356 STRABO. CASAUB. 240. lake of considerable size. The temple and water are sur- rounded by abrupt and lofty precipices, so that they seem to be situated in a deep and hollow ravine. The springs by which the lake is filled are visible. One of these is denomi- nated Egeria, after the name of a certain divinity ; however, their course on leaving the lake is subterraneous, but they may be observed at some distance, when they rise to the surface of the ground. 13. Near to these localities is Mount Albanus, 1 which is much higher than either the Artemisium or the heights sur- rounding it, although these are sufficiently lofty and precipit- ous. It has likewise a lake, 2 much larger than that of the Artemisium. Further forward than these are the cities on the Via Latina, we have already mentioned. Alba 3 is the most inland of all the Latin cities ; it borders on the Marsi, and is situated on a high hill near to Lake Fucinus. This [lake] is vast as a sea, and is of great service to the Marsi and all the surrounding nations. They say, that at times its waters rise to the height of the moun- tains which surround it, and at others subside so much, that the places which had been covered with water reappear and may be cultivated; however, the subsidings of the waters occur irregularly and without previous warning, and are fol- lowed by their rising again ; the springs fail altogether and gush out again after a time ; as they say is the case with the Amenanus, 4 which flows through Catana, 5 for after re- maining dry for a number of years, it again flows. It is reported that the Marcian 6 water, which is drunk at Rome in preference to any other, has its source in [Lake] Fucinus. As Alba is situated in the depths of the country, and is be- sides a strong position, the Romans have often employed it as a place of security, for lodging important prisoners. 7 1 Monte Cavo. 8 The Lago d'Albano. 3 Alba Fucensis is here intended : hod. Albi. 4 The Judicello. 5 Catania, in Sicily. 6 See Pliny in reference to the Aqua Marcia, Hist. Nat. 1. xxxi. 24, also 1. ii. 106. 7 It served successively as a place of confinement for the kings Sy- phax, Perseus, and Bituitus.
