See ALEXANDRIA: A.D. 413-415.
HYPERBOREANS, The.
A mythical people, supposed by the ancients to dwell beyond
the north wind, and therefore to enjoy a perfect climate in
the extreme north.
HYPHASIS, The.
The ancient name of the river Sutlej, in the Punjab.
HYRCANIA.
HYRCANIAN SEA.
"The mountain-chain which skirts the Great Plateau [of Iran]
on the north, distinguished in these pages by the name of
Elburz, broadens out after it passes the south-eastern corner
of the Caspian Sea till it covers a space of nearly three
degrees (more than 200 miles). Instead of the single lofty
ridge which separates the Salt Desert from the low Caspian
region, we find between the 54th and 59th degrees of east
longitude three or four distinct ranges, all nearly parallel
to one another, having a general direction of east and west.
… Here in Persian times was settled a people called Hyrcani;
and from them the tract derived the name of Hyrcania
(Vehrkana), while the lake [Caspian Sea] on which it adjoined
came to be known as 'the Hyrcanian Sea.' The fertility of the
region, its broad plains, shady woods, and lofty mountains
were celebrated by the ancient writers."
_G. Rawlinson,
Five Great Monarchies: Persia,
chapter 1._
"In the inscriptions of the Achæmenids their land [Hyrcania]
is known as Valkana; the modern name is Jorjan. Here,
according to the Greeks, the mountains were covered with
forests of oaks, where swarms of wild bees had their hives; in
the valleys vines and fig-trees flourished, and the soil down
to the sea was so luxuriant that corn grew from the fallen
grains without any special sowing."
_M. Duncker,
History of Antiquity,
book 7, chapter 1._
See, also, PARTHIA.
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