and the sides are of a curved figure, and it must be conceded to me that the eastern side deviates, as well ; otherwise they have not been sufficiently exact in describing as one side that which extends from the head of the Adriatic to the Strait [of Sicily]. For we designate as a side a line without any angle ; now a line without any angle is one which does not incline to either side, or but very little ; whereas the line from Ariminum 1 to the lapygian promon- tory, 2 and that from the Strait [of Sicily] to the same pro- montory, incline very considerably. The same I consider to be the case with regard to the lines drawn from the head of the Adriatic and lapygia, for meeting about the neighbour- hood of Ariminum and Ravenna, they form an angle, or if not an angle, at least a strongly defined curve. Consequently, if the coast from the head [of the Adriatic] to lapygia be con- sidered as one side, it cannot be described as a right line ; neither can the remainder of the line from hence to the Strait [of Sicily], though it may be considered another side, be said to form a right line. Thus the figure [of Italy] may be said to be rather quadrilateral than trilateral, and can never with- out impropriety be called a triangle. It is better to confess that you cannot define exactly ungeometrical figures. 3. [Italy], however, may be described in the following man- ner. The roots of the Alps are curved, and in the form of a gulf, the head turned towards Italy ; the middle of the gulf in the country of the Salassi, and its extremities turned, the one towards Ocra and the head of the Adriatic, the other towards the coast of Liguria as far as Genoa, a mercantile city of the Ligurians, where the Apennines fall in with the Alps. Immediately under [the Alps] there is a considerable plain, of about an equal extent of 2100 stadia both in breadth and length ; its southern side is closed by the coast of the Heneti 3 and the Apennines, which extend to Ariminum and 1 Rimini. 2 Capo cli Leuca. 3 Venetians.
