DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4099#0141
ANCIENT DIVISIONS OF THESSALY. . 129
after many centuries of repose, may, at some future period, burst
forth with their original violence.
Before I take my final leave of Thessaly, it is necessary to notice
the great uncertainty which now exists concerning its ancient divi-
sions, subdivisions, and boundaries. Strabo,1 indeed, treats this sub-
ject in considerable detail, and endeavours to reconcile the topo-
graphy of various places with the passages in which they are men-
tioned by Homer. A good deal of confusion is, however, evident in
this part of the geographer's work; and, unfortunately, we have no
account of Pausanias to rectify his errors, or to supply his omis-
sions. The natural bulwarks which encircle the rich Thessalian
plains are the mountains and chains of Oeta, Pindos, Othrys,
Olympos, Ossa, and Pelion, all of which are of grand dimensions,
and of imposing altitude. They are amply diversified by forests,
fountains, and streams ; by deep recesses, wild glens, verdant glades,
and luxuriant pastures, with all the attractions of the picturesque.
The inhabitants, who live in scattered villages, are chiefly herdsmen,
whose wants are almost spontaneously supplied by the fertility of
the soil, and the genial temperature of the climate. Many subordi-
nate valleys are formed by the numerous ramifications of the great
Thessalian mountains. Innumerable rivers descend from these
towering heights ; and though some of them, particularly the Pe-
neios, have a course of considerable length, most of them are small,
slow, and muddy: many of them unite with the Peneios, which,
towards Larissa, assumes the appearance of a respectable river.
Thessaly was formerly very populous, and was adorned with nu-
merous and wealthy cities.' Its mountains and passes were defended
by strong castles, and the excellence of its ports was favourable to
the acquisition of maritime power, and to the prosecution of an ex-
tensive commerce.
1 B. 9.
' The coins of nineteen Thessalian cities have been found, besides six of districts, not
including the islands on its coast. See Eckhel and Mionnet.
VOL. II. S
after many centuries of repose, may, at some future period, burst
forth with their original violence.
Before I take my final leave of Thessaly, it is necessary to notice
the great uncertainty which now exists concerning its ancient divi-
sions, subdivisions, and boundaries. Strabo,1 indeed, treats this sub-
ject in considerable detail, and endeavours to reconcile the topo-
graphy of various places with the passages in which they are men-
tioned by Homer. A good deal of confusion is, however, evident in
this part of the geographer's work; and, unfortunately, we have no
account of Pausanias to rectify his errors, or to supply his omis-
sions. The natural bulwarks which encircle the rich Thessalian
plains are the mountains and chains of Oeta, Pindos, Othrys,
Olympos, Ossa, and Pelion, all of which are of grand dimensions,
and of imposing altitude. They are amply diversified by forests,
fountains, and streams ; by deep recesses, wild glens, verdant glades,
and luxuriant pastures, with all the attractions of the picturesque.
The inhabitants, who live in scattered villages, are chiefly herdsmen,
whose wants are almost spontaneously supplied by the fertility of
the soil, and the genial temperature of the climate. Many subordi-
nate valleys are formed by the numerous ramifications of the great
Thessalian mountains. Innumerable rivers descend from these
towering heights ; and though some of them, particularly the Pe-
neios, have a course of considerable length, most of them are small,
slow, and muddy: many of them unite with the Peneios, which,
towards Larissa, assumes the appearance of a respectable river.
Thessaly was formerly very populous, and was adorned with nu-
merous and wealthy cities.' Its mountains and passes were defended
by strong castles, and the excellence of its ports was favourable to
the acquisition of maritime power, and to the prosecution of an ex-
tensive commerce.
1 B. 9.
' The coins of nineteen Thessalian cities have been found, besides six of districts, not
including the islands on its coast. See Eckhel and Mionnet.
VOL. II. S