VIRGIL: Ancient Geography

[Hippolyte Menshikov]

I have been trying to make some sense of the geographical place names listed 
by Meliboeus at Eclogue 1.64-66. In his commentary, Page suggests that they 
constitute the 4 points of the compass: North (Scythia), East (Oaxes), South 
(Africans) and West (Britons).

This took me somewhat by surprise. According to modern cartography, from an 
Italian perspective Britain would be closer to North (or North-West), 
Scythia East (or North East) and the Africans South (or South West). [Since 
Page uses his schema to argue for the river Oaxes lying somewhere in the far 
east, I'll pass over it here].

Presumably, Page knew what he was talking about, so can anyone enlighten me 
about ancient cartographic conventions - and not least whether Britain 
really was believed to lie to the west and Scythia to the north?

Obviously, what interests me most is why Meliboeus lists these particular 
places here. Any thoughts would be most welcome (and does anyone now believe 
that the Oaxes could lie in Crete?).

Thanks

HM

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