VI.] ACROSS ARMENIA. II ^
(Aras) flows bears the name of Pasin at the present day, there is
a presumption in favour of identifying that stream in this part of
its course with the Phasis of Xenophon, especially as it lies to the
northwestward of the valley of the Euphrates, and that would be
the direction which the Greeks would naturally follow in endeav-
ouring to reach their home. The argument last advanced applies
also to the next stage of their course, for the configuration of the
ground in this part of the country is such, that the only practicable
route towards the west lies through a valley, which leads by an-
easy pass to the plain of Erzeroum. There they would find the
head-waters of the western Euphrates (Frat); and as it would
have defeated their object to follow that stream, they would be
almost forced to make their way over the mountains to the north-
west, which intervene between this region and the Euxine. After
this, the two principal points which are mentioned in their route
are a large river called Harpasus, and an important
town named Gymnias1. The former of these is
probably to be identified with the Tchoruk—usually
called the Acampsis by ancient writers—which flows from these
parts, and reaches the sea near Batoum. The posi-
tion of the latter may have been at no great distance
from the modern town of Baiburt, which is situated on the banks
of that stream. The ranges which intervene between that place
and the sea are so steep and so intricate, that they may almost as
well be crossed at one point as at another; so that it is probable
that the Greeks followed as nearly as might be a direct course,
and at last descended by a river valley which Trapezus
reaches the coast some way to the east of their (Trebi*ond>-
destination, Trebizond2.
The famous first view of the sea, which aroused the enthusiasm
of the weary soldiers, was, even independently of the circum-
stances under which it was seen, a sight to awaken The first
thrilling feelings of delight Though we cannot view of the
speak with confidence of the exact spot where the
scene which Xenophon describes occurred, yet for a considerable
distance along the mountain ridges in this part the impression would
. 1 4- 7- 18, 19.
5 Turkish Armenuifpip* 40,6, 433.