But the AEthiopians[1] represented to the king that to the south there were great and renowned countries, densely populated, and rich in precious things, gold and silver, pearls, gems, ebony, pepper, elephants, monkeys, parrots, peacocks, and innumerable other things; and that there was a peninsula so far to the east that the inhabitants could see the sun rising out of the sea.” (Ch. viii.) “Joramus then sent messengers to Natambalus, the king of the Babylonians, who were to say to him, ’I have heard that the countries of the AEthiopians are numerous, and abounding in inhabitants; they are easy of access from Babylon, but very difficult from Tyre.  If, therefore, I should determine to explore them, and you will let my subjects have suitable ships, you shall have in return a hundred purple cloaks.’  Natambalus was willing to do so; but the AEthiopian merchants, who resorted to Babylon, vowed that they would take their departure if he should assist Joramus to sail to AEthiopia.” (Chap. ix.) “Subsequently Joramus addressed himself to Irenius of Judea, and undertook that if he would let the Tyrians have a harbour on the sea towards AEthiopia, he would assist him in the building of a palace, in which he was then engaged; and bind himself to supply him with materials of cedar and fir, and squared stones.  Irenius assenting, made over to Joramus the city and harbour of Ilotha.  There were a great many date trees there, but as their timber was not suitable for constructing vessels, Joramus despatched eight thousand camels to Ilotha, loaded with materials for ship-building, and ordered the shipwrights to build ten ships, and he appointed Cedarus and Jaminus and Cotilus, commanders....  They sailed from Ilotha; but furious tempests prevented them from passing the straits.[2] And while they were wind-bound, they remained five months in a certain island, and having sowed wheat on the low ground, they reaped an abundant crop.  After this they sailed towards the rising sun, and leaving the land of the Arabians they fell in with Babylonian ships returning from AEthiopia.[3] And on the following day they arrived at the country of the AEthiopians, which they perceived sandy and devoid of water on the coast, but mountainous inland.  They then sailed eastward along the shore for ten days.  There an immense region extends to the south, and the AEthiopians dwell in numerous populous and well-circumstanced cities, and navigate the sea.  Their ships are not suited for war, and have no sails.  And having sailed thirty-six days to the southward, the Tyrians arrived at the island of Rachius ([Greek:  Rhachiou neson]).”

[Footnote 1:  The AEthiopians alluded to were a company of Indian jugglers and snake-charmers, whose arrival from Babylon is mentioned lib. vii. ch. i.]

[Footnote 2:  Of Bab-el-mandeb.]

[Footnote 3:  India.]