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Document Details :

Title: The Parallelogram and the Pinecone
Subtitle: Geographical Definition of Shapes in Greek and Roman Geography on the Evidence of Strabo
Author(s): DUECK, Daniela
Journal: Ancient Society
Volume: 35    Date: 2005   
Pages: 19-57
DOI: 10.2143/AS.35.0.2003840

Abstract :
How to define geographical shapes through words? This paper approaches this question by surveying and discussing the use of metaphors and similes in Greek and Roman geographical descriptions. It studies the variety of objects used in geographical similes by various authors and explores their function stylistically and structurally. Strabo’s Geographyis particularly central to this discussion both because it features as the largest and most comprehensive ancient geographical work extant today, and because its author had a tendency to use similes to describe shapes. The conclusions therefore pertain to the relationship between graphic and verbal presentations of geographical features and contribute also to the question of Strabo’s adherence to graphic maps.

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