Histories

When they were at Abydus [26.416,40.2] (deserted settlement), Canakkale, Marmara, Turkey, Asia Abydos, Xerxes wanted to see the whole of his army. A lofty seat of white stone had been set up for him on a hill[*](Probably what is called Mal-Tepe, on the promontory of Nagara.) there for this very purpose, built by the people of Abydus [26.416,40.2] (deserted settlement), Canakkale, Marmara, Turkey, Asia Abydos at the king's command. There he sat and looked down on the seashore, viewing his army and his fleet; as he viewed them he desired to see the ships contend in a race. They did so, and the Phoenicians of Sidon [35.366,33.55] (inhabited place), Al-Janub, Lebanon, Asia Sidon won; Xerxes was pleased with the race and with his expedition.

When he saw the whole Canakkale Bogazi (strait), Canakkale, Marmara, Turkey, Asia Hellespont covered with ships, and all the shores and plains of Abydus [26.416,40.2] (deserted settlement), Canakkale, Marmara, Turkey, Asia Abydos full of men, Xerxes first declared himself blessed, and then wept.