Page:The geography of Strabo (1854) Volume 1.djvu/267

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B. III. C. V. § 3.
SPAIN.
253

were compelled, as we have related, to resort for refuge to the Romans. However, at the present day the facility with which these animals are taken, prevents them from doing injury, consequently those who possess land cultivate it with advantage. These [islands] are on this side of what are called the Pillars of Hercules.

3. Near to them, are two small islands, one of which is called the Island of Juno; some call these the Pillars. Beyond the Pillars is Gades,[p 1] concerning which all that we have hitherto remarked is, that it is distant from Calpe[p 2] about 750 stadia, and is situated near to the outlet of the Guadalquiver.[1] Notwithstanding there is much can be said about it. For its inhabitants equip the greatest number of ships, and the largest in size, both for our sea,[p 3] and the exterior [ocean], although the island they inhabit is by no means large, nor yet do they possess much of the mainland, nor are masters of other islands. They dwell for the most part on the sea, only a few staying at home or passing their time in Rome. Still, in amount of population, their city does not seem to be surpassed by any with the exception of Rome. I have heard that in a census taken within our own times, there were enumerated five hundred citizens of Gades of the equestrian order, a number equalled by none of the Italian cities excepting that of the Patavini.[p 4] However, notwithstanding their vast number, its inhabitants possess an island, in length[2] not much above 100 stadia, and in some places only one stadium in breadth. Originally the city in which they dwelt was extremely small, but Balbus[3] the Gaditanian, who received the honours of a

  1. ↑ Cadiz.
  2. ↑ The rock of Gibraltar.
  3. ↑ The Mediterranean.
  4. ↑ Padua.
  1. ↑ This mouth of the Guadalquiver, opposite Cadiz, no longer exists.
  2. ↑ “The length of the island of Leon, at the extremity of which the city of Cadiz is situated, is about 9500 toises, which are equivalent to 100 Olympic stadia.” Gosselin.
  3. ↑ L. Cornelius Balbus was a native of Cadiz, and descended from an illustrious family in that town. His original name probably bore some resemblance in sound to the Latin Balbus. Cadiz being one of the federate cities, supported the Romans in their war against Sertorius in Spain, and Balbus thus had an opportunity for distinguishing himself. He served under the Roman generals Q. Mettellus Pius, C. Memmius, and Pompey, and was present at the battles of Turia and Sucro. He distinguished himself so much throughout the war, that Pompey conferred the Roman citizenship upon him, his brother, and his brother’s sons;
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