[248] Mentioned in c. 29 of the present Book.
[249] Or Choarene.
[250] Its site is unknown; but it is mentioned by Appian as one of the many towns erected by Seleucus.
[251] By the use of the word “quondam,” he implies that in his time it was in ruins.
[252] A place of considerable importance, which seems to have derived its name from its “hundred gates.” It was one of the capitals of the Arsacidan princes; but, extensive though it may have been, there is great doubt where it was situate, the distance recorded by ancient writers not corresponding with any known ruins.
[253] In a northern direction, along the western shores of the Caspian.
[254] According to Hardouin, Eratosthenes, as quoted by Strabo, makes the distance 5060 stadia, or about 633 miles. He has, however, mis-translated the passage, which gives 5600 stadia, or 700 miles exactly, as stated by Pliny.
[255] Or 1960 miles.
[256] Bactra, Bactrum, or Bactrium, was one of the chief cities, if not the capital, of the province of Bactriana. It was one of the most ancient cities in the world, and the modern Balkh is generally supposed to occupy its site. Strabo, as well as Pliny, evidently considers that Bactra and Zareispa were the same place, while Appian distinguishes between the two, though he does not clearly state their relative positions.
[257] The modern Syr-Daria, mentioned in c. 15. See p. [25].