At the opposite side of the table-land, bounding it towards the north,
there runs under various names a second continuous range of inferior
elevation, which begins near Brusa, in the Keshish Dagh or Mysian
Olympus, and proceeds in a line nearly parallel with the northern coast
to the vicinity of Kars. Between this and Taurus are two other important
ridges, which run westward from the neighborhood of Ararat to about the
34th degree of east longitude, after which they subside into the plain.

The heart of the mountain-region, the tract extending from the district
of Erivan on the east to the upper course of the Kizil-Irmak river
and the vicinity of Sivas upon the west, was, as it still is, Armenia.
Amidst these natural fastnesses, in a country of lofty ridges, deep
and narrow valleys, numerous and copious streams, and occasional broad
plains--a country of rich pasture grounds, productive orchards, and
abundant harvests--this interesting people has maintained itself almost
unchanged from the time of the early Persian kings to the present day.
Armenia was one of the most valuable portions of the Persian Empire,
furnishing, as it did, besides stone and timber, and several most
important minerals, an annual supply of 20,000 excellent horses to the
stud of the Persian king.

The highland west of Armenia, the plateau of Asia Minor, from the
longitude of Siwas (37 deg. E.) to the sources of the Meander and the
Hermus, was occupied by the two nations of the Cappadocians and
Phrygians, whose territories were separated by the Kizil-Irmak or Halys
river. This tract, though diversified by some considerable ranges, and
possessing one really lofty mountain, that of Argseus, was, compared
with Armenia, champaign and level. Its broad plains afforded the best
possible pasturage for sheep, while at the same time they bore excellent
crops of wheat. The entire region was well-watered; it enjoyed a
delightful climate; and besides corn and cattle furnished many products
of value.

Outside the plateau on the north, on the north-east, on the west, and
on the south, lie territories which, in comparison with the high
region whereon they adjoined, may be called lowlands. The north-eastern
lowland, the broad and rich valley of the Kur, which corresponds closely
with the modern Russian province of Georgia, was in the possession of a
people called by Herodotus Saspeires or Sapeires, whom we may identify
with the Iberians of later writers. Adjoini