The Tour · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides endnotes that clarify references in the main text, including the use of cyamos-leaves in Alexandria, Nile water gauges, and the sources for Caleb's description of Saba.
What happens
This chapter provides endnotes that clarify references in the main text, including the use of cyamos-leaves in Alexandria, Nile water gauges, and the sources for Caleb's description of Saba.
Characters to notice
- Caleb
Referenced as the source of a description of Saba, based on Strabo's Geography.
Key passages
“These cyamos-leaves were actually used for kitchen-utensils by the people of Alexandria; and their sale provided a regular livelihood.”
The people of Alexandria used cyamos-leaves as kitchen utensils and sold them for income.
Explains the practical use of cyamos-leaves.
“Stone wells on the banks of the Nile, in which the water rose and fell as in the river itself; marked columns indicated the maximum, minimum and middle gauge. Inspectors informed the people beforehand how high the Nile would rise and when the stream would be likely to overflow its banks.”
Stone wells along the Nile had columns marking water levels, and inspectors used these to predict floods.
Describes the Nile flood prediction system.
“Caleb’s description of Saba owes very little to the author’s invention. Nearly all these details upon Arabia Felix will be found set forth in Strabo’s Geography.”
Caleb's account of Saba is largely based on Strabo's Geography, not the author's imagination.
Acknowledges the source for Caleb's description.