CHAP. 16. (18.)—DECAPOLIS.
On the side of Syria, joining up to Judæa, is the region of Decapolis3669, so called from the number of its cities; as to which all writers are not agreed. Most of them, however, agree in speaking of Damascus3670 as one, a place fertilized by the river Chrysorroös3671, which is drawn off into its meadows and eagerly imbibed; Philadelphia3672, and Rhaphana3673, all which cities fall back towards Arabia; Scythopolis3674 (formerly called Nysa by Father Liber, from his nurse having been buried there), its present name being derived from a Scythian colony which was established there; Gadara3675, before which the river Hieromix3676 flows; Hippo, which has been previously mentioned; Dion3677, Pella3678, rich with its waters; Galasa3679, and Canatha3680. The Tetrarchies3681 lie between and around these cities, equal, each of them, to a kingdom, and occupying the same rank as so many kingdoms. Their names are, Trachonitis3682, Panias3683, in which is Cæsarea, with the spring previously mentioned3684, Abila3685, Arca3686, Ampeloëssa3687, and Gabe3688.