ir history. There are two of this denomination still
remaining at a great distance from each other: both which seem to have been
raised for a religious purpose. The one stands in Egypt at [790]Alexandria;
the other at the extreme point of the Thracian Bosporus, where is a
communication between the Propontis and the antient Euxine sea. They seem
to be of great antiquity, as their basis witnesses at this day: the shaft
and superstructure is of later date. The pillar at the Bosporus stands upon
one of the Cyanean rocks: and its parts, as we may judge from [791]Wheeler,
betray a difference in their aera. It was repaired in the time of Augustus:
and an inscription was added by the person who erected the column, and who
dedicated the whole to that Emperor.

[792]DIVO. CAESARI. AUGUSTO.
E.. CL... ANDIDIUS...
L. F CL. ARGENTO...

We may learn from the inscription, however mutilated, that this pillar was
not the work of Pompeius Magnus; nor could it at all relate to his history:
for the time of its being rebuilt was but little removed from the age in
which he lived. The original work must have therefore been far prior. The
pillar in Egypt is doubtless the same which was built upon the ruins of a
former, by Sostratus of Cnidos, before the time of Pompeius: so that the
name must have been given on another account. The inscription is preserved
by [793]Strabo.

[Greek: SOSTRATOS KNIDIOS]
[Greek: DEXIPHANOUS]
[Greek: THEOIS SOTERSIN]
[Greek: YPER TON]
[Greek: PLOIZOMENON.]

The narrow streight into the Euxine sea was a passage of difficult
navigation. This was the reason, that upon each side there were temples and
sacred columns erected to the Deity of the country, in order to obtain his
assistance. And there is room to think, that the pillars and obelisks were
made use of for beacons, and that every temple was a Pharos. They seem to
have been erected at the entrance of harbours; and upon eminences along the
coasts in most countries. The pillars of Hercules were of this sort, and
undoubtedly for the same purpose. They were not built by him; but erected
to his honour by people who worshipped him, and who were called Herculeans.
[794][Greek: Ethos gar palaion huperxe to tithesthai toioutous orous,
kathaper hoi Reginoi ten stelida ethesan, ten epi toi porthmoi keimenen,
purgon ti.] [Greek: Kai o Peloros legomenos purgos antikeitai tei tautei
stelidi.] _For it was a custom_, says Strabo, _among the antients, to erect
this kind of