Falkener, Edward: Ephesus and the temple of Diana (London, 1862)

II.

ORIGIN OF EPIIESUS—ANCIENT NAMES, PARTS, SUBURBS, AND
DEPENDENCIES OF THE CITY.

THE foundation of Ephesus dates back to the
birth of Diana. At Ortygia, near Ephesus, "we
are informed by Strabo,1 " there is a magnificent
wood planted with all kinds of trees, but principally
the cypress. It is traversed by the Cenchrius, in
which it is said Latona washed after her accouche-
ment. For here it is that she is reported to have
lain in : it is here that she met with Ortygia,2 who
nursed her children, and here is the olive-tree under
which she reposed after being delivered. Above
this wood is Mount Solmissus, where they say the
Curetes, by the noise of their arms, deafened the
jealous Juno, who was anxious to discover the ac-
couchement of Latona, and by this means succeeded
in concealing it from her."

In treating of Ephesus, it is our duty to turn a

1 Strabo, pp. 639, 640.

2 Some derive the name of Ortygia from Latona, who flew to
this spot when changed into a quail (oprvt) by Jupiter, to avoid
the pursuit of Juno.