Histories

but the Caspian is separate and by itself. Its length is what a ship rowed by oars can traverse in fifteen days, and its breadth, where it is broadest, is an eight days' journey. Along its western shore stretches the range of Bol'soj Kavkaz [46.833,42] (mountain range), Asia Caucasus, which has more and higher peaks than any other range. Many and all kinds of nations dwell in the Bol'soj Kavkaz [46.833,42] (mountain range), Asia Caucasus, and the most of them live on the fruits of the forest.

Here, it is said, are trees growing leaves that men crush and mix with water and use for painting figures on their clothing; these figures cannot be washed out, but last as long as the wool, as if they had been woven into it from the first. Men and women here (they say) have intercourse openly, like beasts of the flock.

This sea called Caspian is hemmed in to the west by the Bol'soj Kavkaz [46.833,42] (mountain range), Asia Caucasus: towards the east and the sunrise there stretches from its shores a boundless plain as far as the eye can see. The greater part of this wide plain is the country of the Massagetae, against whom Cyrus was eager to lead his army.

For there were many weighty reasons that impelled and encouraged him to do so: first, his birth, because of which he seemed to be something more than mortal; and next, his victories in his wars: for no nation that Cyrus undertook to attack could escape from him.