We have learnt from Thucydides all he has to tell us, and in the light of recent excavations he seems to have spoken clearly enough. The limits of his ancient city have been confirmed by the discovery of the old Pelasgic fortifications. We have seen with our own eyes two of the ancient sanctuaries which lay towards his city, the Pythion and the sanctuary of Dionysos-in-the-Marshes; and from literary evidence inferred the two others, the Olympieion and the sanctuary of Ge. We have noted that, in the order in which Thucydides names them, they occur in succession from East to West; and, most convincing of all, near to the last-named sanctuary we have found Nine-Spouts, and not only Nine-Spouts, but the old Fair-Fount that was before it. Thus all seems clear and simple; Thucydides, Pausanias, and modern excavations tell the same harmonious tale.
Fig. 46.
From Antike Denkmäler II. 37.
CONCLUSION.
Having now stated what we believe to be the truth respecting the ancient burgh of Athens, its nature and limits and the position of its early Sanctuaries, we have still, in accordance with the plan proposed at the outset ([p. 4]), to examine other and, as we believe, erroneous views. These views are widely current in manuals and guide-books and are supported by names[287] that command respect. A study of the genesis of errors so wide-spread and deep-rooted may not be unprofitable.
The sources of error seem to us fourfold, as follows:
1. The lie of the modern town.
2. A misunderstanding of the text of Thucydides.