ythian tribes allowed the Greeks to build
to afford them means of trade. In the midst of Scythia is
the place that separates Asia and Europe, I mean the
Rhipaeian mountains, from which the mighty Tanais
flows. This river enters Maeotis, a marsh having a circuit
of one hundred and forty-four miles and never subsiding
to a depth of less than eight fathoms.

In the land of Scythia to the westward dwells, first of 33
all, the race of the Gepidae, surrounded by great and
famous rivers. For the Tisia flows through it on the
north and northwest, and on the southwest is the great
Danube. On the east it is cut by the Flutausis, a swiftly
eddying stream that sweeps whirling into the Ister's
waters. Within these rivers lies Dacia, encircled by the 34
lofty Alps as by a crown. Near their left ridge, which
inclines toward the north, and beginning at the source of
the Vistula, the populous race of the Venethi dwell, occupying
a great expanse of land. Though their names are
now dispersed amid various clans and places, yet they are
chiefly called Sclaveni and Antes. The abode of the 35
Sclaveni extends from the city of Noviodunum and the
lake called Mursianus to the Danaster, and northward as
far as the Vistula. They have swamps and forests for
their cities. The Antes, who are the bravest of these
peoples dwelling in the curve of the sea of Pontus, spread
from the Danaster to the Danaper, rivers that are many
days' journey apart. But on the shore of Ocean, where 36
the floods of the river Vistula empty from three mouths,
the Vidivarii dwell, a people gathered out of various
tribes. Beyond them the Aesti, a subject race, likewise
hold the shore of Ocean. To the south dwell the Acatziri,
a very brave tribe ignorant of agriculture, who subsist
on their flocks and by hunting. Farther away and above 37
the Sea of Pontus are the abodes of the Bulgares, well
known from the wrongs done to them by reason of our
oppression. From this region the Huns, like a fruitful
root of bravest races, sprouted into two hordes of people.
Some of these are called Altziagiri, others Sabiri; and
they have different dwelling places. The Altziagiri are
near Cherson, where the avaricious traders bring in the
goods of Asia. In summer they range the plains, their
broad domains, wherever the pasturage for their cattle
invites them, and betake themselves in winter beyond the
Sea of Pontus. Now the Hunuguri are known to us from
the fact that